Embracing Christ's Compassion: The Heart of Goodwin

 

Summary

Thomas Goodwin, a largely forgotten yet profoundly influential theologian, deserves renewed attention for his Christ-centered teachings and pastoral heart. Born in 1600 in Norfolk, England, Goodwin grew up in a Puritan stronghold, which initially shaped his religious inclinations. However, during his time at Cambridge, he became more focused on gaining applause and recognition as a preacher. This pursuit of fame led to a period of deep introspection and spiritual struggle, lasting seven years, until an old pastor advised him to look outward to Christ rather than inward for signs of grace. This pivotal moment transformed Goodwin's ministry, shifting his focus from a domineering style to one centered on the grace of Christ.

Goodwin's journey took him from Cambridge to Holland and back to England, where he played a significant role in the Westminster Assembly. Despite his firm beliefs, he was known for his charitable nature and ability to command respect across theological divides. His collaboration with John Owen and his role as President of Magdalen College, Oxford, further cemented his influence. Yet, it was his pastoral heart that truly defined him. Even after losing his position with the return of Charles II, Goodwin chose to pastor a church in London, dedicating his final years to writing and ministry.

One of Goodwin's most notable works, "The Heart of Christ in Heaven Towards Sinners on Earth," exemplifies his Christ-centered theology. He emphasized the importance of looking to Christ rather than being consumed by one's own heart and sins. Goodwin argued that Christ, even in his glorified state, remains deeply compassionate and affectionate towards his people. This understanding encourages believers to approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that Christ's heart is tender and inclined towards them.

Goodwin's insights challenge the notion that Christ, now exalted, is distant or aloof. Instead, he presents a Savior whose compassion is stirred by both our afflictions and sins. This perspective transforms how believers perceive their relationship with Christ, encouraging them to draw near in times of need. Goodwin's teachings remind us that Christ's love is a reflection of the Father's love, and this profound truth has the power to draw us away from sin and towards a deeper love for Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- Thomas Goodwin's transformation from seeking applause to embracing a Christ-centered ministry highlights the importance of looking outward to Christ rather than inward for signs of grace. This shift in focus can lead to a more authentic and impactful ministry. [03:15]

- Goodwin's work, "The Heart of Christ in Heaven Towards Sinners on Earth," emphasizes the importance of focusing on Christ rather than being consumed by one's own heart and sins. This perspective encourages believers to approach Christ with confidence, knowing his heart is tender and inclined towards them. [10:32]

- Goodwin challenges the notion that Christ, now exalted, is distant or aloof. Instead, he presents a Savior whose compassion is stirred by both our afflictions and sins, transforming how believers perceive their relationship with Christ. [12:17]

- Goodwin's teachings remind us that Christ's love is a reflection of the Father's love. This profound truth has the power to draw us away from sin and towards a deeper love for Christ, encouraging us to approach the throne of grace with confidence. [22:23]

- The beauty of Christ's heart in heaven woos believers, drawing them back to him from their sin. Goodwin's insights challenge us to embrace the tender kindness of Christ, which has the power to transform our hearts and deepen our love for him. [21:57]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:24] - Introduction to Thomas Goodwin
- [01:13] - Early Life and Religious Background
- [02:13] - Spiritual Struggles and Transformation
- [03:34] - Shift to Christ-Centered Preaching
- [05:13] - Role in the Westminster Assembly
- [06:24] - Relationship with John Owen
- [07:37] - Pastoral Heart and Influence
- [08:38] - Final Years and Legacy
- [09:40] - Introduction to "The Heart of Christ"
- [11:05] - Christ's Compassionate Heart
- [12:41] - Encouragement to Approach Christ
- [14:26] - Christ's Love for His Bride
- [16:41] - Christ's Resurrection Appearances
- [18:12] - Christ's Compassion in Glory
- [20:39] - New Identity in Christ
- [22:23] - Trinitarian Love and Conclusion

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Thomas Goodwin's Christ-Centered Theology

Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 4:15-16
2. John 13:1-17
3. Hebrews 5:2

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Observation Questions:

1. What transformation did Thomas Goodwin experience in his ministry, and what prompted this change? [03:15]

2. How does Goodwin describe the heart of Christ towards sinners, even in His glorified state? [12:17]

3. What role did Goodwin play in the Westminster Assembly, and how did his views differ from the majority? [05:40]

4. According to Goodwin, what are the two things that stir Christ's compassion towards us? [18:49]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Goodwin's shift from seeking applause to focusing on Christ-centered preaching reflect a broader spiritual principle for believers? [03:34]

