Dying Thoughts

Mid-levelBusy pastorsStrong recommendation
Publisher: Banner of Truth
Theological Perspective: Reformed
Resource Type: Puritans

Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.1/10

A bracing work that trains us to live and die with Christ before our eyes.

Publication Date(s): 2021
Pages: 144
ISBN: 9781800401570
Devotional Richness: 8.2/10
We find a sober devotional tone that stirs repentance, watchfulness, and a more serious love for Christ.
Theological Clarity: 7.9/10
We are given clear gospel truth, though the emphasis can feel more exhortative than contemplative.
Helpfulness for Preaching: 7.8/10
We gain material that can strengthen preaching toward eternity shaped priorities and pastoral seriousness.
Faithfulness to Scripture: 8/10
We see Scripture and conscience work handled carefully, with plain counsel aimed at obedience.
Depth and Challenge: 8.6/10
We are stretched, because Baxter presses us to live ready, to repent quickly, and to cling to Christ.
Overall Value: 8/10
We find it direct and workable, especially in shorter sittings with reflection.

Summary

At a Glance

Length
144 pages
Type
Theo. Perspective
Reformed
Overall score
8.1 / 10
Strength
Strong conscience work that drives us toward repentance and eternal priorities.
Limitation
The tone is strongly exhortative, so we will want to read it alongside more explicitly consoling works.

We read this as a serious work written with the end in view, aiming to help believers live now in the light of their final meeting with the Lord.

Richard Baxter presses the conscience, not to terrify, but to awaken, and to direct us toward a settled hope in Christ.

Why Should We Read This Resource?

We are helped because Baxter makes us honest about what matters. He exposes how easily we waste time, cherish small comforts, and avoid hard obedience, and he calls us to a life shaped by eternity.

We also gain a form of pastoral application that does not flinch. Baxter urges us to prepare well, to repent deeply, to believe simply, and to keep our hope fixed on Christ rather than on our own record.

For pastors, this can strengthen preaching that calls people to seriousness without turning the gospel into mere warning. We are reminded that true comfort grows where the conscience is clean and the Saviour is trusted.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a bracing, sanctifying read for those who want a clearer, steadier view of life and death under Christ.


Where to buy
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Classification

  • Level: Mid-level
  • Best For: Busy pastors
  • Priority: Strong recommendation

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Commentary

Puritans

Bible Atlas

Reviewed by

An Expositor