Heaven Taken By Storm

Puritan writers can sometimes be a dull undertaking when it comes to reading. This is not the case with Watson! In a clear, concise manner, he tackles one of the most misunderstood verses in the New Testament: Matthew 11:12, The Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by storm. In our society, we hear a lot about violence –school shootings, homicides, burglaries, etc… The news is packed with it. However, there is a violence that is good, and a type that we, as Christians, must pursue. This is the violence that Watson speaks about. The Kingdom of God is not as easily received as we are led to believe. Watson shows that the believer must “offer violence to himself” in a variety of ways, including reading of the Word, hearing of the Word, prayer, meditation, self-examination and sanctifying the Lord’s day. None of these things come naturally to any of us. It takes much effort and dying to self to accomplish them. Not only must the believer offer violence to himself, but he must also offer it to Satan, to the world, and to Heaven. Watson is not promoting some kind of legalistic pietism that will earn someone a place in Heaven. Rather, he is admonishing true believers to pursue righteousness and to earnestly contend for the faith.
Thomas Watson was not the first to tackle this heady verse. The Great American intellect Jonathan Edwards also preached and wrote on the subject. Possibly the most well known portrayal of this verse comes in John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. In it he pictures a lone swordsman rushing headlong into battle against all the castle guards as he attempts to “take it by storm”.
Although, I’m not always pleased with how the puritans handle texts of Scripture, Watson plumbs the depths of this verse and offers many anecdotes for how we should “offer violence” in our effort of seeking the Kingdom of God. He also gives some reproof for those not offering violence, along with objections against it and hindrances to it. If you are interested in a healthy challenge to examine your life and see whether you are indeed taking heaven by storm, I encourage you to pick up this book and Read ‘em and Reap!
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