2. In what ways does Goodwin challenge the common perception of Christ's exalted state as being distant from believers? [12:17]

3. How does Goodwin's understanding of Christ's compassion towards our sins and afflictions reshape the believer's approach to repentance and grace? [20:01]

4. What does Goodwin mean when he says that Christ's love is a reflection of the Father's love, and how does this impact our understanding of the Trinity? [22:23]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you sought validation from others rather than focusing on Christ. How can Goodwin's transformation inspire a change in your approach to ministry or personal life? [03:34]

2. Goodwin emphasizes looking outward to Christ rather than inward for signs of grace. How can you practice this perspective in your daily spiritual walk? [10:32]

3. How does the understanding that Christ's heart is tender and inclined towards us encourage you to approach Him with confidence, especially in times of personal struggle? [12:41]

4. Consider a situation where you felt distant from Christ. How does Goodwin's teaching on Christ's compassion challenge that perception and encourage you to draw near? [12:17]

5. Goodwin's insights suggest that our sins stir Christ's compassion rather than anger. How can this understanding transform your approach to confession and repentance? [20:01]

6. In what ways can you reflect the tender kindness of Christ in your interactions with others, especially those who may be struggling with sin or affliction? [21:57]

7. How can the knowledge that Christ's love is a reflection of the Father's love deepen your relationship with God and influence your prayer life? [22:23]

Devotional

Day 1: Transformation Through Christ-Centered Focus
Thomas Goodwin's journey from seeking personal applause to embracing a Christ-centered ministry illustrates the profound impact of shifting one's focus outward to Christ. Initially, Goodwin was consumed by the desire for recognition, which led to a period of spiritual struggle. However, a pivotal moment of advice from an old pastor redirected his attention to Christ's grace rather than his own efforts. This transformation not only changed Goodwin's ministry style but also deepened his understanding of authentic faith. By looking outward to Christ, believers can experience a more genuine and impactful ministry, free from the burdens of self-centeredness. [03:15]

Hebrews 12:2 (ESV): "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking personal recognition? How can you shift your focus to Christ today, allowing His grace to guide your actions and decisions?


Day 2: Confidence in Christ's Compassionate Heart
Goodwin's work, "The Heart of Christ in Heaven Towards Sinners on Earth," emphasizes the importance of focusing on Christ rather than being consumed by one's own heart and sins. He argues that Christ, even in His glorified state, remains deeply compassionate and affectionate towards His people. This understanding encourages believers to approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that Christ's heart is tender and inclined towards them. By focusing on Christ's compassion, believers can find reassurance and strength in their relationship with Him, rather than being overwhelmed by their own shortcomings. [10:32]

Hebrews 4:16 (ESV): "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

Reflection: What specific fears or doubts are preventing you from approaching Christ with confidence? How can you remind yourself of His compassionate heart today?


Day 3: Christ's Nearness in Exaltation
Goodwin challenges the notion that Christ, now exalted, is distant or aloof. Instead, he presents a Savior whose compassion is stirred by both our afflictions and sins. This perspective transforms how believers perceive their relationship with Christ, encouraging them to draw near in times of need. By understanding that Christ's exaltation does not diminish His compassion, believers can experience a deeper connection with Him, knowing that He is always present and attentive to their struggles. [12:17]

Psalm 34:18 (ESV): "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."

Reflection: How do you perceive Christ's presence in your life during times of struggle? What steps can you take to draw nearer to Him, trusting in His compassion and nearness?


Day 4: Reflecting the Father's Love
Goodwin's teachings remind us that Christ's love is a reflection of the Father's love. This profound truth has the power to draw us away from sin and towards a deeper love for Christ, encouraging us to approach the throne of grace with confidence. By recognizing the unity of love between the Father and the Son, believers can find assurance in their identity as beloved children of God, empowered to live a life that reflects His love to others. [22:23]

1 John 4:9-10 (ESV): "In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

Reflection: How does understanding Christ's love as a reflection of the Father's love change your view of your identity in Him? How can you embody this love in your interactions with others today?


