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John Bunyan and the Grace of Fearing God
What brings out the best in believers? John Bunyan's life was changed when he abandoned doubt and despair, embracing the necessity and transforming power of the fear of the Lord.
160 pages, Paperback
Published September 2, 2016
About the author
Joel R. Beeke
487 books379 followersJoel R. Beeke (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is the chancellor and professor of homiletics and systematic theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He has served as a pastor since 1978 and currently ministers at the Heritage Reformed Congregation of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is the editor of the Puritan Reformed Journal and The Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth magazine, the board chairman of Reformation Heritage Books, the president of Inheritance Publishers, and the vice president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society.
Beeke has written and coauthored 120 books, edited 120 books, and contributed 2,500 articles to Reformed books, journals, periodicals, and encyclopedias. He frequently lectures at seminaries and speaks at Reformed conferences around the world. The Lord has blessed him and his wife Mary with three children and eleven grandchildren.
Beeke has written and coauthored 120 books, edited 120 books, and contributed 2,500 articles to Reformed books, journals, periodicals, and encyclopedias. He frequently lectures at seminaries and speaks at Reformed conferences around the world. The Lord has blessed him and his wife Mary with three children and eleven grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 10, 2017
When was the last time you took the time to mediate on what it means to fear God? I had not done that for years. Now I am grateful that through this book I've done that. A must read.
June 22, 2021
This book is a short introduction to John Bunyan's theology and teaching on what it means to fear God. Bunyan made a distinction between right and wrong fear. I found not just his distinction, but the way he described proper fear of God helpful and encouraging.
I knew very little of Bunyan outside of Pilgrim's Progress before reading this book. I did not know what to expect, but I found this book valuable. It is short and laser focused on one topic. I think that it is accessible for a wide audience. It made me want to read more of Bunyan.
I knew very little of Bunyan outside of Pilgrim's Progress before reading this book. I did not know what to expect, but I found this book valuable. It is short and laser focused on one topic. I think that it is accessible for a wide audience. It made me want to read more of Bunyan.
February 1, 2025
Didn’t actually finish this book. Just wasn’t what I was expecting. Was hoping for it to be more of a biography, but was essentially just an overview of his theological views and works. Not bad, but not terribly engaging.
October 18, 2016
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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This brief book is a look at the life -- spiritual and natural -- of John Bunyan and his understanding of the fear of the Lord as traced through his writings.
I'll be the first to admit that I have only the most basic understanding of Bunyan beyond The Pilgrim's Progress and that quotation from John Owen about his preaching (only cited twice in this book), so I can't judge the scholarship of Beeke and Smalley when it comes to that. I can say that I thought their approach to both the man and the material could've been deeper. The brief biographical material did everything it needed to -- it wasn't too long and it covered the bases, giving an understanding of what he went through and his historical context.
After the biographical section, the authors turn to the Fear of God, and soon lay out this distinction:
They examine the ungodly fear some more and then look at various spiritually sound fears -- and the ways that is can promote growth in holiness and perseverance.
A lot of this material was helpful -- I'm not sure if it was because of the way that Beeke and Smalley compiled it or Bunyan's insights that helped me the most, but I don't think I understood any of the ideas the way I wanted to. Yes, the authors would point me at Bunyan and the Bible as a resource, but I think they could've helped me more.
I thought the evangelical appeal at the end of the book a little out of place -- it didn't seem to fit the intentions or voice of the book up to that point -- and I can't imagine that anyone who isn't a convert reading this book. I hope I'm wrong and that this is an effective tool, I should stress -- but it seemed inorganic.
This isn't a bad book, it's just a slight one. It's too much of a survey, not an examination or an explanation. There's no depth to the look at Bunyan, while there certainly appears to be breadth. I might have walked away with a better understanding of what kinds of things Bunyan wrote and when -- but I don't think it furthered my understanding of the man or his writing beyond that. If the authors had given use another 100 - 150 pages and I think I'd be writing something very positive.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from P&R Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for this post -- thanks to both for this.
N.B.: As this was an ARC, any quotations above may be changed in the published work -- I will endeavor to verify them as soon as possible.
---
This brief book is a look at the life -- spiritual and natural -- of John Bunyan and his understanding of the fear of the Lord as traced through his writings.
