Christ Set Forth

First published in 1642, Christ Set Forth — one of Thomas Goodwin’s most beloved and enduring works — is a book full of theological riches and penetrating pastoral insights. Addressing, from an exposition of Romans 8:34, the pastoral problem that many believers stray in their faith by looking into their own hearts for signs of grace instead of looking away from themselves to Christ, Christ Set Forth is primarily a book written to encourage Christians. As Scott Berggren says in the Foreword,

It is a guidebook for keeping one’s heart and faith pointed in the
right direction, towards Christ himself. In it Goodwin pushes aside
anything that might displace Christ in one’s heart. In chapter after
chapter he sets forth the glory of Christ and his work as mediator as
the only object of one’s faith and affection.

Publisher: Banner of Truth
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9781848715585

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Thomas Goodwin was born in 1600 in the village of Rollesby in Norfolk. His parents were God-fearing, and at that time the Norfolk Broads were well-soaked in Puritanism, so unsurprisingly he grew up somewhat religious. That all wore off, though, when he went to Cambridge as a student. There he divided his time between 'making merry' and setting out to become a celebrity preacher. He wanted, he later said, to be known as one of 'the great wits' of the pulpit, for his 'master-lust' was the love of applause. Then in 1620 having just been appointed a fellow of Katharine Hall he heard a funeral sermon that actually moved him, making him deeply concerned for his spiritual state. It started seven grim years of moody introspection as he searched inside himself for signs of grace. Only when he was told to look outwards, to not trust to anything in himself, but to rest on Christ alone, was he free. The last twenty years of his life he spent pastoring, writing treatises, and studying in London.

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The Puritans were extremely concerned about the question of assurance of salvation, and especially as to whether or not they truly had an interest in Christ. All too often this led to looking inside themselves, which is the very WORST thing one can do (you may well find in yourself plenty of reasons why you are not a Christian at all!). Thomas Goodwin directs his readers outside of themselves and towards Christ, manifesting who he is as the Savior of His people. We see Goodwin as a true Doctor of Souls, caring for the spiritual-wellbeing of his flock. This book is truly spiritual soul-food, well worth reading. Get it not for when you are unsure of whether you are saved, but to get a beautiful picture of Christ the Savior. George W Prescott