Heaven Taken by Storm by Thomas Watson

One fascinating verse from the Bible that I have blogged about before here is Matthew 11:12 which reads "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force." (ESV)

Peter Cockrell, who blogs at Already Not Yet, suggested a book by Thomas Watson that addressed this verse. The book is Heaven Taken by Storm and I am reading it online here.

Here is a brief bio of Thomas Watson: All of Thomas Watson's writings and sermons are replete with sound doctrine, practical wisdom, and heart-searching application. His profound spirituality, gripping remarks, practical illustrations, and beauty of expression make him one of the most irresistible of the Puritans.

He was educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he was noted for remarkably hard study. In 1646 he was commenced a sixteen year pastorate at St. Stephen's Walbrook. In 1651 he was imprisoned briefly with some other ministers for his share in Christopher Love's plot to recall Charles II. He was released on 30th June,1652, and was formally reinstated vicar of St. Stephen's Walbrook. He obtained great fame and popularity as preacher until the Restoration, when he was ejected for nonconformity. Notwithstanding the rigor of the acts against dissenters, Watson continued to exercise his ministry privately as he found opportunity. Upon the Declaration of Indulgence in 1672 he obtained a license for the great hall in Crosby House. After preaching there for several years, his health gave way, and he retired to Barnston in Essex, where he died suddenly while praying in secret. He was buried on 28th July, 1686.

The book is excellent. It is very practical in its suggestions on how we might 'offer violence' to ourselves, to Satan, to the world, and to heaven. Here is a summary of Part 1 of the book:

Part 1 – Taking Heaven by Violence
• Matthew 11:12 – From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.
• This is a metaphor considering the kingdom of heaven like a castle holding out against in a war. It cannot be taken without violence.
• “The earth is inherited by the meek Mattv:5. Heaven is inherited by the violent.”
• The Christian life is military with Christ as our Captain.
• The verse has two parts:

1. The combat – suffers violence
2. The conquest – the violent take it by force

• The violence concerns men as magistrates – punishing guilt and defending innocence
• The violence concerns men as Christians – though heaven is given freely we must contend for it

• What is this violence?

I. This violence is not:

1. i. Ignorant – a lack of understanding
2. ii. Bloody – to self or others

II. Violence is holy violence:

1. i. Violent for truth
2. ii. Violent for salvation

III. What is implied in holy violence?

1. i. Resolution of will
2. ii. Vigor of affection
3. iii. Strength of endeavour

IV. How does the Christian offer violence?

1. i. To himself
2. ii. To the world
3. iii. To Satan
4. iv. To Heaven

I'll be posting more summaries in the coming days. I hope it encourages you to read this book.