Thomas Watson (1) (1620–1686)

Watson’s short work is a systematic theology on the doctrine of repentance. He covers the topic from all angles and every corner of Scripture. He brings a great deal of understanding to how the human heart works and the calculated lies concocted by our sinful hearts in order to quiet the conscience in venturing upon sin. His biblical correctives are spot on. Many regard Watson as the most readable of all the puritans and this work, though relatively short at only 122 pages, is full of show more wisdom, force, and insight.

In one chapter, Watson highlights how it is natural for us to put off and procrastinate repentance. His counsel is to be speedy in this area as we remember God is quick in granting his mercies. Repentance is the healing day for our souls and it is best to repent quickly to bring glory to God. The candle of our life may soon be blown out, as man’s life is like a flower of the field which withers sooner than the grass (Psa. 103:15). Today, hear God’s voice (Heb. 3:7).

Later, Watson gives a helpful qualification: Repentance is not meritorious, nor does it win God’s pardon. Repentance is a qualification, not a cause, he says. Tears are not satisfactory for sin; they please God but do not satisfy. Christ’s blood only merits pardon. To trust our repentance is to make it a false savior. Christ’s blood alone washes away the guilt of sin. Do not idolize repentance or rest upon anything other than Christ for pardon (96-97).

Chapter 11 is worth the price of admission alone. Watson titles it, “prescribing some means for repentance: serious consideration.” And it is certainly that. He says every sin is a recession from God, is walking contrary to God, is an injury to God, is rooted in ignorance, a hazard to the soul, smears the soul with filth, and is an expression of odious ingratitude. He goes on: sin debases, burdens, and damages. It is a debt, it is deceitful, and a spiritual sickness. It is a bondage and a spreading malignity and vexing sort of thing always bringing trouble. Watson devotes a paragraph or two to illustrate and convey each of these things.

Just as Watson paints sin’s dangers, he cuts straight to the heart in his conclusion, asking after all this, “What private mercies have we had? We have been enemies, yet God has fed us. He has made the honeycomb of mercy drop on us” (114). The goodness, kindness, and patience of God ought to lead us to repentance (Rom. 2:4). show less

Slowly, page by page as you read, your sins in the deepest level will come to the surface. As I kept reading, I could sense how deceitful it is to think that I am a passionate follower of Christ –– There is still a long way to go. All I could say is, I am like the Beggar who says to Jesus, "Son of David, have mercy on Me."

I think, this book is the best book on Repentance, it takes a lot of time to reflect and read this. Repentance comes from the Holy Spirit. Also, you can check out John show more Owen's book on this topic.

There is cruelty in your sin, with every sin you commit, you stab at your own soul.
A dead man has no sense, He who is dead has no taste.
Sin is spiritual sickness, one man is sick of pride, another of lust, another of malice.
Repentance is necessary.

"The Very day a Christian turns from sin, he must enjoy himself a perpetual fast, the eye must fast from impure glance, the ear must fast from hearing slanders, the tongue must fast from oaths, the hands must fast from bribes, the feet must fast from the path of harlot. And the soul must fast from the love of wickedness" -- Thomas Watson show less

Watson's exposition of Mathew 5:1-12 is a very thorough, spiritually edifying work which has stood the test of time for good reason. There is not a single superfluous sentence to be found but Watson instead has approached his subject with the view of extracting every bit of meaning for the benefit of the soul. The book is densely packed and not to be read over quickly. Now that I have read it through, I hope to read it periodically in short chunks in order to meditate upon and savor the show more author's words so eloquently written. show less

Particularmente, uma das obras que mais impacto teve em minha vida. Uma espécie de teologia sistemática recheada de piedade e fervor. O puritano Thomas Watson, como em outros de seus livros (li recentemente "All things for good"), transpira Bíblia em praticamente cada parágrafo. É extremamente excelente na busca da exposição dos temas propostos dentro do Corpo de Teologia (Body of Divinity), enquanto é piedoso e aplicativo ao leitor. Essa obra marcou minha vida positivamente!