The line of demarcation
April 21, 2021•198 words
The true Christian, though in the world, is not of it; his citizenship is in heaven, and his best things are yet to come.
The true Christian will do well never to forget this line of demarcation. If he loves his soul and desires to serve God, he must be content to find himself separated from many around him by a gulf that cannot be passed. He may not like to seem peculiar and unlike others; but it is the certain consequence of grace reigning within him. He may find it brings on him hatred, ridicule, and hard speeches; but it is the cup which his Master drank and of which his Master forewarned all His disciples. “If ye were of the world, the world would love His own, but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:19). Then let the Christian never be ashamed to stand alone and show his colors. He must carry the cross if he would wear the crown. If he has within him a new principle “from above,” it must be seen.
—J.C. Ryle, ‘Expository Thoughts on John’