Heaven Taken By Storm by Thomas Watson
This is the best book I have ever read. Thomas Watson opens the mind to the zeal and earnest search for Christ.
Description
Building on Jesus’s words that “the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matt. 11:12), Heaven Taken by Storm reminds us that Christians are spiritual warriors and the kingdom advances through warfare. As Watson puts it, “Our life is military. Christ is our Captain, the gospel is the banner, the graces are our spiritual artillery, and heaven is only taken in a forcible way.”
In his typically heart-searching style, replete with practical illustrations and gripping remarks, Watson describes how the Christian is to take the kingdom of heaven by holy violence through the reading and exposition of Scripture, prayer, meditation, self-examination, conversation, and the sanctification of the Lord’s Day. Moreover, he poignantly calls the believer to be vigilant against the flesh, Satan, and the world. Soldiers of Christ will find this a practical handbook on Christian living.
Contents
Appendix 1: The Happiness of Drawing Near to God
Appendix 2: How We May Read the Scriptures with Most Spiritual Profit
Endorsement
“Watson’s profound spirituality, terse style, and beauty of expression make him one of the most irresistible, quotable, and devotional of all the Puritans.”
—Joel R. Beeke, president of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan
About the Author
Thomas Watson (ca. 1620–1686) graduated from Cambridge University and became one of the leading Puritan minsters of London.