Thomas Goodwin. The Heart of Christ in Heaven Towards Sinners on Earth. 1645; Edited by Johnny Wilson, Monergism.org, 2023.

I heard about this book recently and thought I should look into it. I found it available at the above link, and, believe me, it was worth it.

There are two difficult questions that people who wonder about God or Jesus will sometimes ask. This book attempts to take a look at both questions in depth.

The first is how do I know God loves me? We are aware of sin in our world and in our own lives. We wonder if God can love anyone, including me or us. God has high standards. Can we meet them? Or is God strict or angry? With all the evil in the world, sometimes He may seem indifferent to it all.

The author uses the Bible in great detail to try to convince the reader of God’s love. Yes, many people, even skeptics, have heard the verse that tells us:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

That is pretty intense, but why are we not more aware of His love in this rotten world? The Bible says Jesus is coming soon, but that was nearly two thousand years ago when those words were written, that does not sound very soon! Goodwin notes that the context in which those words are written have to do with the future. Jesus will come immediately when His Father gives Him the word.

Goodwin suggests that in the meantime we read John chapters 14 though 16, and then add 17. John 14-16 is the longest single discourse or sermon by Jesus recorded in the New Testament. There He shares with his disciples and their followers His plans, especially His promise of the Holy Spirit and His promise that “where I am you may be also” (John 14:3)

Then His prayer in John 17 “is a summary of his intercession for us in heaven” (227). God cares. Jesus is pleading our case.

This leads into the second question, and the main theme of this book, what is Jesus doing in heaven?

You see, when Jesus died on the cross, not only was He a sacrifice for the sins of mankind, but He “relinquished all earthly weakness and limitations of the flesh” (246). He rose eternal, victorious over death, and with all authority in heaven and earth (see Matthew 28:18).

Goodwin notes a parallel between Joseph revealing himself to his brothers after many years with Jesus revealing Himself after his resurrection to His followers. Joseph’s brothers knew they had not treated him well and were afraid he might try to get revenge on them, especially after their father Jacob died. So the angels at the tomb tell Jesus’ disciples to wait for Him. Peter, the one who denied Him, is mentioned specifically (Mark 16:7). Joseph would help to save his brothers and their families from the famine. Jesus would save His followers from sin and the power of death.

Much of The Heart of Christ in Heaven Towards Sinners on Earth focuses on Jesus’ dealing with His followers after His resurrection. That made all the difference. The things He says and does during that time show His great affection more than anything else. He does not accuse anyone. He does not complain. Any rebukes are very mild.

No other sin troubled him other than unbelief, which reveals how his heart is inclined towards desiring that men believe in him even now that he is glorified. (297)

He wants to be sure that His “lambs” and “sheep” are fed. That the disciples take care of the “flock” He has given them.

Goodwin makes a case that the word most frequently used by Christ Himself in heaven to people on earth is come. That is His plan, and it is a plan of love, that we come to Him and share in His love.

He reminds us, as does the Bible, especially in the Book of Hebrews, that Jesus was and is a man, a human being now. He knows what it is like to be human. He understands the temptations. He certainly has experienced some of the evil in the world. He can provide comfort even more and on a greater scale than Joseph could comfort his brothers.

God has placed in Him such a στοργή [storgé], such a unique love, as parents have for their own children, surpassing their love for other people’s children, even if those children are more beautiful and intelligent than their own. (489)

There is more, of course, much more. This book lets us know how Christ can see us through afflictions because of both His love and His compassion. He knows what it is like. He has been there Himself. And like a good brother and obedient son, He takes care of God’s family. He calls believers brothers, sisters, spouse, and bride. This is family.

If you are doubtful about your status in God’s family, if you wonder about what Jesus is doing now or whether God really loves people, read this book. It reveals God’s love in a way that few other works have. It is short enough that I may read it again. Do it. There is more to this book and to God’s love than what is explained in this brief review.

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. (I John 3:1)

N.B.: Parenthetical references are Kindle locations, not page numbers. I used a modern language version of the text. Both the original and Wilson’s modernization are available in various e-formats from the above link.