Following God Fully

“Simultaneously a splendid introduction, a refresher course, and a great read.” Sinclair Ferguson

We want discipleship without sacrifice. The Puritans knew following Christ could cost them their lives. While we skim, scroll, and rush, they meditated, prayed, and examined their hearts. In persecution, defeat, and disaster, they clung to Christ. The Puritans were united in this: they strove to follow God fully. Despite their shortcomings, they were people of faith, and that set them apart in their day and in ours. Open these pages and let their example inspire you to follow God as they did. Fully.

Contents

Preface

PART ONE
Who Were the Puritans?

1. The Myth and Foundation of Puritanism
2. The Story of Puritanism
3. Puritanism Defined
4. Why Puritan Teaching Today?
5. Why the Puritan Lifestyle Today?

PART TWO
Puritan Stalwarts

6. William Perkins (1558–1602)
7. Richard Sibbes (1577–1635)
8. Thomas Goodwin (1600–1680)
9. John Eliot (1604–1690)
10. John Owen (1616–1683)
11. John Bunyan (1628–1688)
12. John Flavel (1628–1691)
13. Matthew Henry (1662–1714)
14. Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758)

PART THREE
The Triune God and His Saving Work

15. Communion with the Triune God
16. God the Father: Predestination, Creation, and Providence
17. Christ the Mediator
18. Christ the Compassionate Intercessor
19. The Holy Spirit
20. Covenant Theology

PART FOUR
A Saved and Holy People

21. Regeneration
22. Faith and Repentance
23. Union with Christ and Justification
24. Adoption
25. Sanctification
26. Assurance of Salvation
27. Perseverance
28. Heaven, a World of Love

PART FIVE
Christ’s Bride

29. Church and Worship
30. The Lord’s Supper
31. Church Offices and Government
32. The Lord’s Day
33. Preaching
34. Listening to Sermons
35. Pastoral Counseling
36. Evangelism

PART SIX
Puritans in Daily Life

37. Meditation and Prayer
38. Conscience
39. Marriage
40. Child-Rearing
41. Work as a Calling

PART SEVEN
The Puritans for Today

42. Learning from Puritan Faults
43. Lessons from the Puritans for Today
44. How Should We Begin Reading the Puritans?

Joel R. Beeke is chancellor and professor of systematic theology and homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary.

Michael Reeves is president and professor of theology at Union School of Theology.