Ryle discusses the family of God, which consists of all true believers, both those currently in heaven (the church triumphant) and those on earth (the church militant). He explains that though presently separated, all Christians are united as God's children through faith in Christ. The family will ultimately be brought together in heaven, where they will be perfected and eternally provided for. Ryle urges readers to consider whether they belong to this family, and if so, to honor it through their conduct and by commending it to others.

1. Practical Religion
Chapter 16: The Family of God
J. C. Ryle

2. J.C. Ryle
There is one great family to which I want all the readers
of this paper to belong. It is a family despised by many,
and not even known by some. But it is a family of far more
importance than any family on earth. To belong to it entitles
one to far greater privileges than to be the son of a king. It is
the family of which St Paul speaks to the
Ephesians, when he tells them of the
‘whole family in heaven and earth.’
It is the family of God.

3. The Family of God
Ryle’s tract was written about 1878
In the Church of England of that time, many taught that
baptized infants were saved (members of the family of God)
Leading up to this time the CofE was declining, and
Particular Baptists had been increasing (but that was
changing)
Controversy developed over preaching the gospel

4. The Family of God
1689: those chosen by God will be effectually drawn to
Christ; others not elect, may be called by preaching but not
drawn by God, cannot be saved
Baptist Catechism stated that the gospel was freely offered,
and the elect respond
Early 1800’s: many felt that urging unbelievers to respond to
the gospel was Arminianism
These were Hyper-Calvinists
“Mainline” Particular Baptists disagreed

5. The Family of God
This makes Ryle's offer to all to come all the more
remarkable.
Within the CofE, the call is seen as unnecessary, as he is
speaking to those “in the family”
From much of the reformed community, it is thought to be
Arminian.

6. What is the Family of God?
The family before us consists
of all real Christians,— of all
who have the Spirit,— of all
true believers in Christ,— of
the saints of every age, and
church, and nation, and
tongue.

7. What is the Family of God?
The word Church signifies the
whole body of the faithful,
whether in heaven or on earth,
who have been or shall be
spiritually united to Christ as
their savior.
The Church of Christ, 1868
James Bannerman

8. What is the Family of God?
True Christians are called ‘a family’
because they have all one Father.
They are all children of God by
faith in Christ Jesus.
They are all born of one Spirit.
They are all sons and daughters of
the Lord Almighty.
They have received the Spirit of
adoption, whereby they cry, Abba
Father.

9. What is the Family of God?
True Christians, above all, are called
‘a family’ because there is so strong a
family likeness among them.
They are all led by one Spirit, and are
marked by the same general features
of life, heart, taste, and character. Just
as there is a physical resemblance
among the brothers and sisters of a
family, so there is a spiritual
resemblance among all the sons and
daughters of the Lord Almighty.

10. What is the Family of God?
This is the reason that
total strangers who are
believers quickly feel as
if they have known
each other for some
time, even upon first
meeting.
Outside this family, remember,
there is no salvation. None but
those who belong to it, according
to the Bible are in the way that
leads to heaven. The salvation of
our souls does not
depend on union with
one church or
separation from
another.

11. Their Present Position
For the present the two
parts are entirely
separated from one
another. But they form
one body in the sight of
God, though resident in
two places; and their
union is sure to take
place one day.
The family to which I am directing
the attention of my readers this day
is divided into two great parts.
Each part has its own residence or
dwelling place. Part of the family is
in heaven, and
part is on earth.

12. Their Present Position
1689: The catholic or universal church, which ... may be called invisible,
consists of the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall
be gathered into one, under Christ…
All persons throughout the world, professing the faith of the gospel, and
obedience unto God by Christ … are and may be called visible saints
visible (The visible church is the organized society of professing
believers, in all ages and places, wherein the Gospel is truly
preached and the ordinances rightly administered. - Baptist
Catechism)
invisible (The invisible church is the whole number of the elect, that
have been, are, or shall be gathered into one under Christ the head –
Baptist Catechism)

13. Their Present Position
Both parts of the family love the
same Savior and delight in the
same perfect will of God
Both parts of the family are saints
Both parts of the family are God's
children
Both parts of the family are God's
soldiers
Both parts are safe and secure –
Christ cares as much for his
members on earth as his
members in heaven
However divided God’s family may
be at present in dwelling place and
local habitation, it is still one family.
Both parts of it are still one in
character, one in possessions, and
one in relation
to God.

14. Future Prospects for the Family
The members of God's family
will all be brought safely home
one day.
Theywill all have glorious
bodies one day.
They will all be united
They will be perfected in
holiness one day
They will be eternally
provided for one day.
The future prospects of the family
of God are not uncertain.
They are good, and only good.

15. Questions
Do you belong to the family of
God?
Do not rely on church
attendance or denominations
Come and believe on Christ
and commit your soul to him

16. If you belong to the family
Count your privileges and be thankful
Strive to be worthy
Labor to do nothing that may cause
our Father's house to be spoken against
Endeavor to make our Master's name
beautiful by our temper, conduct and
conversation
Love the brethren and abhor quarrels
Behave as if the honor of the family
depended on our behavior

17. If you belong to the family
So living, by the grace of God, we
shall make our calling and election
sure, both to ourselves and others.
So living, we may hope to have an
abundant entrance, and to enter
harbor in full sail, whenever we
change earth for heaven (2 Pet. 1:
11). So living, we shall recommend
our Father’s family to others, and
perhaps by God’s blessing incline
them to say, “We will go with you.”

18. For next time:
Chapter 17: Our Home
Please read:
Psalm 90:1
2 Cor. 5:1