The Affectionate Theology of Richard Sibbes

“Mark Dever introduces us to a Christian who was a faithful friend to many in his day and whose writings have instilled spiritual comfort in many more in succeeding generations, including the great preacher Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Richard Sibbes soaked strong theology in sweet love for Christ and tender mercy to broken-hearted sinners, making him a stellar example of Reformed experiential Christianity. In an age of division and discord, Sibbes strove for unity while seeking spiritual renewal in the Church of England. Dever’s thorough historical research illuminates the life of this moderate Puritan, of whom it was said, ‘Heaven was in him before he was in heaven.’”

—Dr. Joel R. Beeke

President and Professor of Systematic Theology and Homiletics

Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Mich.

“Richard Sibbes, once called ‘the sweet dipper of grace,’ is an important, but sadly neglected Puritan writer. Mark Dever’s fine book helpfully puts Sibbes into context and the vitality of his theology for his day and for ours.”

—Dr. W. Robert Godfrey

President Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of Church History

Wesminster Seminary California, Escondido, Calif.

“Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones once called Richard Sibbes ‘an unfailing remedy’ for the troubled of soul. Sibbes was, he wrote, ‘balm to my soul at a period in my life when I was overworked and badly overtired, and therefore subject in an unusual manner to the onslaughts of the devil.’ And that has been my own experience of ‘the heavenly Doctor Sibbes’: his heart-melting sermons seem, without fail, to draw my affections to Christ. I am delighted, then, to see this helpful and accessible introduction to Sibbes. May God use it to put many more in the way of Sibbes’ rich and affecting ministry.”

—Dr. Michael Reeves

President and Professor of Theology

Union School of Theology, Oxford, England