Finding Assurance with Thomas Goodwin

by Andrew S. Ballitch

Glory in nothing but that you are in Christ

In Finding Assurance with Thomas Goodwin , Andrew S. Ballitch explores how deeply the doctrine of assurance of faith impacted Goodwin's life and how Christians can learn from him today. Doubt is a common Christian experience, and assurance of faith is a universal Christian desire. The Puritans were acutely aware of this reality―none more than Thomas Goodwin (1600–1680). Goodwin wrestled with doubt for seven years after his conversion. When assurance came, it was with joy and confidence that Christ was for him personally . His confidence fueled a life of holiness, service, and perseverance. Ballitch highlights how Goodwin's life informed his theology and vice versa, so that readers can experience for themselves the joys of assurance. Published 2023-08-11

168 pages, Paperback

Published August 16, 2023

Reviews

[Matt Pitts · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a pastor who experienced terrible struggles with assurance in the past and who is therefore keen to encourage others experiencing those struggles, I had high hopes for this book. The author himself has struggled and tells us Goodwin did as well, so there is reason to expect good things here. And there are good things here, lots of them. I found chapters 1 and 2 particularly helpful, especially the advice Goodwin himself received regarding assurance (pg 30) and the “Ten Directions for Assurance” (pg 32-40).

But in chapter 3 “The Theology of Assurance” we learn that Godwin’s view of assurance is tied to his view of sealing by the Spirit in Ephesians 1 and that in his view it is not “a normal part of the Christian life” and that “many believers never experience it at all” (pg 52). To be fair, we were told up front that he “developed the idea of the sealing of the Spirit as a second work of grace” (pg 1). In my view this is all highly problematic both pastorally and theologically.

Unless I am mistaken, Goodwin was in the minority at the time when it came to views of assurance and though the author chronicles many who followed Goodwin to one degree or another on this topic, I suspect this has always been a minority view. So my chief critique is this: why highlight not only a minority view but a highly problematic one in a book whose title suggests it will help believers find assurance? To be fair, neither the series nor this volume in particular is billed as offering models meant to be uncritically received and followed. However, given the title and the subject, the book required more critical distance than I expected and I quickly realized it was not a book I would be recommending to someone struggling with assurance. On the other hand, if what you are looking for is a historical overview of a fountainhead figure of this view of assurance, I can only imagine the book will be profoundly helpful.

I thought the last part of the book was especially helpful. The historical survey of those who were influenced by Godwin’s view was quite interesting and the conclusion was refreshing and compelling.

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but was not required to provide a positive review.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can you be sure of your salvation? In Finding Assurance with Thomas Goodwin, Andrew S. Ballitch brings the doctrine of assurance to battle doubt.

Lived Theology

As a part of the Lived Theology series by Lexham Press, this book explains the doctrine of assurance alongside the life of Thomas Goodwin. We journey with him as he comes to discover the joys of knowing you belong to the Lord.

What I most appreciated was how the book explains what the applying the doctrine means to us today. For instance, the struggle for assurance is said to be caused by a lack of church, discipline, a refusal to profess the truth, and reliance on past experience in the lives of believers. Ballitch is insightful, and you can see how he challenges our contemporary culture.

Sealed by the Spirit

I was most interested to see Ballitch examine Ephesians 1:11-14 along with Goodwin. He walks us through Godwin’s exposition of the passage, shedding light on what it means to be sealed by the Spirit. It is wonderful to read and will strengthen your soul.

I was most moved to see how assurance comforts those who are suffering. To die with full assurance of faith is admirable and beautiful. This book will guide you to have full assurance in the God of the Bible, who is faithful to his word.


I received a media copy of Finding Assurance with Thomas Goodwin and this is my honest review.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

If one wonders how particular Puritan theology can have relevance hundreds of years later, then this book is a concise answer. Short, but not lacking in content, with summaries at the end of each chapter on how to apply to today -would recommend for anyone interested in Goodwin’s particular theology.

[Nick Roark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding