The Heart of Christ in Heaven towards Sinners on Earth was first published in 1651, and it
soon became Thomas Goodwin’s (1600-1680) most popular work. It is a fine example of his Christ-
centredness and his mix of theological rigour and pastoral concern. In it he aims to show from
Scripture that, in all his heavenly majesty, Christ is not now aloof from believers and
unconcerned, but has the strongest affections for them.
Goodwin begins with the beautiful assurances given by Christ to his disciples, taking
as an example of that love Christ’s washing of his disciples’ feet (John 13). The heart of his
argument, however, lies in his exposition of Hebrews 4:15, in which Goodwin shows that in all his
glorious holiness in heaven, Christ is not sour towards his people; if anything, his capacious
heart beats more strongly than ever with tender love for them. And in particular, two
things stir his compassion: our afflictions and—almost
unbelievably—our sins.
How we need Goodwin and his message today! If we are to be drawn from jaded,
anxious thoughts of God and a love of sin, we need such a knowledge of Christ.
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Click here to read a review of this book in the Articles section of the Banner of Truth website:
BOOK REVIEW, written by Wilfred Weale of The Heart of Christ.
