A Book to Read: The Doctrine of Repentance

 

  

 Watson, Thomas. The Doctrine of Repentance. Carlisle: The Banner of Truth Trust, 2012 

          Thomas Watson (c. 1620–1686) was a celebrated Puritan pastor, theologian, and author in 17th-century England. He was known for his engaging sermons and devotional writings, which combined deep theological insight with practical application, making his works enduringly popular among Christians even today. Watson authored many influential works, including The Body of Divinity, The Doctrine of Repentance, and The Ten Commandments. These books remain widely read for their spiritual richness and practical application.

          Watson attended Emmanuel College, Cambridge, which was known for its strong Puritan influence. In 1646, he was appointed pastor of St. Stephen’s Church in Walbrook, London. He became widely respected for his expository preaching, which combined doctrinal depth with practical guidance. Watson's sermons, like his books, were marked by clarity, vivid imagery, and a pastoral tone.

          No book or human work can replace God's Word, the Holy Bible. However, books written by brothers and sisters in Christ can edify the soul and challenge us to live rightly before the Lord.  One such book is The Doctrine of Repentance by Thomas Watson.  It was written in the 1660s, and it addresses the vital Christian theme of repentance. Watson explores repentance not just as a one-time act but as a continual and ongoing posture of the believer's heart before God. His writing style is marked by simplicity, deep spiritual insight, and rich imagery.

          Known for his directness as he writes, Watson seeks to win men’s understanding. He says “faith and repentance” comprise the “two great graces essential to [being a believer in Christ]." His thesis, summarized, is that true repentance is a grace of God’s Spirit involving an inner transformation of the heart—characterized by godly sorrow, confession, hatred for and shame of sin, and a turning away from sin that is motivated by God’s holiness, graciousness, mercy, and promises. Without true repentance, there is no genuine salvation. And so, in a pastoral tone, Watson skillfully describes the nature of repentance, its six principal components, and its motivations, gives practical advice for us all, and warns against falsely repenting.

          The book’s strengths lie in its scriptural depth and clarity, making it an excellent resource for personal devotion or teaching. Watson addresses the seriousness of sin and warns of the dangers of superficial repentance and complacency in the Christian life. Watson's work stands largely above criticism, with a timeless message: "Repentance is never out of season," even if the world claims otherwise.  

Central Themes in the Book (His Conclusions Drawn from Scripture):

• The Nature of True Repentance:
  • Watson defines repentance as a grace of God’s Spirit whereby a sinner is inwardly humbled and visibly reformed."
  • He emphasizes that repentance involves both sorrow for sin and turning from sin. It is not merely feeling sorry but changing one’s ways.

• The Necessity of Repentance:
  • Without repentance, there is no forgiveness of sins.
  • Watson underscores that repentance is an essential part of the gospel message and the Christian life.

• The Marks of Genuine Repentance: Watson outlines several key aspects of true repentance:
  • Sight of Sin: Recognizing sin as offensive to God.
  • Sorrow for Sin: Experiencing heartfelt grief over sin.
  • Confession of Sin: Openly acknowledging sin before God.
  • Shame for Sin: Feeling a godly shame for past wrongs.
  • Hatred of Sin: Developing a loathing for sin and its effects.
  • Turning from Sin: Demonstrating repentance through reformed behavior.

• The Motivation for Repentance:
  • Watson explores obedience and God’s goodness, mercy, and patience as motivations for repentance.
  • He also warns against the consequences of unrepentant sin, including divine judgment.

• The Fruits of Repentance:
  • Genuine repentance leads to forgiveness and a transformed life characterized by holiness, obedience, and love for God.

• Warnings Against False Repentance:
  • Watson contrasts true repentance with counterfeit repentance, such as worldly sorrow or outward conformity without inward change.

Relevance Today:
Watson’s The Doctrine of Repentance continues to resonate because:

• Humanity's chief problem is sin, and Jesus Christ saves sinners, according to the Scriptures.
• It addresses the timeless struggle with sin and the need for ongoing repentance in the Christian life.
• Its clear, Scripture-saturated teaching is accessible to both new and mature believers.

Key Quotes:

• "Repentance is a grace of God’s Spirit, whereby a sinner is inwardly humbled and visibly reformed."
• "Till sin be bitter, Christ will not be sweet."
• "Repentance is the vomiting of the soul."

Why Read This Book?

• Spiritual Depth: It challenges readers to examine their lives and cultivate a genuine relationship with God.
• Biblical Clarity:  It is biblical. Watson anchors all his arguments in Scripture, making it a trustworthy guide.
• Practical Application: It offers tangible steps for living out repentance daily.

          The Doctrine of Repentance is a profound work that calls believers to embrace a lifestyle of repentance and pursue a deeper walk with God. It’s a timeless resource for personal spiritual growth and for understanding the transformative power of the Holy Spirit leading sinners into repentance and a restored relationship with God. Thomas Watson’s life exemplified a deep love for God, His Word, and His people. His writings continue to inspire Christians to pursue holiness, repentance, and deeper knowledge of Scripture. His legacy as one of the most beloved Puritan authors lives on, offering timeless wisdom and encouragement to believers around the world.

Thomas Watson's The Doctrine of Repentance is in the public domain and can be obtained for free at many libraries and online. If you'd like to obtain a personal copy, here is a link to the copy I recently read, and here is a copy of his work in modern English.