The Doctrine of Repentance by Thomas Watson

Still reading, but an interesting book that gives us something to think about. It will cause you to do some soul seaching, if you truly love God, because this is real, no none-sense, ole fashion teaching; which in my humble opinion is a lost art today. From what I've read; I believe this is what God is calling us to understand; and I'm thrilled that someone can convey in print the meaning of true repentance.

If you are looking for a short (but deep) book on not only what repentance is conceptually, but also practically, this is your book. I bought this book after a period of rebellion and the Lord used it many times to both convict me of sin and to give me hope. The author will often say something like: "the weight of sin must be balanced with the pulley of Hope". He has a way of cutting at you, in a good way, so that the infectious sin leaves you. And it can be painful at times. But his design is always out of love. And He always takes you back to the Gospel. Such a great book. And it's a short read too.

Repentance is a word whose meaning and the force thereof has been incredibly diluted and cheapened. I am one of those responsible for doing so and therefore, like many others, need to be rebuked and corrected. I have known of no exposition on repentance more forceful than what Pastor Watson does here, who begins with St. Paul's address in Athens recorded in the book of Acts that God commands people everywhere to repent. He then goes on with a warning of what he calls counterfeit or deceitful repentance (p.15-17) or what I call expedient repentance whose characteristics consist of either fear of punishment only, resolution only without actions, and half-hearted repentance which has something to do with love of sin and love of the world, discussed in a separate chapter (10) where Watson talks about impediments to repentance. The meat of this book is the nature of repentance that consists of sight, sorrow, confession, shame, hatred and turning from sin. Something that I thought interesting is when it is pointed out that though confession is directed primarily to God, there are occasions where it should be done to "some prudent, pious friends, who may advise him and speak a word in due season (James 5:16)." Then Watson adds, "It is a sinful modesty in Christians that they are not more free with their ministers and other spiritual friends in unburdening themselves and opening the sores and troubles of their souls to them. If there is a thorn sticking in the conscience, it is good to make use of those who may help to pluck it out" (p.37). Sight, Sorrow, Shame, Hatred and Turning from sin are certainly some things we always need in an increasing degree everyday. Not only when discussing these, but also throughout the text, Watson uses some graphic and vulgar words that are both necessary and true. Something that should strike our conscience is when he points out that the sin committed by Christians is worse that that by unbelievers because Christians sin against clearer conviction. Not only are we worse than the unbelievers when we sin, but we are also worse than the devils, where Watson points out, "The lapsed angels never sinned against Christ's blood. But we have affronted and disparaged His blood by unbelief" (p.42). While hammering relentlessly on the danger of sin, the assumption that there is no need of repentance, or that repentance is easy or it can be put-off to a later time, and hypocritical repentance, the hardening of heart which is the most dreadful state one can ever fall into, as well as an all-out commitment and action (Watson calls it endeavor) against sin, he balances it out with the hope of the gospel. What is done here is to prevent one to fall into either extreme of presumptuous cavalier antinomianism or despair. The former is cured and guarded against with the warnings of the hardening of heart and the threats of apostasy, while the latter is conquered by the hope and grace of the Gospel. Just as there is a grave danger in antinominanism, so there is also a mortal danger in despair in the sense that it "rejects mercy. It throws the cordial of Christ's blood on the ground. Judas was not damned only for his treason and murder, but it was his distrust of God's mercy [through Christ] that destroyed him." Therefore, it is critical to remember that God "has bowels of love to repenting sinners (Joel 2:13). Mercy rejoices over justice. God counts his mercy his glory (Ex 33:18-19). He is the God of tenderness and compassion No sooner do we mourn than God's heart melts. No sooner do our tears fall than God's repentings kindle (Hos 11:8). Do not say then that there is no hope" (p.103). What I suggest is this. Get the book and after reading it, write a summary similar to what Prof. JI Packer suggested after or when reading John Owen's texts. Why? First, it is because there are indeed similarities between Watson and Owen. Both understand both theology and human heart and the corruption thereof at a depth only few ministers and theologians have. Second, though Watson is much more organized than Owen, throughout their texts, they teach so many incredibly striking truths that it is necessary to write them down on a separate note that we may be able recollect later without having to re-read the text and start all over again. Though Watson sometimes uses Scriptural references that are out of context and plenty of Latin words which the Banner of Truth thankfully translates to English, his study on repentance is a beautiful tasty bitter sweet cordial that I pray for myself and every reader, that by the grace of God, He may use to drive us into a genuine sense of bitterness and sincere forsaking of sin and the sweetness of Christ.

A book exclusively on repentance is exceedingly rare in our day, almost non-existent. This is especially noteworthy when one considers the significance of the doctrine. Watson notes in the introduction that faith and repentance are the two great graces essential to a Christian in this life. The Puritans preached and wrote on this doctrine far more often and in much greater detail than has been the case in the last century. I believe this is because they understood its importance as an indispensable part of the saving work of God in the souls of men. In setting forth the nature of true repentance Thomas Watson gives us six ingredients that are present inwardly and outwardly:1.A sight of sin 2.sorrow for sin 3.confession of sin 4.shame for sin 5.hatred for sin 6.turning for sin. He also gives Biblical examples that help to illustrate each of the components of repentance. In opening up what it is to turn from sin Watson writes with characteristic depth on p.54"It must be a turning from all sin... so a true convert seeks the destruction of every lust. He knows how dangerous it is to entertain any one sin. He that hides one rebel in his house is a traitor to the crown... ."The Puritans were concerned with teaching doctrine but they wanted that doctrine applied to the heart with power by the Spirit of God. This can be seen in the exortations and powerful motives to repentance that are given in chapters six through eight. Some of the motives being:that repentance prepares us for every holy duty,mercy is given to those who are penitent, it is the end of all the afflictions that the Lord sends and the day of judgement is coming. The enourmous value of this book can be seen by the emphasis that the Word of God gives to the doctirne of repentance, by the scarcity of books on the subject and by the authors piety,gifts and usefulness in the service of his Lord and King.

This classic by Watson is a must read for any Christian taking their first steps into Puritan theology, as Watson is clear, concise, and makes valid points backed up by scripture. Easy to read and very thought provoking, spurring on a deeper prayer life and desire for mortification of sin and glorification of the Father. Also a great opener to the more difficult to read theologians. If you start with this, you won't be so lost when you're trying to read other works.

In today’s world where the people go to church but barely know what it means to be a true Christian, this book amazingly carves out the forgotten virtue of Biblical Christianity.

Good to read it again after 15 years, this has become a neglected issue in todays church, many are fearful of affending people. But it is clearly a Biblical requirement

This book explains what repentance looks like as a Christian.

Get it if you need to have your perspective on the Gospel renewed.

Sent as a gift, Deo Volente the recipient will repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