Day 5: Embracing Christ's Tender Kindness
The beauty of Christ's heart in heaven woos believers, drawing them back to Him from their sin. Goodwin's insights challenge us to embrace the tender kindness of Christ, which has the power to transform our hearts and deepen our love for Him. By focusing on Christ's kindness, believers can find the strength to turn away from sin and towards a life of devotion and love for their Savior. This transformation is not only personal but also impacts how believers interact with the world around them, reflecting Christ's love and kindness to others. [21:57]

Romans 2:4 (ESV): "Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?"

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced Christ's tender kindness in your life? How can you allow His kindness to lead you to repentance and a deeper love for Him today?

Quotes

"I've trusted," he said "too much to these signs. I've come to this past now -- these signs of grace in me are no sure good. No, I tell you. Christ is worth all." Now, up to this point, he had actually been a preacher and he devoted himself, he said, to a ministry of battering consciences, but at this moment, his ministry change. [00:03:19]

And from there, it was to Thomas Goodwin that Richard Sibbes said "Young man, if ever you would do good, you must preach the gospel and the free grace of God in Christ Jesus," and that's what Goodwin now did. Unlike Sibbes, he became an affable preacher. Now, he wouldn't use his considerable intellectual abilities to patronize people. [00:04:24]

And in an age of often very bitter theological dispute, nobody seems to have spoken ill of Goodwin -- a remarkable feat. If there was a contemporary Goodwin overlapped with more than any, it was John Owen. And in the Puritan heyday of the 1650's were here, John Owen would be Vice Chancellor of Oxford University and at that same time, Goodwin was President of Magdalen College. [00:06:25]

And the last twenty years of his life he spent pastoring, writing treatises and studying in London. And there was one little moment that makes me, as a fellow theologian, makes my heart go out to him -- in 1666, the Great Fire of London swept through and burned more than half of his voluminous library. My heart goes out to him in that. [00:08:13]

Hearts might be one to him. Now, through The Heart of Christ in Heaven Towards Sinners on Earth, he wanted to present the heart of the bridegroom to his bride, the church. And through presenting the heart of the bridegroom, he wanted to woo the church, the people of God to the great bridegroom. And his concern particularly was this. [00:11:20]

And his aim was to show through Scripture Christ is not now aloof from his people even though he's now in glory. He has, if anything, even stronger affections and compassion for his people. And knowing this, he said, "This may hearten and encourage believers to come more boldly unto the throne of grace, unto such a Saviour, such a High Priest, when they know how sweetly, how tenderly his heart, though he is now in his glory, is inclined towards them." [00:12:17]

And Goodwin says "Just so does he pray for us now, even though we are daily unkind to him, he remains ever kind towards us." Over the next chapters, he, Jesus, tells his disciples of how like a loving bridegroom, he is going to prepare a place for his bride. And Goodwin says, 'It as if Jesus had said "The truth is, my beloved, I cannot live without you. [00:14:16]

And these words, said Goodwin, "They do, as it were, take our hands, and they lay them upon Christ's breast, and they let us feel how his heart beats, how his bowels yearn towards us, even now he is in glory -- and the scope of these words is manifestly to encourage believers against all that may discourage them, by considering how Christ's heart now is in heaven is towards them." [00:17:51]

And if anything in particular, two things, says Goodwin, stir Christ's compassion: First, our afflictions stir his compassion; second, -- almost unbelievably -- our sin stirs his compassion. Having experienced on earth the utmost load of pain, rejection and sorrow, "In all points tempted like as we are," Christ in heaven empathizes with our suffering. [00:18:49]

And fathers, they love their children, they don't hate their children when they get sick. The sickness in their children arouses their compassion for their children -- hatred for the sickness, compassion for the child. In glory, says Goodwin, Jesus' first reaction when you sin is pity. Where you would run from him in guilt, he would run to you in grace. [00:21:11]

The beauty of Christ's heart in heaven woos ours. Now, our focus is upon Christ, but Goodwin's adamant -- he's ardently Trinitarian -- he's adamant that we should not think that here is a beautifully compassionate Christ appeasing a heartless Father. No, no, says Goodwin, "Christ adds not one drop of love to the Father's heart. All the love of Christ is the streaming of the Father's love." [00:22:04]

And if more could soak up Good's message to change like Goodwin, if preachers could preach like Goodwin, I think many more might say, like him, "Christ cannot love me better than he does. I think I cannot love Christ better than I do." [00:23:03]

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