Regeneration
By J.C. Ryle
2003
First Published
4.31
Average Rating
128
Number of Pages
John Charles Ryle (1816 - 1900) was the first Bishop of Liverpool, England. After a dazzling sporting career at school and university, poised on the verge of national recognition, he gave it all up to become a minister in the Church of England. However, his leadership abilities on the field of play stood out and prepared him for the difficult task of being an evangelical leader of a mixed diocese in the most sectarian of English cities. Throughout his period in office Ryle was respected by his colleagues to the extent that even one of his most strident opponents broke down and wept at the news of his death. He was able to master the difficult task of being firm in his beliefs and loving in his application of them. His gracious spirit is an example to us today. This is probably why many of Ryle's writings have been continuously in print for over 100 years. Here Ryle explains that divisive, often derided (and misapplied by advertising) term 'born again'. He explains what being 'born again' means, why it is necessary and how you can tell whether you are. Much of the value of this publication, though, lies in what Ryle writes next. In his gracious yet firm way Ryle devotes the majority of the book to explaining how the objections people have had to the doctrine should be handled and overcome with gentle persuasion. It is a supreme example of the art of persuasion.
Avg Rating
4.31
Number of Ratings
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Author
J.C. Ryle
Author · 55 books
Ryle started his ministry as curate at the Chapel of Ease in Exbury, Hampshire, moving on to become rector of St Thomas', Winchester in 1843 and then rector of Helmingham, Suffolk the following year. While at Helmingham he married and was widowed twice. He began publishing popular tracts, and Matthew, Mark and Luke of his series of Expository Thoughts on the Gospels were published in successive years (1856-1858). His final parish was Stradbroke, also in Suffolk, where he moved in 1861, and it was as vicar of All Saints that he became known nationally for his straightforward preaching and firm defence of evangelical principles. He wrote several well-known and still-in-print books, often addressing issues of contemporary relevance for the Church from a biblical standpoint. He completed his Expository Thoughts on the Gospels while at Stradbroke, with his work on the Gospel of John (1869). His third marriage, to Henrietta Amelia Clowes in 1861, lasted until her death in 1889.
