Heaven Taken by Storm: In Modern English

by Thomas Watson

Heaven Taken by Storm is a compelling masterpiece by the esteemed Puritan preacher Thomas Watson, guiding readers on a profound journey towards deepening their Christian faith and pursuing eternal life. Watson's eloquent writing and insightful interpretations of Scripture encourage believers to take their faith seriously, strive for holiness, and engage in spiritual warfare against sin and darkness. This classic work, filled with vivid illustrations and practical wisdom, has inspired generations of believers to live with purpose and passion for the glory of God, ultimately leading them to the heavenly reward that awaits the faithful.About Thomas WatsonThomas Watson was a distinguished Puritan preacher and author of the 17th century, known for his profound theological insights and eloquent writing style. A prominent figure in the nonconformist movement, Watson devoted his life to preaching the gospel and providing spiritual guidance to believers through his numerous written works. His timeless classics, such as "Heaven Taken by Storm" and "A Body of Divinity," have left an indelible mark on Christian literature, inspiring generations of believers in their pursuit of holiness and spiritual growth. Watson's deep understanding of Scripture, combined with his ability to convey complex theological concepts in an accessible and engaging manner, has solidified his reputation as one of the most influential Puritan thinkers in history.

110 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2023

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Thomas Watson (c. 1620 - 1686) was an English, non-conformist, Puritan preacher and author. He was educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he was noted for remarkably intense study. In 1646 he commenced a sixteen year pastorate at St. Stephen's, Walbrook. He showed strong Presbyterian views during the civil war, with, however, an attachment to the king, and in 1651 he was imprisoned briefly with some other ministers for his share in Christopher Love's plot to recall Charles II of England. He was released on 30 June 1652, and was formally reinstated as vicar of St. Stephen's Walbrook. He obtained great fame and popularity as a preacher until the Restoration, when he was ejected for nonconformity. Not withstanding the rigor of the acts against dissenters, Watson continued to exercise his ministry privately as he found opportunity. Upon the Declaration of Indulgence in 1672 he obtained a license to preach at the great hall in Crosby House. After preaching there for several years, his health gave way, and he retired to Barnston, Essex, where he died suddenly while praying in secret. He was buried on 28 July 1686.

(Information from wikipedia.org)

Reviews

[Rod Innis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Although this book describes the many things that are a part of the behavior of Christians, the author seems to make them a requirement to be a Christian rather than the result of the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian. Do we always live the way we should? No, I certainly don't, but it won't cost me my salvation because my salvation is not based on my efforts but on the finished work of Christ on the cross.

I am going to include a rather lengthy quote to demonstrate what I consider an erroneous presentation by the author. No page 77 of 96 in the Kindle edition, he says:
"How frustrating it will be in the end to lose the kingdom of glory simply because we didn't put in enough effort. When we think to ourselves, I did something for my faith, but I wasn't passionate enough: I prayed, but I should have brought my intensity to my worship. I listened to the word, but I should have embraced the truth wholeheartedly; I humbled myself with fasting, but I should have combined that with genuine change. I offered kind words to those in need; I wished them well, but I should have provided them with clothing and food. And because I didn't put in a little more effort, I've lost the kingdom. The prophet told the king of Israel to strike the ground in 2 Kings 13:18. The king struck the ground three times and stopped, which angered the man of God. He said 'You should have struck the ground 5 or 6 times, then you would have defeated Syria completely. Similarly, a person does something for their faith, but they put in minimal effort and then stop. If they had just put in a little more effort toward Heaven, they would have been saved. What a disaster it is to only do half the work and miss the kingdom by not going far enough! Oh, how this will torment a person's heart when they are in hell, thinking, if only I had gone a little further, things would have been better for me; I wouldn't be suffering in this fire.

[Sean Higgins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got excited to read this book while reading _He Conquers Who Conquers Himself_.

I’ve read Watson’s _Godly Man’s Picture_ a couple times, and while this one is good, it’s not as good. It has many excellent one-liners, but not as obviously building momentum.

That said, Watson was working off of Matthew 11:12, which in the KJV ends with: “the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.”

Go get it. It’s not for the faint of heart. So Watson: “only those who are truly determined will make it into heaven.”

It’s a book for those who believe in Christ and now need to learn to “obey all that Christ commanded.” Salvation is by faith, and Watson emphasizes that faith without zealous works is dead.

> “Who will put in the effort for Heaven if they think it can be obtained more easily? But if it's so simple, why did Christ say to strive as if in agony? Why did Paul need to discipline his body? Why does the text mention taking the kingdom by force?”

[Aaron Geary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A challenge to those who believe we are saved by faith alone.