I'll be the first to admit that I have only the most basic understanding of Bunyan beyond The Pilgrim's Progress and that quotation from John Owen about his preaching (only cited twice in this book), so I can't judge the scholarship of Beeke and Smalley when it comes to that. I can say that I thought their approach to both the man and the material could've been deeper. The brief biographical material did everything it needed to -- it wasn't too long and it covered the bases, giving an understanding of what he went through and his historical context.
After the biographical section, the authors turn to the Fear of God, and soon lay out this distinction:
...Bunyan deduced that God forbids some fear as ungodly, but commends another kind of fear. This distinction proves to be crucial for Bunyan’s theology, allowing him to differentiate unhealthy, sinful fear from the spiritually sound and fruitful fear of the Lord.
They examine the ungodly fear some more and then look at various spiritually sound fears -- and the ways that is can promote growth in holiness and perseverance.
A lot of this material was helpful -- I'm not sure if it was because of the way that Beeke and Smalley compiled it or Bunyan's insights that helped me the most, but I don't think I understood any of the ideas the way I wanted to. Yes, the authors would point me at Bunyan and the Bible as a resource, but I think they could've helped me more.
I thought the evangelical appeal at the end of the book a little out of place -- it didn't seem to fit the intentions or voice of the book up to that point -- and I can't imagine that anyone who isn't a convert reading this book. I hope I'm wrong and that this is an effective tool, I should stress -- but it seemed inorganic.
This isn't a bad book, it's just a slight one. It's too much of a survey, not an examination or an explanation. There's no depth to the look at Bunyan, while there certainly appears to be breadth. I might have walked away with a better understanding of what kinds of things Bunyan wrote and when -- but I don't think it furthered my understanding of the man or his writing beyond that. If the authors had given use another 100 - 150 pages and I think I'd be writing something very positive.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from P&R Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for this post -- thanks to both for this.
N.B.: As this was an ARC, any quotations above may be changed in the published work -- I will endeavor to verify them as soon as possible.
October 21, 2016
Poor Christian man, you have scarce been able to do anything for God all your days, but only to fear the Lord. You are no preacher, and so cannot do him service that way. You are no rich man and so cannot do him service with outward substance. You are no wise man, and so cannot do anything that way. But here is your mercy, you fear God. Though you cannot preach, you can fear God. Though you have no bread to feed the belly, nor fleece to cover the back of the poor, you can fear God. Unite my heart to fear thy name. Psalm 86:11
What comes to your mind when you are encouraged to fear God? Whom better to learn from the John Bunyan. I have not read any of his works as of yet but I have had his books on my self for sometime. After reading Joel Beeke's completion of his works in the Fear of God, I would prefer to do so sooner.
The short book with only eight chapters, start with his encounter with God and how he saw fear as a way of worship unto the Lord. He experienced in a Godly fear of God and walking in holiness. Without a rightful fear of God, we cannot experience the holiness of God. Bunyan had such a high view of God he continued to walk in God's grace. The Christian walk is difficult but only when we walk in our own efforts and not in the majesty of Christ. It is the fear of God that drives us not to walk in our efforts but depend on the grace and mercy of God's will.
Some of the quotes that I found encouraging.
This repudiation of one's own good works is not easy, Bunyan said, because it is devastating to our pride. A person must submit to the cross to receive it; "A man is forced to suffer the destruction of his own righteousness for the righteousness of another
Men respond with humble fear not to a merely intellectual idea of God, but only when they have a spiritual sense of God's glory.
A healthy fear brings a follower of Christ a confidence that cannot be broken. A great read that invites man to "come and see that the Lord is good."
A Special Thank You to P & R Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
What comes to your mind when you are encouraged to fear God? Whom better to learn from the John Bunyan. I have not read any of his works as of yet but I have had his books on my self for sometime. After reading Joel Beeke's completion of his works in the Fear of God, I would prefer to do so sooner.
The short book with only eight chapters, start with his encounter with God and how he saw fear as a way of worship unto the Lord. He experienced in a Godly fear of God and walking in holiness. Without a rightful fear of God, we cannot experience the holiness of God. Bunyan had such a high view of God he continued to walk in God's grace. The Christian walk is difficult but only when we walk in our own efforts and not in the majesty of Christ. It is the fear of God that drives us not to walk in our efforts but depend on the grace and mercy of God's will.
