Glorious Freedom

A renowned Puritan shows the transforming liberty which comes from seeing Christ in the gospel in an exposition of 2 Corinthians 3:17-18.The original title of this study was The Excellency of the Gospel above the Law. Sibbes described the fuller self-revelation of God in the coming of Christ and its greater effect in those who behold that glory by the Spirit. The vitality of the new covenant results in spiritual liberty and likeness to Christ.Thomas Goodwin and Philip Nye supervised the first edition of this work which was first published in 1639, four years after Sibbes’ death. They described it as showing ‘the liberty of the sons of God… the image of their graces here and glory hereafter’ and as providing ‘much comfort and great encouragement to all (who) begin timely and continue constantly in the ways of God.’The text of the original treatise is reproduced here with minimal editing.

Born in England in 1577, Richard Sibbes was expected to become a wheelwright like his father, but his passion for learning caused him to attend St. John’s College. Converted to Christianity around the age of 25, he earned a B.D. and preached in Cambridge and London. After being granted a Doctorate in Divinity, he became known as the “heavenly Doctor Sibbes.” The Works of Richard Sibbes is available today in seven volumes, with Sibbes’ gift of illuminating Scripture’s meaning still evident today. Other Richard Sibbes books include The Tender Heart, where he guides readers to embracing Christ-centered grace; The Bruised Reed, a book that demonstrates why he was known for his ability to comfort others; and Josiah’s Reformation, a book that reminds us how true reformation comes from the heart. Although Richard Sibbes wrote his books more than 400 years ago, they are still relevant today.