Holiness Part 2: Why is Holiness Needed? – Lessons from J.C. Ryle

“Holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” – Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)

Introduction

In this episode, we unpack the vital question: “Why is holiness needed?”—a question that every believer must reckon with. Ryle’s sermon doesn’t just elevate the importance of holiness—it roots it deeply in Scripture, the character of God, and the very purpose of salvation.

J.C. Ryle – A Life Redirected by Grace

As Jeff reminds us, Ryle was set for a successful life in law, politics, or banking. He had education, opportunity, and social standing—everything the world admires. But none of that could save him. Ryle himself said he was:

“Perfectly careless, thoughtless, ignorant, and indifferent about my soul.”

It wasn’t until a friend rebuked him for swearing—and later a severe illness—that God began to work in his heart. At age 21, his life was forever changed. He began reading Scripture, praying, and walking the narrow road that leads to life.

Ryle could’ve chased wealth, comfort, and applause. But God had a higher calling for him: to proclaim holiness in a world that had forgotten it. As we explore the second half of his sermon, Ryle’s own testimony becomes a living example of what God can do when He sets someone apart.

Summary: Why Is Holiness Needed?

Ryle begins this portion of his sermon by clarifying:
🛑 Holiness does not save us.

We are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

“The white robe which Jesus offers, and faith puts on must be our only righteousness… the Lamb’s book of life our only title to heaven.”

Ryle anchors this truth with Ephesians 2:8–9:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith… not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

So why, then, is holiness so essential?

1. Because God Commands It

Holiness isn’t optional—it’s commanded throughout Scripture.

Matthew 5:20 – “Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees…”
Matthew 5:48 – “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
1 Thessalonians 4:3 – “This is the will of God—your sanctification.”
1 Peter 1:15–16 – “Be holy, for I am holy.”

This is God’s revealed will: His people must reflect His character.

2. Because It Is the Purpose of Christ’s Work

Christ didn’t just die to forgive sin—He died to purify a people for Himself.

2 Corinthians 5:15 – He died so we would live for Him.
Ephesians 5:25–27 – Christ sanctifies and cleanses His bride.
Titus 2:14 – He redeems and purifies a people zealous for good works.

“To talk of men being saved from the guilt of sin, without being at the same time saved from its dominion… is to contradict the witness of all Scripture.”

Jesus is a complete Savior—He saves not only from sin’s penalty, but also from its power.

3. Because It’s the Evidence of Saving Faith

“Faith without works is dead.” – James 2:17

Ryle warns us against a dead faith—a profession without transformation. True faith is always accompanied by the fruit of holiness. To claim Christ and cling to sin is a contradiction.

He also warns against deathbed faith—the idea that someone can live a godless life and hope for a few right words at the end to make things right. Scripture tells us: “Men die as they live.”

4. Because It’s How We Show We Love Jesus

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” – John 14:15

Love for Christ isn’t just emotion—it’s expressed in obedience. Holiness is the visible fruit of inward devotion. Ryle puts it plainly:

“Surely that man must be in an unhealthy state of soul who can think of all that Jesus suffered and yet cling to those sins for which that suffering was undergone.”

5. Because It Shows We’re God’s Children

“All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” – Romans 8:14

Just as children resemble their parents, God’s children resemble Him in holiness. Without the indwelling Holy Spirit, there is no true spiritual life.

6. Because It’s How We Influence Others

Your life speaks louder than your words.

“You may talk about the Gospel… but your life is an argument that none can escape.”

Holiness is persuasive. When others see your patience, purity, humility, and love for Christ, it challenges them to consider the truth. Unholy Christians, Ryle says, are Satan’s best allies.

“We are ambassadors for Christ…” – 2 Corinthians 5:20

7. Because Our Present Joy Depends on It

Holiness is tied to our inner peace—not our physical comfort.

“When the disciples fled, they escaped danger—but were miserable. When they stood boldly for Christ, they were beaten—but rejoiced.”

There’s joy in walking like Jesus. The Spirit gives peace to those who pursue godliness. The most miserable Christian is the one who’s trying to love both God and the world.

8. Because Heaven Is a Holy Place

Ryle ends with a powerful and sobering truth:
➡️ Heaven is not for the unholy.

“Nothing unclean… shall ever come into it.” – Revelation 21:27

Heaven is a place of holiness, filled with holy beings in the presence of a holy God. If we don’t love holiness now, how can we enjoy heaven then?

“Each will rise again with the same character in which he breathed his last… Where will our place be if we are strangers to holiness now?”

Reflections and Takeaways

Jeff: What struck me most is that holiness is the evidence of our salvation. We’re not justified because we’re holy—but if we’re truly saved, we will be sanctified. If we love God, we will want to follow Him, obey His Word, and become more like Christ.

Yonas: I really appreciated the reminder that holiness is how we show love to Jesus. “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” That’s not legalism—it’s relational obedience. It proves our hearts have been changed.

Jeff: And Ryle’s final point—that heaven is a holy place—is sobering. Why would someone who loves the world, hates God’s Word, avoids prayer, and resists holiness think they’d enjoy heaven?

Yonas: That ties into my favorite point—#7: Holiness brings present comfort. Not worldly ease, but peace of conscience. Deep joy comes when we’re walking in step with our Master. That’s what we were made for.

Conclusion

J.C. Ryle’s sermon on Why Holiness Is Needed leaves no room for ambiguity:
📌 Holiness does not earn salvation.
📌 But holiness proves salvation.

It is commanded by God, secured by Christ, worked out by the Spirit, and is the only path to real peace, real assurance, and real hope for heaven.

“To reach the holiday of glory, we must pass through the training school of grace.” – J.C. Ryle

Are you walking in holiness today?

🎙️ Next Episode: Part 3 – Applying Holiness to Daily Life
Be sure to join us as we explore the practical application of everything we’ve learned.

📘 Recommended Resource:

Holiness by J.C. Ryle (available free online or in print)

🙌 Let us know in the comments:

Which reason stood out to you most?
In what area is God calling you to grow in holiness?

Disclaimer: This summary was generated using AI based on the original podcast script. It has been reviewed and approved by Yonas and Jeff for accuracy and clarity.