Equipping Center

Review Comments

This is an excellent treatise on the importance and practice of repentance. It is useful both for understanding repentance as it relates to salvation and sanctification. The strength of this work is in its analysis of the nature of repentance itself. The older English may be a bit more difficult for some but it is more than worth the effort. This truly is a timeless treasure.

Publisher's Description

A good case could be made out for believing that ‘repentance’ is one of the least used words in the Christian church today. In a world that will not tolerate the mention of sin, and in churches where it has been defined only in sociological terms, the biblical teaching on repentance has inevitably been ignored.rnrnKnowing what repentance is, and actually repenting are essential to true Christianity. Jesus Christ himself said that if we do not repent, we will perish! It is vital, therefore, to read and study what Scripture has to say about this theme.rnrnFew better guides have existed in this or any other area of spiritual experience than Thomas Watson. He was a master of both Scripture and the human heart, and wrote with a simplicity and directness that keeps his work fresh and powerful for the twenty-first century.

Excerpts

I infer that where there is no sight of sin, there can be no repentance. Many who can spy faults in others see none in themselves. They cry that they have good hearts. Is it not strange that two should live together, and eat and drink together, yet not know each other? Such is the case of a sinner. His body and soul live together, work together, yet he is unacquainted with himself. He knows not his own heart, nor what a hell he carries about him. Under a veil a deformed face is hid. Persons are veiled over with ignorance and self-love; therefore they see not what deformed souls they have.

Endorsements

The Doctrine of Repentance is probably one of the most needed books, not only for us as ministers, but for our people, because repentance is so trivialized today. [This book] stresses the need for ongoing repentance, a daily repentance, a lifestyle of repentance. Like Luther said, “God will have his people repenting all life long.” Watson shows you how to do that.
Joel Beeke

The Doctrine of Repentance takes up a topic that was vital to the Puritan preachers but is often marginalized today and limited to a moment of sorrow at the beginning of the Christian life. Watson not only patiently leads his readers to an understanding of true repentance, he helps us to recognize and overcome obstacles to it, and shows us how to engage in it.
Sinclair Ferguson