Beeke, Joel R.
“Simultaneously a splendid introduction, a refresher course, and a great read.” Sinclair Ferguson
We want discipleship without sacrifice. The Puritans knew following Christ could cost them their lives. While we skim, scroll, and rush, they meditated, prayed, and examined their hearts. In persecution, defeat, and disaster, they clung to Christ. The Puritans were united in this: they strove to follow God fully. Despite their shortcomings, they were people of faith, and that set them apart in their day and in ours. Open these pages and let their example inspire you to follow God as they did. Fully.
This book is a clear, accessible introduction to the Puritans and their vision of the Christian life. It explores who they were, what they believed, and how they lived, moving from doctrine to daily practice. At its heart is a compelling picture of Christianity that is deeply biblical, intensely Christ-centered, and applied to every area of life.
Rather than presenting theology as abstract ideas, the book shows how the Puritans understood faith as something to be experienced, lived, and worked out in the heart, the home, the church, and the world. It introduces key figures, explains core doctrines like regeneration and sanctification, and offers practical guidance on prayer, family life, work, and suffering.
The result is a vision of wholehearted devotion to God that is both demanding and deeply attractive, calling readers to a richer, fuller Christian life.
NOTE: This is a new edition of a previously published title. There are no content changes from the previous edition. We hope this fresh edition will help many more readers find these life-giving truths.
Contents
Preface
PART ONE
Who Were the Puritans?
1. The Myth and Foundation of Puritanism
2. The Story of Puritanism
3. Puritanism Defined
4. Why Puritan Teaching Today?
5. Why the Puritan Lifestyle Today?
PART TWO
Puritan Stalwarts
6. William Perkins (1558–1602)
7. Richard Sibbes (1577–1635)
8. Thomas Goodwin (1600–1680)
9. John Eliot (1604–1690)
10. John Owen (1616–1683)
11. John Bunyan (1628–1688)
12. John Flavel (1628–1691)
13. Matthew Henry (1662–1714)
14. Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758)
PART THREE
The Triune God and His Saving Work
15. Communion with the Triune God
16. God the Father: Predestination, Creation, and Providence
17. Christ the Mediator
18. Christ the Compassionate Intercessor
19. The Holy Spirit
20. Covenant Theology
PART FOUR
A Saved and Holy People
21. Regeneration
22. Faith and Repentance
23. Union with Christ and Justification
24. Adoption
25. Sanctification
26. Assurance of Salvation
27. Perseverance
28. Heaven, a World of Love
PART FIVE
Christ’s Bride
29. Church and Worship 30. The Lord’s Supper 31. Church Offices and Government 32. The Lord’s Day 33. Preaching 34. Listening to Sermons 35. Pastoral Counseling 36. Evangelism
PART SIX
Puritans in Daily Life
37. Meditation and Prayer
38. Conscience
39. Marriage
40. Child-Rearing
41. Work as a Calling
PART SEVEN
The Puritans for Today
42. Learning from Puritan Faults
43. Lessons from the Puritans for Today
44. How Should We Begin Reading the Puritans?
About the Author
Joel R. Beeke is chancellor and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary.
Michael Reeves is president and professor of theology at Union School of Theology.