Thomas Goodwin: The English Reformation and the Puritans with Michael Reeves

Summary

The transcript introduces Thomas Goodwin, a once-prominent theologian and pastor, highlighting his intellectual prowess and compassionate heart. Born in 1600, Goodwin's early life was steeped in Puritanism, leading to a spiritual transformation that shifted his ministry from a focus on self-examination to Christ-centered preaching. His influential work, 'The Heart of Christ in Heaven Towards Sinners on Earth,' emphasizes Christ's enduring love and compassion for believers, even in his exalted state. Goodwin's theology and pastoral approach continue to offer profound insights into the nature of Christ's love and its relevance for contemporary faith.

Takeaways

• 📜 Thomas Goodwin was a highly influential theologian and pastor, once ranked alongside Augustine and Athanasius, yet largely forgotten today.
• 🎓 Born in 1600 in Rollesby, Norfolk, Goodwin grew up in a Puritan stronghold and initially pursued a path of academic and preaching fame.
• 🌟 A transformative experience in 1620 led Goodwin to a period of introspection, resulting in a shift from self-examination to focusing on Christ's grace.
• 🌐 After a change in ministry, Goodwin became a Christ-centered preacher of grace, similar to Richard Sibbes, and succeeded him at Holy Trinity Church in Cambridge.
• 🤝 Known for his charitable nature, Goodwin commanded respect across theological spectrums and was highly regarded by his peers, including John Owen.
• 📚 Goodwin's most popular work, 'The Heart of Christ in Heaven Towards Sinners on Earth,' aimed to present Christ's love and compassion to encourage believers.
• 💖 Central to Goodwin's theology was the belief that Christ's heart in heaven is filled with compassion for believers, stirred by their afflictions and sins.
• 🕊️ Goodwin emphasized that Christ's love does not add to the Father's love but is a reflection of it, with the Spirit filling Christ with the Father's love to show us.
• 🏛️ Involved in the Westminster Assembly, Goodwin was part of the Puritan theologians' meeting to discuss the reformation of the English church.
• 📖 Goodwin's writings, though challenging, offer profound theological insights and a pastor's tender heart, making them rewarding for those who engage with them.
• 🔥 The Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed much of Goodwin's library, but his legacy and message of Christ's love and compassion persist.

Q & A

Who is Thomas Goodwin and why is he considered a forgotten great one?

Thomas Goodwin was a theologian and pastor born in 1600 in Rollesby, Norfolk. He is considered a forgotten great one because, despite once being ranked alongside Augustine and Athanasius and being called the greatest pulpit exegete of Paul, his name and writings are not well-remembered today, likely due to the difficulty of his writings.

What significant change occurred in Goodwin's life after hearing a funeral sermon in 1620?

After hearing a funeral sermon in 1620, Goodwin entered a seven-year period of introspection, deeply concerned for his spiritual state. This introspection led to a significant change in his ministry, shifting from a focus on battering consciences to becoming a Christ-centered preacher of grace.

How did Goodwin's approach to preaching change after his spiritual transformation?

Goodwin's approach to preaching changed from being domineering and hectoring to becoming more Christ-centered and focused on grace, similar to Richard Sibbes. He used his intellectual abilities not to patronize but to help people, offering a compassionate and understanding approach in his sermons.

Why did Goodwin leave Cambridge and become a separatist preacher?

Goodwin left Cambridge and became a separatist preacher due to his disagreement with Archbishop Laud's high church policies. By 1634, he had had enough and resigned his post, eventually ending up in exile in Holland.

What was the purpose of the Westminster Assembly and what role did Goodwin play in it?

The Westminster Assembly was a meeting of Puritan theologians aimed at discussing the full reformation of the church in England. Goodwin played a significant role as part of a small group of Congregationalists who believed in the independence of local churches.

How did Goodwin maintain respect across the theological spectrum despite his definite views on the church?

Goodwin maintained respect across the theological spectrum due to his extraordinary charity, especially towards those he disagreed with. He was known for his kindness and compassion, which allowed him to command widespread respect even in an age of bitter theological disputes.

What was the relationship between Goodwin and John Owen?

Goodwin and John Owen were contemporaries who overlapped significantly during the Puritan heyday of the 1650s. Both held high academic positions, with Owen as Vice Chancellor of Oxford University and Goodwin as President of Magdalen College. They shared a Sunday afternoon pulpit and both served as chaplains to Oliver Cromwell.

How did Goodwin's personal experiences influence his theological focus and pastoral approach?

Goodwin's personal experiences, including his own struggles with guilt and introspection, deeply influenced his theological focus and pastoral approach. He emphasized the importance of looking to Christ rather than being consumed by one's own guilt or sins, and his writings and sermons reflect a deep compassion and understanding of the human condition.

What is the main theme of Goodwin's work 'The Heart of Christ in Heaven Towards Sinners on Earth'?

The main theme of 'The Heart of Christ in Heaven Towards Sinners on Earth' is to present the love, compassion, and concern of Christ for sinners. Goodwin aimed to show that Christ's glorified heart in heaven beats with even greater affection and compassion for His people than when He was on earth.

How does Goodwin address the信徒's fear of approaching Christ due to their sins?

Goodwin addresses the fear by emphasizing that Christ's first reaction to sin is pity, not anger. He argues that Christ's compassion for believers increases even when they sin, and that Christ's love is a reflection of the Father's love, encouraging believers to draw near to Him with confidence.

What impact does Goodwin's message have on the understanding of Christ's role as a High Priest?

Goodwin's message highlights Christ's role as a High Priest who sympathizes with the believers' weaknesses, having experienced temptation without sin. This understanding encourages believers to approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that Christ's heart in heaven is tender and compassionate towards them.