What do you think?
Rate this book
A Perfect Redeemer
Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. —Philippians 3:8
Our sinful hearts seek satisfaction in the things of this world. But true satisfaction is not found in things but in a Jesus Christ.
In this compelling book, William Perkins explains how to find true by resting in Christ’s sufficiency. With his trademark precision, Perkins reminds us of Christ's infinite worth as our only redeemer in twenty-seven short chapters. This message tears down all illusions of self-sufficiency, directing us to rest the riches of God’s grace in Jesus!
Part of the Puritan Treasures for Today Series
As people seek a more satisfying and authentic faith, interest in the Puritans continues to grow. This series presents Puritan books that are accessible in length and carefully edited with modern readers in mind by smoothing out difficult phrases of a bygone era while carefully retaining the meaning of the original authors. These books have been thoughtfully selected to provide some of the best counsel on important subjects that people continue to wrestle with today.
Endorsement
"William Perkins was at his best when he reflected on Christ and His work from his pulpit and with his pen. Stephen Yuille has made that reflection eminently accessible in this thoughtfully organized and readable little volume. Yuille has spent years mastering the art of presenting Puritan doctrine in digestible ways through his preaching ministry. Here, we find that mastery on full display."
—Andrew S. Ballitch, pastor, Westwood Alliance Church, Ontario, Ohio
Our sinful hearts seek satisfaction in the things of this world. But true satisfaction is not found in things but in a Jesus Christ.
In this compelling book, William Perkins explains how to find true by resting in Christ’s sufficiency. With his trademark precision, Perkins reminds us of Christ's infinite worth as our only redeemer in twenty-seven short chapters. This message tears down all illusions of self-sufficiency, directing us to rest the riches of God’s grace in Jesus!
Part of the Puritan Treasures for Today Series
As people seek a more satisfying and authentic faith, interest in the Puritans continues to grow. This series presents Puritan books that are accessible in length and carefully edited with modern readers in mind by smoothing out difficult phrases of a bygone era while carefully retaining the meaning of the original authors. These books have been thoughtfully selected to provide some of the best counsel on important subjects that people continue to wrestle with today.
Endorsement
"William Perkins was at his best when he reflected on Christ and His work from his pulpit and with his pen. Stephen Yuille has made that reflection eminently accessible in this thoughtfully organized and readable little volume. Yuille has spent years mastering the art of presenting Puritan doctrine in digestible ways through his preaching ministry. Here, we find that mastery on full display."
—Andrew S. Ballitch, pastor, Westwood Alliance Church, Ontario, Ohio
156 pages, Paperback
Published August 12, 2024
12 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
William Perkins
158 books31 followersWilliam Perkins (1558–1602) was an influential English cleric and Cambridge theologian, receiving both a B.A. and M.A. from the university in 1581 and 1584 respectively, and also one of the foremost leaders of the Puritan movement in the Church of England during the Elizabethan era. Although not entirely accepting of the Church of England's ecclesiastical practices, Perkins conformed to many of the policies and procedures imposed by the Elizabethan Settlement. He did remain, however, sympathetic to the non-conformist puritans and even faced disciplinary action for his support.
Perkins was a prolific author who penned over forty works, many of which were published posthumously. In addition to writing, he also served as a fellow at Christ's College and as a lecturer at St Andrew's Church in Cambridge. He was a firm proponent of Reformed theology, particularly the supralapsarian theology of Theodore Beza and John Calvin. In addition, he was a staunch defender of Protestant ideals, specifically the five solae with a particular emphasis on solus Christus and sola Scriptura.
Perkins was a prolific author who penned over forty works, many of which were published posthumously. In addition to writing, he also served as a fellow at Christ's College and as a lecturer at St Andrew's Church in Cambridge. He was a firm proponent of Reformed theology, particularly the supralapsarian theology of Theodore Beza and John Calvin. In addition, he was a staunch defender of Protestant ideals, specifically the five solae with a particular emphasis on solus Christus and sola Scriptura.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 3, 2024
A wonderful classic book by William Perkins brought to new life by RHB. In it, Perkins expounds on countless truths that call us back to our first and only love, Christ our Redeemer. He demonstrates from Scripture all of the promises and fulfillments that Christ accomplished and encourages the reader to bring their gaze back to Him.
"...the right knowledge of God arises from the knowledge of Christ crucified. If we would know God aright, and know Him to be our salvation, then we must know Him only in Christ crucified...We must not seek to know God anywhere else but in Christ. Whatever is conceived of God apart from Christ is an idol of the brain."
"...the right knowledge of God arises from the knowledge of Christ crucified. If we would know God aright, and know Him to be our salvation, then we must know Him only in Christ crucified...We must not seek to know God anywhere else but in Christ. Whatever is conceived of God apart from Christ is an idol of the brain."
January 30, 2025
Pure gospel and Christ exalting assurance
July 29, 2025
A wonderful little book by the man who influenced countless Puritan-minded pastors in his time. Being a bit repetitive at times, it served well as devotional literature to pair with daily Bible reading.
It is an extended reflection on Philippians 3:7-11 and, as such, draws out the Reformational views on justification by faith alone in Christ alone. Perkins would have us see Jesus, and in the light of his death and resurrection, come to see ourselves as sinners in need of grace. His concern is that plenty of people know about Christ but too few know Christ-personally, as Lord and Savior. For that reason, they continue in their sin with little concern to finish the race of faith well.
As Perkins drives home in the end of the book, the answer is not necessarily more effort; we can't "grip it and rip it" to salvation. Rather, we must constantly meditate on the costliness of our own sin, seeing even the smallest sin as the reason for the crucifixion, and bask in the glory of God's grace, love, and mercy toward us in Christ.
It is an extended reflection on Philippians 3:7-11 and, as such, draws out the Reformational views on justification by faith alone in Christ alone. Perkins would have us see Jesus, and in the light of his death and resurrection, come to see ourselves as sinners in need of grace. His concern is that plenty of people know about Christ but too few know Christ-personally, as Lord and Savior. For that reason, they continue in their sin with little concern to finish the race of faith well.
As Perkins drives home in the end of the book, the answer is not necessarily more effort; we can't "grip it and rip it" to salvation. Rather, we must constantly meditate on the costliness of our own sin, seeing even the smallest sin as the reason for the crucifixion, and bask in the glory of God's grace, love, and mercy toward us in Christ.
March 24, 2025
This was a good meditation on Christ as our redeemer. The chapters are short, just a couple pages each and great for a daily devotional. If you do a chapter a day would take less than a month to go through. I believe this is my first William Perkins book, but his writing is good, thought provoking, and insightful. I found a good balance between beinging encouraging and challenging.
August 26, 2025
4 stars. A puritan work thoroughly explaining our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Book of the month recommendation for our church in August 2025 is a short but complete work explaining the gospel clearly. Easy to read or listen to as it's in modern english. Content: clean
April 11, 2025
Unintentionally a great read heading up to Easter. At first, the repetition of ideas was tough, but then showed me that my hard heart needs the Gospel drilled into every part of my heart.
August 30, 2025
Puritan gold.
November 4, 2025
I need to get a physical copy of this and take it more slowly. Very devotional.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews