A Body of Divinity

Contained in Sermons Upon the Westminster Assembly's Catechism by Thomas Watson

Author

Thomas Watson

Category Theology Books

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Weight	.84 lbs
Dimensions	8.5 × 5.4 × .7 in
ISBN	9780851513836
paperback isbn	9780851513836
clothbound isbn	9780851511443
Binding	Paperback, Cloth-bound, eBook (ePub & Kindle), Paperback & eBook (ePub & Kindle), Cloth-bound & eBook (ePub & Kindle)
Topic	Catechisms/Confessions, General Theology, God
Original Pub Date	1692
Banner Pub Date	Oct 1, 1958
Page Count	316
Format	Book

Book Description

Thomas Watson’s book, A Body of Divinity is one of the first books published by the Banner of Truth Trust. This book has been one of the best sellers and consistently the most useful and influential of our publications. There are several reasons for this:

The subject of the book. It deals with the foremost doctrinal and experimental truths of the Christian Faith.
The means of instruction used. It is based on the Westminster Assembly’s Shorter Catechism, in which the main principles of Christianity that lie scattered in the Scriptures are brought together and set forth in the form of question and answer. This Catechism is unsurpassed for its ‘terse exactitude of definition’ and ‘logical elaboration’ of the fundamentals.
The style of the author. Watson conveys his thorough doctrinal and experimental knowledge of the truth in such an original, concise, pithy, pungent, racy, rich and illustrative style that he is rightly regarded as the most readable of the Puritans.

Table of Contents Expand ↓

	MEMOIR	vii
	PRELIMINARY DISCOURSE	1
1	INTRODUCTION
	1. Man’s Chief End	6
	2. The Scriptures	26
2	GOD AND HIS CREATION
	1. The Being Of God	39
	2. The Knowledge Of God	55
	3. The Eternity Of God	60
	4. The Unchangeableness Of God	66
	5. The Wisdom Of God	71
	6. The Power Of God	77
	7. The Holiness Of God	82
	8. The Justice Of God	87
	9. The Mercy Of God	93
	10. The Truth Of God	99
	11. The Unity Of God	103
	12. The Trinity	108
	13. The Creation	113
	14. The Providence Of God	119
3	THE FALL
	1. The Covenant Of Works	128
	2. Sin	132
	3. Adam’s Sin	137
	4. Original Sin	142
	5. Man’s Misery By The Fall	148
4	THE COVENANT OF GRACE AND ITS MEDIATOR
	1. The Covenant Of Grace	154
	2. Christ The Mediator Of The Covenant	161
	3. Christ’s Prophetic Office	166
	4. Christ’s Priestly Office	172
	5. Christ’s Kingly Office	186
	6. Christ’s Humiliation In His Incarnation	192
	7. Christ’s Exaltation	203
	8. Christ The Redeemer	209
5	THE APPLICATION OF REDEMPTION
	1. Faith	215
	2. Effectual Calling	220
	3. Justification	226
	4. Adoption	231
	5. Sanctification	240
	6. Assurance	250
	7. Peace	261
	8. Joy	267
	9. Growth In Grace	273
	10. Perseverance	279
6	DEATH AND THE LAST DAY
	1. The Death Of The Righteous	290
	2. A Believer’s Privilege At Death	295
	3. The Resurrection	305

Testimonials

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John H. Van Voorhis – April 4, 2014

I have known of Watson’s “A Body of Divinity” for years, but I did not begin to read it until last year. I have it on my Kindle, thus making it easy for my octogenarian eyes to read, but it is important to own the book as well.

The book is an absolutely gem. To begin with, every Christian ought to know, if they do not now, that the Westminster Shorter Catechism is a marvelous summary of Christian doctrine. Knowing the Catechism gives the reader a solid foundation of Biblical, Reformed theology. But Watson has written, in a style easily understandable to those without formal theological training, to mine the gold that is contained in the Catechism. By that I mean that Watson’s book is highly experiential, a treasure of Reformed spirituality. I have worked my way through it by reading a portion each day for my devotional time It has been a tremendous blessing and encouragement to me. I highly commend it I would even compare its usefulness with Ryle’s Expository Thoughts on the Gospels.
Rev Dr Paul Blackham – September 6, 2014

This is one of the first theological books I ever read as a boy – together with his volume on The Ten Commandments – so it always held a special place in my affections. I had read it twice in my youth and had dipped back in over the years, but recently got a new copy. Returning to this over the past weeks has been such a joy. Thomas Watson’s style is so easy to read – warm, practical and profound. Each day I have been including a few pages in my morning devotions and I’m urging friends to buy it and do the same! He gets to the real treasure of each doctrine and then explains why it matters so much. Glory to Jesus! Rev Dr Paul Blackham
Lex Loizides – August 6, 2015

I have the joy of owning a Banner first edition of A Body of Divinity and have not subjected it to the numerous underlinings that characterise other engaging books that I have read. Watson has an almost Shakespearean precision of phrasing and a stunning array of incredibly appropriate illustrations. At least two things happen when you read him: you are intellectually sharpened and you are spiritually refreshed. Oh, and a third, you wish that some of his illustrations could still make sense to today’s congregation! A wonderful, wonderful book.
Dr. Jenson Lim – November 3, 2016

This was my first Banner book that I bought in 2000 when I came to the Reformed faith. It was Dr. Peter Masters who recommended this book – it seems he has recommended this to those who grew up in the Met Tab. Despite its Elizabethan English, the way it covers the Westminster Shorter Catechism – with its depth, warmth, challenging yet devotional style of writing makes it worthwhile. Till today I still peruse it for sermon preparation, children’s talk, devotional reading, etc.
Judy Notestine – September 7, 2018

I was late coming to faith, almost 20 years ago, at the age of 57. Although I have been growing and learning through excellent studies and sermons at my church, about a year ago, I developed an intense desire to know more about God. A speaker, in a Ligonier Conference I watched, recommended “A Body of Divinity” as a book that had a great impact on him.
I go to a women’s Bible study at another church. In the session I attend, we study the Word, itself. The other offerings use books by women authors whom I do not recommend and they typically study “women’s issues.” I have a strong opinion that what women need to study is not “women’s issues”, but rather, solid Bible studies and theology. “A Body of Divinity” was a wonderful find for me. Although first published in 1692, Thomas Watson is a writer for today, as well, with clear explanations of Biblical doctrine, using the structure of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. This is a must read, for sure.
Billy – August 29, 2021

I have feasted on Watson’s Body of Body of Divinity over four times and still thirst for it! So deep a theological mine! I still refer to it and fetch 🔥 from it! I strongly recommend the book! Then proceed to Watson’s other racy works!
Billy – August 29, 2021

I have read it through again and again!

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Description

Book Description Thomas Watson’s book, A Body of Divinity is one of the first books published by the Banner of Truth Trust. This book has been one of the best sellers and consistently the most useful and influential of our publications. There are several reasons for this: The subject of the book. It deals with […]