John Goodwin

Redemption Redeemed: a Puritan Defense of Unlimited Atonement, Expanded Edition John Goodwin

John Goodwin (1593-1665), the eminent Puritan Arminian divine, was a man ahead of his time who lived in a turbulent and eventful era in which many principals, both theological and governmental, were subjects of controversy.

In "Redemption Redeemed," completed in 1650, he provides a superb defense of the Biblical position of unlimited atonement. This work is an adversarial treatise in which he, step by step, examines the overwhelming scriptural and theological evidence that Christ died for all mankind. Goodwin also refutes the opposing Calvinistic arguments of his day and argues that God, through his grace, provides the opportunity for all people to be saved. Some of Goodwin's thoughts on God's foreknowledge, election and decrees are included as well.

The Methodist Quarterly Review noted: "Had 'Redemption Redeemed' been his only publication, it should have been enough in itself to perpetuate his (Goodwin's) fame. Its great learning, clear reasoning, sound judgment, and admirable spirit, render it worthy of the study of the lovers of this glorious doctrine, and the name of its author is one which all Arminians should delight to honor. A volume so ably written, and going to the bottom of the controversy, could not in that polemic age fail of creating a storm."

In the contemporary period, as Christians enter the 21st Century and Calvinisn with its disturbing implications is making a resurgence, Goodwin's master work is a welcome and much needed contribution to those seeking to understand the truths of God's word.