The duty of confessing Christ

The duty of confessing Christ is incumbent on all Christians in every age of the church. Let us never forget that. It is not for martyrs only but for all believers in every rank of life. It is not for great occasions only but for our daily walk through an evil world. The rich man among the rich, the laborer among laborers, the young among the young, the servant among servants – each and all must be prepared, if they are true Christians, to confess their Master. It needs no blowing a trumpet. It requires no noisy boasting. It needs nothing more than using the daily opportunity. But one thing is certain – if a man loves Jesus, he ought not to be ashamed to let people know it.

The difficulty of confessing Christ is undoubtedly very great. It never was easy at any period. It never will be easy as long as the world stands. It is sure to entail on us laughter, ridicule, contempt, mockery, enmity, and persecution. The wicked dislike to see anyone better than themselves. The world which hated Christ will always hate true Christians. But whether we like it or not, whether it is hard or easy, our course is perfectly clear. In one way or another, Christ must be confessed.

—J.C. Ryle, ‘Expository Thoughts on Luke’