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The Glorious Feast of the Gospel
Blue Letter Bible presents a digital edition of The Glorious Feast of the Gospel, a series of sermons on Isaiah 25:6-9, by Richard Sibbes. Originally published in 1650, this collection reads comfortably for both devotional and study purposes. The writer petitions all believers, in their need of encouragement, to a renewed communion with God. Sibbes herein awakens the senses of the reader to the rich truths and promises presented in Jesus Christ. Blue Letter Bible offers a digital product that has been thoroughly proofread and carefully edited to improve the readability of this ancient publication, including: modernized word spelling, modern numerals, author's marginal notes, spelled out Bible book names, Scripture hyperlinked to Blue Letter Bible's Bible search database, and A Scripture Index of all Scripture references.
- GenresTheology
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2013
12 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Richard Sibbes
235 books100 followersRichard Sibbes was born at Tostock, Suffolk, in 1577 and went to school in Bury St Edmunds. His father, 'a good sound-hearted Christian', at first intended that Richard should follow his own trade as a wheelwright, but the boy s 'strong inclination to his books, and well-profiting therein' led to his going up to St John's College, Cambridge in 1595. He was converted around 1602-3 through the powerful ministry of Paul Bayne, the successor of William Perkins in the pulpit of Great St Andrew's Church.
After earning his B.D. in 1610, Sibbes was appointed a lecturer at Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge. Later, through the influence of friends, he was chosen to be the preacher at Gray's Inn, London, and he remained there until 1626. In that year he returned to Cambridge as Master of St Catherine's Hall, and later returned to Holy Trinity, this time as its vicar. He was granted a Doctorate in Divinity in 1627, and was thereafter frequently referred to as 'the heavenly Doctor Sibbes'. He continued to exercise his ministry at Gray's Inn, London, and Holy Trinity, Cambridge, until his death on 6 July 1635 at the age of 58.
After earning his B.D. in 1610, Sibbes was appointed a lecturer at Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge. Later, through the influence of friends, he was chosen to be the preacher at Gray's Inn, London, and he remained there until 1626. In that year he returned to Cambridge as Master of St Catherine's Hall, and later returned to Holy Trinity, this time as its vicar. He was granted a Doctorate in Divinity in 1627, and was thereafter frequently referred to as 'the heavenly Doctor Sibbes'. He continued to exercise his ministry at Gray's Inn, London, and Holy Trinity, Cambridge, until his death on 6 July 1635 at the age of 58.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 15, 2022
How does man live not by bread, but by the Word of God? In The Glorious Feast of the Gospel, Richard Sibbes presents a spiritual feast in Holy Scripture.
Manna from Heaven
With 8 sermons and just over 150 pages, Sibbes exposits Isaiah 25:6-9 with expertise. He examines it from every angle, squeezing every bit of truth out of the text. His applications are practical and personal enough to stand the test of time. This is a worthy edition in Banner of Truth’s iconic Puritan Paperbacks series.
I was most moved to see how Sibbes compared Jesus to manna. While manna was showered in the darkness of the wilderness, so the light of Christ shines brightly in our dark world. While manna was fit for peasants and kings, so Christ will satisfy the rich and the poor. Sibbes strikes with the beauty and glory of God in every sentence.
Spiritual Taste
Most interesting to me was how Sibbes says we must acquire a spiritual taste. Not only should we be able to discern what is good from what is not, but we must also be able to digest it to our affections. Sibbes, in true Puritan fashion, speaks to our heads as well as our hearts.
After reading this book, I am left in awe and wonder at the feast to be found in Jesus Christ. I am encouraged to come to him, knowing that he alone will satisfy hunger and thirst. I long for the day when we can feast together in peace and joy with our King. Taste and see that the Lord is good!
I received a media copy of The Glorious Feast of the Gospel and this is my honest review.
Manna from Heaven
With 8 sermons and just over 150 pages, Sibbes exposits Isaiah 25:6-9 with expertise. He examines it from every angle, squeezing every bit of truth out of the text. His applications are practical and personal enough to stand the test of time. This is a worthy edition in Banner of Truth’s iconic Puritan Paperbacks series.
