April 1, 1998
Balancing the Christian Life was perhaps the most enlightening book I have ever read on true Christianity. Charles Ryrie presents many different aspects and principles of Christian living in clear terms. This book is timely for Christians who are just progressing past the "milk" stage of their Christian walk. However, the purpose of this paper is not to give a summary or a review, but to reveal truths and applications the author has learned or applied from reading the book.
In the beginning doctrinal section of the book, I really appreciated Dr. Ryrie’s points on "genuine" spirituality. True spirituality rests on the regeneration work and filling of the Holy Spirit in addition to time. Too often, I focus on the regenerating work, but forget about the indwelling plus time factor involved also. At conversion, the Spirit indwells the believer and gives him a new way of thinking, contrary to the old nature. I need to thank the Lord for giving me this undescribable gift, and not quench the Spirit by reverting back to the old nature.
Doing these things will not bring instantaneous spirituality as often wished. Think of spirituality as an acorn. An acorn cannot grow to it’s fullest capacity as a tree in one season. Years and years are required for proper growth. Through drought and flood, fire and snow, the seedling must withstand the pressures of life in order to grow in maturity. In the same way, through time and faithfulness, spiritual maturity will develop as the Holy Spirit works in the life of a believer.
The next issue that Dr. Ryrie hit dead center in my life is in the chapter, "Money and the Love of God". Oftentimes, spiritual talk is cheap. What people do with their money can truly show who they really are. Also, too often, when I read a Scripture passage on money or riches, I equate the verse to someone higher up on the pay scale. Dr. Ryrie convicted me of this, and I need to point the finger at myself.
In addition to these applications, I admire Dr. Ryrie for taking a stand against habitual 10% tithing. I agree with him in that we should remember that everything we have is from the Lord. We should, therefore, out of an attitude of sheer gratefulness, be more than willing to give to the ministry as the Lord directs, whether it be 10%, 15%, 20%, 100%. What has God done for us? Give back in proportion to his blessing, out of love for Him!
Giving has a flip-side to the financial coin…buying. Dr. Ryrie reminded me of the oft-forgotten principle of contentment. First Timothy 6:6 says, "Godliness with contentment is great gain." Two points that I need to learn are: to be content in whatever sphere of life He appoints me and whatever circumstance I am in; and to have my focus on God and love Him more than anything that is perishing in this world. How I spend and give capital will be the ultimate measure of my love for God.
One last area which stood out with green, yellow, and red flags was the chapter on Lordship salvation. Yes, I concur with Dr. Ryrie that repentance and belief in Jesus, "the Man", is necessary for salvation. It is only through His blood that man can be redeemed. I also accede to the fact that we must not add anything as a requirement for salvation except what is mentioned as required in the Bible.
As we study further, I must relate to you that I would utterly be ashamed of putting words into Dr. Ryrie’s mouth which he had no intention of saying. I believe Dr. Ryrie is well educated, gifted by the Lord to teach, and has a wonderful ministry in modern Christianity. I pray that my reading and study of this chapter will result in an accurate representation of his views. However, some questions arose in my spirit while reading this "Lordship" chapter and I’ll address one of them.
As I read, Dr. Ryrie states that "carnal Christians" might behave like unsaved people. Some of the examples given were Peter, Barnabas, church at Ephesus, and Lot. I agree…all Christians are quite likely to fall into sin. Contrasted, I believe that those who are truly saved will, because of their love for Christ, have a heartfelt desire to obey His Word (thus, a desire to turn from sin) (See Rom. 12:15-25). This will be an evidence of their faith. On the other hand, a "believer" who falls into sin, refuses to repent or turn from their rebellion against God, ultimately rejects Christ’s redeeming blood on the cross, and thus was probably not a true Christian.
All in all, I am so grateful for the privilege of reading Balancing the Christian Life. It not only opened my eyes to new ideas, but also provided a springboard for investigation into the Word of God and has acted as a good subject for discussion in my family.