Some of the quotes that I found encouraging.
This repudiation of one's own good works is not easy, Bunyan said, because it is devastating to our pride. A person must submit to the cross to receive it; "A man is forced to suffer the destruction of his own righteousness for the righteousness of another
Men respond with humble fear not to a merely intellectual idea of God, but only when they have a spiritual sense of God's glory.
A healthy fear brings a follower of Christ a confidence that cannot be broken. A great read that invites man to "come and see that the Lord is good."
A Special Thank You to P & R Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
November 12, 2016
Do you want to read John Bunyan, but find him intimidating? (Or perhaps you think you'll find him intimidating, but, honestly you've never really tried reading him?!) I would recommend reading John Bunyan and The Grace of Fearing God as an introduction to his life and work.
The book gives a good, solid overview of his life. But it isn't just a reader-friendly biography. (The book also gives a good, basic introduction to PURITANS in general.) It also serves as a GREAT overview of his theology--his doctrinal positions, his written works, his dedication to preaching and teaching. The emphasis of this one is on the fear of God, and how the fear of God is intimately connected to God's GRACE.
I'm going to guess that many Christians don't really think about the fear of God all that often. Many may have been taught that fear of God is unnecessary. After all, GOD IS LOVE. And who would fear a God that is all love, all the time?! But the Bible teaches--and Bunyan preaches--that God is a God to be feared. Why? Was Bunyan opposed to grace? Was he a legalist? Did he teach that fear of God could be overcome--should be overcome--by our ongoing obedience? These questions and more are answered within the book.
One of the things I enjoyed most about the book was how thought-provoking it was. You do not have to convince me that the Bible is relevant. I believe that heart-and-soul. But I am convinced that Bunyan remains relevant as well. I think Bunyan could teach us modern-day Christians a LOT.
But what I really LOVED, LOVED, LOVED about this one was all the Bible-talk. Bunyan apparently LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the Bible too.
The book gives a good, solid overview of his life. But it isn't just a reader-friendly biography. (The book also gives a good, basic introduction to PURITANS in general.) It also serves as a GREAT overview of his theology--his doctrinal positions, his written works, his dedication to preaching and teaching. The emphasis of this one is on the fear of God, and how the fear of God is intimately connected to God's GRACE.
I'm going to guess that many Christians don't really think about the fear of God all that often. Many may have been taught that fear of God is unnecessary. After all, GOD IS LOVE. And who would fear a God that is all love, all the time?! But the Bible teaches--and Bunyan preaches--that God is a God to be feared. Why? Was Bunyan opposed to grace? Was he a legalist? Did he teach that fear of God could be overcome--should be overcome--by our ongoing obedience? These questions and more are answered within the book.
One of the things I enjoyed most about the book was how thought-provoking it was. You do not have to convince me that the Bible is relevant. I believe that heart-and-soul. But I am convinced that Bunyan remains relevant as well. I think Bunyan could teach us modern-day Christians a LOT.
But what I really LOVED, LOVED, LOVED about this one was all the Bible-talk. Bunyan apparently LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the Bible too.
September 13, 2019
Joel Beeke and Paul Smalley have written a beautiful albeit brief summation of John Bunyan and the doctrine of reverence for God. Reverence and fear for God are synonymous with one another. The book offers plenty of evidence of Bunyan’s interpretation of the doctrine with summaries, quotes, and a few large blocks. It is nice to hear it in his own words and understand thier commentary. I’ve read books like this where Bunyan is reduced to Pilgrims Progress. Not the case here. Pilgrims Progress and Holy War are given adequate space but so are his other works. I wish it was a longer book but it is a job well done. It is brief but brilliant.
November 13, 2024
A perfect companion to Bunyan's "The Fear of God". It reads like a compilation, so at times is a tough go, but there are valuable additions to getting a fuller grasp of Bunyan's conception of the fear of God. Beeke and Smalley put together historical context, biographical information, and pertinent writing from Bunyan's other works to round out this study of such an important topic.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews