The Heart of Christ (Puritan Paperbacks) Paperback – January 25, 2022

Many times I wish I had lived back during the days of the great saints and preachers. The wisdom that flows from the writings and preaching of these saints is beyond compare. We have a few of those today of which I am deeply thankful but I am extremely grateful that these old writings are available to us today. Thomas Goodwin writes about the tenderness of Christ as it is shown outwardly, internally, and lastly of Christ's compassion for those in their infirmities. The pages are loaded with truth and therefore takes time to assimilate. It is a small book but packed with insight and wisdom.In describing Christ's outward love for us, Goodwin writes, (and I will paraphrase a quote here since it is written in old English): (Christ came and) "...all melodious sweetness was in His ministry and spirit; ...in the course of His ministry, He went so tenderly to work, He was so attentive to broken souls and had such regard to their discouragement that it is said He would not break a bruised reed. Iow, He would set His steps with such care as not to tread on a reed that was already broken in the leaf. He would walk so lightly or softly that if it lay in His way, though He went over it, He would not have bruised it further nor quenched it as one might when blowing out the wick of a candle...' " In short, Christ is not sitting in Glory removed from our pain. Rather, He is acutely aware of everything we experience, all of our pain and brokenness and feels complete, utter tenderness toward us.Though written in old English this small book is still understandable but because it is loaded with truth and not written in modern English it is not a quick read.Apart from Christ alone, I could sit at Goodwin's feet listening for hours.

I love the Puritans. Anyone who has followed me for any length of time can tell you that. I love their dedication to Scripture. I love the expository style. I love that they write in such a way that is timeless. The Heart of Christ, written in 1651, is an encouragement to anyone going through the storm that has been 2020. It is an exposition of Heb 4:15. The last section (of which there are only 3) deals specifically with the verse, but the two preceding sections lay the groundwork. The sacrifice of Christ is likened to His assuming the role of High Priest. Why did he do this? Because He loves us. Goodwin writes like a easy to understand John Owen. I cannot recommend this brief book enough! I hope that they modern version, found in Dane Ortlund's Gentle and Lowly, brings the same love in the Heart of Christ.

Where do I begin? The impact of the English Puritans, such as Richard Sibbes, John Owen, and Thomas Goodwin has been like a "grace in the wilderness" (Jer. 31:2) in my life. It is easy to lose sight of Christ amidst of busyness of modern life. When I read, The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes, my soul experienced the sweetness of Christ which I have never felt before. Likewise, Thomas Goodwin's The Heart of Christ similarly touched my weary soul with Christ and His love. The book is about Christ's love for His people from heaven. Goodwin encourages believers that Jesus' love for them did not change as He ascended to heaven, rather His love is now more intensified. A couple of quotes from the book will confirm such sweetness:" 'I will come again and receive you unto myself' (says Christ), 'that so where I am, you may be also.' That last part of his speech, gives the reason of it, and withal bewrays his entire affection. It is as if he said, 'The truth is, I cannot live without you, I shall never be quiet till I have you where I am, that so we may never part again; that is the reason of it. Heaven shall not hold me, nor my Father's company, if I have not you with me, my heart is so set upon you; and if I have any glory, you shall have part of it'" (pp. 16-17)."So Christ says here, 'Tell them you have seen Jesus their brother; I own them as brethren still... That I, says, he, 'ascend to my Father, and your Father'. A more friendly speech by far, and arguing infinite more love than that of Joseph's did (though that was full of loving affection), for Joseph after he had told them he was their brother, adds, 'whom you sold into Egypt'; he reminds them of their unkindness; but not so Christ, not a word of that, he reminds them not of what they had done against him" (p. 29)."No sin of theirs troubled him but their unbelief. Which shows how his heart stands, in that he desires nothing more than to have men believe in him; and this now when glorified... 'Peter' (says he), 'lovest thou me?' Christ loves to hear that note; full well do those words sound in his ears, when you tell him you love him, though he knows it already..." (pp. 32-33).Goodwin masterfully illustrates Christ's love for His people. As a pastor, he has left an indelible mark in my heart, my life, and my ministry. If you just be patient with the book, you will see and feel Christ's love through this book. Highly, highly recommended.

It’s hard to follow his prose, and he is writing over 300 years ago so you should expect the way Godwin writes to be off to our ear but this is good. Read slowly and out loud, you will be well rewarded.

That's how much Jesus loves us. This book sets out to prove, using Scripture, the depth, height and width of God's love for fallen, wayward man. The human mind cannot comprehend nor fathom this great love. That's why we must come aside daily to contemplate this love because it is almost too good to be true. Goodwin helps us to overcome our disbelief

I saw the necessity of the humanity of God in a way I never have in this book, and an unfolding of the Second Person's heart that raised my affections repeatedly toward my Savior. This read is an invaluable one, and I would recommend it to anyone willing to read and savor it.

Anything by Thomas Goodwin is worth having/reading. Always focused on Christ and his wonderful work for us sinners.