I was most moved to see how Sibbes compared Jesus to manna. While manna was showered in the darkness of the wilderness, so the light of Christ shines brightly in our dark world. While manna was fit for peasants and kings, so Christ will satisfy the rich and the poor. Sibbes strikes with the beauty and glory of God in every sentence.
Spiritual Taste
Most interesting to me was how Sibbes says we must acquire a spiritual taste. Not only should we be able to discern what is good from what is not, but we must also be able to digest it to our affections. Sibbes, in true Puritan fashion, speaks to our heads as well as our hearts.
After reading this book, I am left in awe and wonder at the feast to be found in Jesus Christ. I am encouraged to come to him, knowing that he alone will satisfy hunger and thirst. I long for the day when we can feast together in peace and joy with our King. Taste and see that the Lord is good!
I received a media copy of The Glorious Feast of the Gospel and this is my honest review.
January 18, 2025
A glorious explanation of a glorious day to come
January 1, 2023
Probably 5 out of 9 of the sermons were good. (Or at least I benefitted)
Made me desire the future feast with Christ more.
Made me desire the future feast with Christ more.
May 21, 2023
9 sermons on Isaiah 25:6-9. The edition I read was part of the Puritan Paperbacks series. Full of encouragement and reminders of God’s love for His people, who will provide us the riches of communion with Him forever, and gives us a real foretaste of that here on earth.
December 24, 2024
Excellent!
November 9, 2021
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S THE GLORIOUS FEAST OF THE GOSPEL ABOUT?
The subtitle to this when originally published was "or Christ's Gracious Invitation and Royal Entertainment of Believers," it's a series of nine sermons on Isaiah 25:6-9.
Banner of Truth reprinted the original title page, which does a better job of summarizing the book than I could. It states that among other things, "these Comfortable doctrines" are addressed in the book:
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE GLORIOUS FEAST OF THE GOSPEL?
I was genuinely excited when I saw that the Banner would be publishing a new Sibbes book, but it didn't live up to my hopes. I'm going to go with the assumption that this wasn't the right time for me to read this book. I just didn't connect with it—I'm not saying it was bad, it just left me with a feeling of "meh."
Sermons 5, 6, and 9 did grab me—proving that I'm not totally dead inside. Sermon 5, in particular, on the comforts of the Gospel as seen through "And all tears shall be wiped away from all faces" (v. 8), made the experience of the book worthwhile.
Once upon a time, Richard Sibbes was my "go-to" Puritan, so I do find it surprising when I don't connect that well with a book by him. So, my assumption is that when I read this again in 2023-5, my reaction will be different. But for today, this was an okay book, but not a must-read.
---
WHAT'S THE GLORIOUS FEAST OF THE GOSPEL ABOUT?
The subtitle to this when originally published was "or Christ's Gracious Invitation and Royal Entertainment of Believers," it's a series of nine sermons on Isaiah 25:6-9.
Banner of Truth reprinted the original title page, which does a better job of summarizing the book than I could. It states that among other things, "these Comfortable doctrines" are addressed in the book:
1. The Marriage Feast between Christ and his Church.
2. The vaile of Ignorance and Vnbeliefe removed.
3. Christ’s Conquest over death.
4. The wiping away of teares from the faces of Gods people.
5. The taking away of their Reproaches.
6. The precious Promises of God, and their certaine performance.
7. The Divine Authority of the Holy Scriptures.
8. The Duty and comfort of waiting upon God.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE GLORIOUS FEAST OF THE GOSPEL?
I was genuinely excited when I saw that the Banner would be publishing a new Sibbes book, but it didn't live up to my hopes. I'm going to go with the assumption that this wasn't the right time for me to read this book. I just didn't connect with it—I'm not saying it was bad, it just left me with a feeling of "meh."
Sermons 5, 6, and 9 did grab me—proving that I'm not totally dead inside. Sermon 5, in particular, on the comforts of the Gospel as seen through "And all tears shall be wiped away from all faces" (v. 8), made the experience of the book worthwhile.
Once upon a time, Richard Sibbes was my "go-to" Puritan, so I do find it surprising when I don't connect that well with a book by him. So, my assumption is that when I read this again in 2023-5, my reaction will be different. But for today, this was an okay book, but not a must-read.
August 23, 2023
Although he is better-known for his work ‘The Bruised Reed’, I set out on my journey in the writings of Richard Sibbes by reading one of his lesser-known works ‘The Glorious Feast of the Gospel’. This Puritan Paperback consists of nine sermons where Sibbes expounds upon the text of Isaiah 26:6-9.
While I did appreciate these sermons, I certainly would have benefited more from them if read through in a shorter timeframe. Being my introduction to Sibbes, I found his writing style somewhat difficult to engage with at first. In the latter half of the book, I was now accustomed to his verbiage and thus enjoyed the last few sermons the most. Sibbes, like other writers of his era, argue that symbols and items in the text directly allude to Christ – although at times it can feel like the comparisons are being belaboured, it is a good exercise for my mind to see the glories of the Lord Jesus portrayed in the sense of a feast.
As stated in the summary on the back cover of the book, this certainly is a perfect blend of rich doctrine and practical application. Sibbes would frequently set forth doctrines, but would ensure the reader knew how to apply these truths to their life as a Christian. Sibbes is a master theologian but a pastor at heart. These sermons helped me to more clearly understand the beauty of the promises that are ours in the gospel, to more eagerly anticipate the coming glory of heaven (and thus not fear death), and to rest in the providence of God while we await the consummation of all things. I would recommend this book to the individual who is looking to have their soul blessed by the future promises of Christ.
While I did appreciate these sermons, I certainly would have benefited more from them if read through in a shorter timeframe. Being my introduction to Sibbes, I found his writing style somewhat difficult to engage with at first. In the latter half of the book, I was now accustomed to his verbiage and thus enjoyed the last few sermons the most. Sibbes, like other writers of his era, argue that symbols and items in the text directly allude to Christ – although at times it can feel like the comparisons are being belaboured, it is a good exercise for my mind to see the glories of the Lord Jesus portrayed in the sense of a feast.
As stated in the summary on the back cover of the book, this certainly is a perfect blend of rich doctrine and practical application. Sibbes would frequently set forth doctrines, but would ensure the reader knew how to apply these truths to their life as a Christian. Sibbes is a master theologian but a pastor at heart. These sermons helped me to more clearly understand the beauty of the promises that are ours in the gospel, to more eagerly anticipate the coming glory of heaven (and thus not fear death), and to rest in the providence of God while we await the consummation of all things. I would recommend this book to the individual who is looking to have their soul blessed by the future promises of Christ.
May 24, 2024
"Take anything that you can, if we have it by Christ, it is of the best. All worldly excellencies and honours are but mere shadows to the high excellencies and honour we have in Christ. No joy, no comfort, no peace, no riches, no inheritance to be compared with the joy, peace, and inheritance which we have in Christ." - Sibbes
Sibbes takes us to the heavenly feast and displays the excellencies of Christ that we have in Him currently, and the excellencies that await us in heaven eternally.
In the Christian life we can easily become distracted or weighed down by other things (even good things) that aren't Christ. But Sibbes reminds us that as we fill our hearts, minds, and lives with more of Christ and a greater love and knowledge of Him, we will grow in Him and in all those other ways exponentially. If we feast on Christ as our main dish, we will be fueled better and more efficiently for this life than if we take our fill of "seconds." His exhortation is clear. Feast MORE on Christ. Grow in your knowledge of Him, love for Him, and communion with Him, and you will necessarily grow in your likeness of Him as a result.
Highly recommend this book!
Sibbes takes us to the heavenly feast and displays the excellencies of Christ that we have in Him currently, and the excellencies that await us in heaven eternally.
