A Heavenly Conference

by Richard Sibbes

A Heavenly Conference is Richard Sibbes’ exposition of the memorable meeting that took place on the first Easter Sunday when the risen Christ met Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb. Though only a few words were exchanged between the Lord and Mary, Sibbes saw in them the gospel in a nutshell.

A Heavenly Conference is a wonderfully original treatment of the doctrine of the believer’s union with Christ. It is written by a loving and tender-hearted pastor whose main aim is to help believers enjoy the comfort that comes from knowing that Jesus’ God and Father is our God and Father too. ‘For from this, that God is our God, cometh all that we have that is good in nature and grace. Whatsoever is comfortable cometh from this spring, that God in Christ is our God, our reconciled God.’

Without such assurance, we simply cannot live Christian lives as God would have us. God would have us thankful, cheerful, rejoicing, and strong in faith: but we will be none of these things unless we are sure that God and Christ are ours for good. Here, then, are pastorally vital truths that Sibbes seeks to work into us.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction

184 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1654

About the author

Richard 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.

Reviews

[Lacey Leazer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second Richard Sibbes book and I am a huge fan to say the least. This book is about Mary’s encounter with Jesus following the resurrection (John 20:16-17). These two verses are picked apart and expounded upon greatly by Sibbes. There is so much comfort found in the way Christ talks to Mary in these few words yet seriousness in the statements he makes. If you want to study more about the Father/Son relationship of the Trinity read this book! This book gave me so much appreciation for the relationship we as believers get to have with God the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ!!

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richard Sibbes always exhorts and feeds the soul.

[Zach Hollifield · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet, sweet salve. “Better” than Sibbes’ A Bruised Reed in my opinion.

[Doug Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful

[Hobart · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are few as good as Sibbes -- this is simply outstanding.

[James Horgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Everybody loves Richard Sibbes,' as an eminent historian said in a seminar I attended recently.

I don't know the basis of her comment, but from my perspective, the key reason to love Sibbes is because he makes Christ lovely.

This short work is based the brief exchange between Mary Magdalene and Christ after the resurrection in John 20:16-17. The focus is on Christ as our brother, and the comfort it brings us, as we look forward to the resurrection and he represents us before the Father.

There are many reasons for comfort in these truths and Sibbes' encourages us to meditate and be strengthened in them.

[Matt Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was interested to know how Sibbes who usually offers so much depth, would do so on such a little passage. Based on Christ’s words to Mary on Resurrection Sunday, Sibbes makes a connection to what Christ says to us. It is very evangelistic in nature but provides assurances when life’s circumstances encourage doubt. It offers nearness of Christ, assurance and an emphasis on comfort. Though God initiates and regenerates us, we are to respond. Our responses (and the world which seeks to distract us) are Sibbes’ focus. Respond to Christ. Do not ignore the Ascension. See what benefits there are in Christ.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, what a wonderful comfort it is to know that God is truly a Father to His children! It is so easy to pass that truth by, and not to more fully understand what that means for Christians. Through every affliction, and all suffering; when God seems far off, or when we fall into sin, He is still our Father who loves us with an everlasting love. He will never leave us or forsake us. All blessings of God to us, come to us in and through Christ, who conquered sin and death.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gem of a book.

Within a few short verses in John that was used to describe Jesus encounter with Mary, Sibbes does an marvelous job in explaining how weak believers share the same God and Father, through Jesus.

His exposition of “your God and my God, and your father and my Father” is excellent, moving and evoking emotions for readers to labour towards a greater love and devotion to Jesus.

[Parker Bentley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comforting and Christ-centered. The great Puritan Sibbes draws from Mary Magdalene’s encounter with Jesus at his tomb on Easter Sunday to think about Christ’s love for his people and his people’s union with him. Readers will be reminded of the great truths of the doctrine and it’s vitality to the Christian life.

[Timothy Denning · Rating 5 out of 5]

The same love of love of Christ that drew him from heaven to the womb of the Virgin, from the womb of the Virgin to the cross and from the cross to the grave. The opening section above)The Ministry of angels is described. The wonderful doctrine of union with Christ is described in a heart-warming way. A delightful book.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent work on the Christ's love for his people and the benefits of the believer's union with Christ.

[Chris Rohde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book on Christ’s message to Mary in the tomb, particularly on what it means that God is our Father and our God through Christ’s work on the cross.

[Jorge Gallego · Rating 5 out of 5]

Empieza con mucha fuerza pero al final se desvía un poco. En todo caso, es digno de leer cada línea.

[Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invaluable work. From every word of a very brief passage easily overlooked, Sibbes mines precious truths that the Christian can cling to.

[Ben Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, kind, and thoughtful.

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book on our union with Christ! As always, Sibbes is so encouraging, pastoral, and engaging.