Warnings To the Churches - The True Church
J.C. Ryle emphasizes that the true Church, founded by Christ on the rock of faith, is eternal and impervious to the gates of hell, calling believers to examine their membership in this spiritual body.
In this powerful sermon, J.C. Ryle explores the enduring nature of the true Church as founded by Jesus Christ. He explains that the Church is not a physical structure but a spiritual body composed of genuine believers united by faith. Ryle warns against false notions of the Church and assures listeners of its divine protection against all evil. This message invites believers to reflect on their personal relationship with Christ and their place within His eternal Church.
Text
The following Sermon was preached in England, in August, 1858.
\"On this rock I will build my church,
and the gates of hell will not
overcome it\" (Matthew 16:18)
We live in a world in which all things are passing away. Kingdoms,
empires, cities, institutions, families, all are liable to change and
corruption. One universal law seems to prevail everywhere. In all
created things there is a tendency to decay.
There is something sad and depressing in this. What profit has a man in
the labor of his hands? Is there nothing that shall stand? Is there
nothing that shall last? Is there nothing that shall endure? Is there
nothing of which we can say--This shall continue forever? You have the
answer to these questions in the words of our text. Our Lord Jesus
Christ speaks of something which shall continue, and not pass away.
There is one created thing which is an exception to the universal rule to
which I have referred. There is one thing which shall never perish and
pass away. That thing is the building founded upon the rock--the Church
of our Lord Jesus Christ. He declares, in the words you have heard
tonight: \"On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell
will not overcome it.\"
There are five things in these words which demand your attention:
1. A Building: \"My Church\"
2. A Builder: Christ says, \"I will build My Church\"
3. A Foundation: \"On this rock I will build My Church\"
4. Perils Implied: \"The gates of hell\"
5. Security Asserted: \"The gates of hell will not overcome it\"
May God bless the words that shall be spoken. May we all search our own
hearts tonight, and know whether or not we belong to this one Church.
May we all go home to reflect and to pray!
1. First, you have a \"Building\" mentioned in the text. The Lord Jesus
Christ speaks of \"My Church.\"
Now what is this Church? Few inquiries can be made of more importance
than this. For want of due attention to this subject, the errors that
have crept into the Church, and into the world, are neither few nor
small.
The Church of our text is no material building. It is no temple made
with hands, of wood, or brick, or stone, or marble. It is a company of
men and women. It is no particular visible Church on earth. It is not
the Eastern Church or the Western Church. It is not the Church of
England, or the Church of Scotland--much less is it the Church of Rome.
The Church of our text is one that makes far less show in the eyes of
man, but is of far more importance in the eyes of God.
The Church of our text is made up of all true believers in the Lord Jesus
Christ. It comprehends all who have repented of sin, and fled to Christ
by faith, and been made new creatures in Him. It comprises all God\\
Sermon Outline
-
I. The Building: My Church
- The Church is not a physical building
- It is a spiritual company of true believers
- It transcends denominational and national boundaries
-
II. The Builder: Christ Himself
- Christ is the one who builds the Church
- The Church is founded on His authority
- Believers are united under His leadership
-
III. The Foundation: The Rock
- The Church is built on the rock of faith in Christ
- This foundation ensures its permanence
- It contrasts with the temporary nature of worldly things
-
IV. The Perils and Security of the Church
- The gates of hell seek to overcome the Church
- Despite attacks, the Church will never be defeated
- Believers can find assurance in this divine protection
Key Quotes
“On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overcome it.” — J.C. Ryle
“The Church of our text is no material building. It is no temple made with hands, of wood, or brick, or stone, or marble.” — J.C. Ryle
“The Church of our text is made up of all true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Examine your heart to confirm your faith and membership in the true Church.
- Trust in Christ as the builder and foundation of your spiritual life.
- Find assurance in the promise that the Church will never be overcome by evil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jesus mean by 'My Church'?
Jesus refers to a spiritual community of true believers, not a physical building or any particular denomination.
Why is the Church described as built on a rock?
The rock symbolizes the firm foundation of faith in Christ, ensuring the Church's endurance against all opposition.
What are the 'gates of hell' mentioned in the sermon?
They represent the forces of evil and opposition that seek to destroy the Church but ultimately cannot prevail.
How can one know if they belong to the true Church?
By examining their faith in Christ, repentance from sin, and being a new creation through Him.
Does the sermon address denominational differences?
Yes, it clarifies that the true Church is not confined to any visible denomination but includes all genuine believers.