Looking Unto Jesus - Book 1: The Soul’s Looking Unto Jesus As He Carries On The Great Work Of Man’s Salvation

by Isaac Ambrose, William Kritlow (Editor)

Isaac Ambrose opens the verse “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” Hebrews 12:2. In this first volume he unpacks the first three words, “Looking Unto Jesus” and he does it wonderfully. He examines it from the view of the Christian and non-Christian alike as he delves into what Looking Unto Jesus means, what it provides the one who does it with vigor, what is provided and is missed by the Christian who does it apathetically, lazily. And what is missed by the unsaved person who doesn’t do it at all.For instance, when discussing the light shed by Christ and how the unsaved misses that completely, the edited Isaac puts it this He is without light. He grapples in darkness. There isn’t even a whisper of saving knowledge, not even the most distant star of spiritual light rising in his soul. “You were once darkness,” says the apostle to his Ephesians. Not only were you in darkness, but you were darkness itself—wholly dark, universally dark, deep cavern dark, having no mixture nor glimpse (while without Christ) of spiritual light in them.In another place, he discusses what the Christian who eagerly looks upon Jesus receives from his Savior. This is one of 8 elements the edited Isaac puts Christ gives the sense of His own worth and excellency to them. They see in Christ wisdom that surpasses the brightness of the sun—all the treasures of wisdom. In Christ is power excelling the strength of mountains. He is not only strong, but strength itself. In Christ is honor transcending all the kings of the earth, for He is “King of kings, and Lord of lords.” In Christ is beauty excelling the “rose of Sharon, and lily of the valleys.” He is fairer than all the flowers of the fields and gardens, than all the precious stones of the earth, than all the lights in the firmament, than all the saints and angels in the highest heavens.This first volume not only sets the stage for much more to come, but stands alone in its own right, brings the reader face to face with the savior that gives great rewards to all those who are “Looking Unto Jesus.”

43 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2021

About the author

Isaac Ambrose (1591 – 20 January 1664) was an English Puritan divine. He graduated with a BA. from Brasenose College, Oxford, on 1624. He obtained the cure of St Edmund’s Church, Castleton, Derbyshire in 1627. He was one of king's four preachers in Lancashire in 1631. He was twice imprisoned by commissioners of array. He worked for establishment of Presbyterianism; successively at Leeds, Preston, and Garstang, whence he was ejected for nonconformity in 1662. He also published religious works.

Reviews

[Jennifer Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because it was recommended by Leonard Ravenhill. I believe this is the first of several volumes carved out from a larger work. The loving, simple and earnest plea of this Puritan writer was compelling and the timing of reading this book was, for me, providential.

Just one of many good quotes:

“You can’t behold Christ, without seeing Him loving and embracing your humble soul and binding up your broken heart.”

[Grady Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly Recommend

Charles Haddon Spurgeon recommended these books as one of the best books written to help you in your sanctification as a Christian. John Bunyan was greatly influenced to look to CHRIST as he read these. I highly recommend them and urge you to take your time and meditate on what Isaac Ambrose is saying as you read through these devotions.

[richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking Unto Jesus ~ Isaac Ambrose

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5

The whole book is based around Hebrews 12:2: “Looking unto Jesus, the beginner and finisher of our faith.” and it's wonderful and insightful and helpful. Basically everything that the Christian needs can be found and had by looking unto Jesus. Beholding Jesus, His person and His work. An excellent and helpful book.