Stand Firm in Your Liberty

Are you free? Then stand firm in your liberty, and don't be entangled again in the yoke of bondage.

—Don't listen to those who by good words and fine speeches would draw you back to the Roman Catholic Church.

—Beware of those who would try to persuade you that there is any mediator but the one Mediator, Christ Jesus.

—Beware of any one who would try to persuade you that there is any sacrifice but the one Sacrifice offered on Calvary.

—Beware of any one who would try to persuade you that there is any priest but the great High Priest Emmanuel.

—Beware of any one who would try to persuade you that there is any additions needed in worship but the savor of His name who was crucified.

—Beware of any one who would try to persuade you that there is any rule of faith and practice but God's Word.

—Beware of any one who would try to persuade you that there is any confessional but the throne of grace.

—Beware of any one who would try to persuade you that there is any effectual forgiveness but that which Christ bestows on the hearts of His believing people.

—Beware of any one who would try to persuade you that there is any purgatory but the one fountain open for all sins, the blood of Christ, to be used only while we are alive.

On all these points stand firm, and be on your guard. Scores of misguided teachers are trying to rob Christians of Gospel liberty, and to bring back among us erroneous superstitions. Resist them completely, and do not give way for a moment. Remember what the Roman Catholic Church was before the blessed Reformation. Remember at what mighty cost our martyred Reformers brought spiritual freedom to light by the Gospel. Stand firm for this freedom like a man, and work hard to hand it down to your children, complete and unimpaired.

—J. C. Ryle, "Freedom," 'Practical Religion' (Kindle Locations 2998-3013). Kindle Edition.