In the Christian life we can easily become distracted or weighed down by other things (even good things) that aren't Christ. But Sibbes reminds us that as we fill our hearts, minds, and lives with more of Christ and a greater love and knowledge of Him, we will grow in Him and in all those other ways exponentially. If we feast on Christ as our main dish, we will be fueled better and more efficiently for this life than if we take our fill of "seconds." His exhortation is clear. Feast MORE on Christ. Grow in your knowledge of Him, love for Him, and communion with Him, and you will necessarily grow in your likeness of Him as a result.
Highly recommend this book!
December 29, 2023
I haven't much on or by Richard Sibbes so I am happy I picked up this short book -166 pgs. - and read through it. It is a compilation of nine sermons. The sermons focus on what should be the believer's daily feast on the Gospel. So much is lost today in the church with the 1,2,3 repeat after me and no follow-up.
As believers, our nourishment comes from the study of the Gospel and all it nuances. Such a treasure trove of wisdom, grace, comfort, and knowledge.
One statement from sermon 3 stood out to me - "Wherever there is spiritual life, there is a spiritual relish of heavenly truths." It is a remarkable thing for someone to refer to themselves as a believer and have no taste for the knowledge of God.
There is plenty of Latin who, like me, enjoy learning new words and using them in sermons.
Latin - Convivium - Banquet, Feast, gathering - As believers we gather around the word of God and feast on its milk and meat.
For those who feed off the sermons of great men, I would highly recommend this short book of sermons by Richard Sibbes.
As believers, our nourishment comes from the study of the Gospel and all it nuances. Such a treasure trove of wisdom, grace, comfort, and knowledge.
One statement from sermon 3 stood out to me - "Wherever there is spiritual life, there is a spiritual relish of heavenly truths." It is a remarkable thing for someone to refer to themselves as a believer and have no taste for the knowledge of God.
There is plenty of Latin who, like me, enjoy learning new words and using them in sermons.
Latin - Convivium - Banquet, Feast, gathering - As believers we gather around the word of God and feast on its milk and meat.
For those who feed off the sermons of great men, I would highly recommend this short book of sermons by Richard Sibbes.
January 27, 2022
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! I love how the old puritans were able to create an entire book worth of commentary on only a few verses in Isaiah of all places (what?!?) This was excellent and really showcased how great we have it as Christians. Although the world doesn’t like us and doesn’t agree with us we have heaven to look forward to. HEAVEN! ETERNAL PARADISE! Hope for the future, hope for “that day” when every tear will be wiped away. Expect tears on this earth! We hear of Christ mourning and weeping but don’t hear of him laughing and yet we’re supposed to be full of joy and WHAT?! This is an amazing book. Read it!
“Our Saviour Christ will not be without us in heaven. We are part of his mystical body, and heaven were not heaven to Christ without us.” How sweet is that?? How sweet is our savior! Thank you God for you’re sweetness, mercy, grace, all of it! Thank you for upholding us though we’re sinful, thank you God!
“Our Saviour Christ will not be without us in heaven. We are part of his mystical body, and heaven were not heaven to Christ without us.” How sweet is that?? How sweet is our savior! Thank you God for you’re sweetness, mercy, grace, all of it! Thank you for upholding us though we’re sinful, thank you God!
November 28, 2023
This book is worth reading for the final chapter. Sibbes does a fantastic job at fixing our hope in Christ, while recognizing the faults in our world today. “Perhaps a Christian hath no wealth, no great rents to glory in, aye, but he hath a God to glory in, let him glory in him. The world may take all else from him, but not his God.”
March 28, 2025
I quote from the book. Christ on the cross suffering punishment due to sin. Overcame the law and the devil and sin, which is the kingdom of patience. Again, if death be swallowed in victory, labour to be one with Christ crucified in union with him. It's a great book which details that the Lord has laid at the table of the sinner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2019
So much goodness here. I loved this series of nine sermons that Sibbes preached on Isaiah 25:6-9
October 22, 2021
3.5 stars. Very good, but the last three sermons get mighty repetitive.
April 11, 2024
Read this while fasting.
December 28, 2024
every sermon got better
January 6, 2025
I’m sure there’s gold in here. If it was rewritten in modern English I might have enjoyed it, but under the circumstances it was a real slog.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews