Penal substitutionary atonement—the belief that Jesus’s death on the cross satisfied God’s wrath against sin—is central to the Christian faith, but frequently debated. Is it just to punish an innocent person in place of the guilty? How can the temporary death of one substitute for the eternal death of many? Why doesn’t the cross grant Christians unlimited permission to sin? In this famous essay, late theologian J. I. Packer analyzes Scripture and the works of early Reformers to defend the truth of Christ’s substitutionary suffering and death, the heart of the Christian gospel.

Writing to a friend who was disillusioned by religion, minister and theologian Henry Scougal created what would become a classic text on Christian living. Compassionately explaining what true religion is and isn’t, Scougal shares biblical practices that lead to real spiritual transformation. In The Life of God in the Soul of Man, Scougal cuts through false ideas about religion and demonstrates how to pursue true unity with God. He explains that religion shouldn’t be primarily focused on outward behavior, but living a divine life characterized by faith, purity, and humility.

Thomas Goodwin seeks not to diminish that truth, but to enhance it by ensuring the church that Jesus Christ is also still perfectly loving and astoundingly forgiving. His love for his people is pure, genuine, and humble. He is still the one who washed his disciples’ feet and met a sinner at the well. He is a compassionate and tender father who desires to encourage and uplift his children. Goodwin encourages Christians to endeavor to fully grasp this concept and to let it influence their own perception of and love for Christ.

How do Christians grow? Few question the call of the Bible to grow in godliness, but the answer to exactly how this happens is often elusive. In this audiobook, Dane Ortlund points believers to Christ, making the case that sanctification does not happen by doing more or becoming better, but by going deeper into the wondrous gospel truths that washed over them when they were first united to him.

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God is a classic sermon by Jonathan Edwards, first delivered in Massachusetts in 1741. This rendition is beautifully narrated by John Potter.

In this audiobook, Charles Spurgeon gently urges those struggling with depression to cast their burdens upon the Lord, who will not forsake his people. Having battled depression and discouragement himself for most of his years in ministry, Spurgeon encourages the downtrodden to hold fast to the promises of God, for he is steadfast and will comfort his children as they walk faithfully with him.

Christians serving the Lord can fall into two traps: depending too heavily on their own power or underestimating their God-given purpose. In this collection of classic sermons, renowned theologian and philosopher Francis A. Schaeffer teaches believers how to rely on the Holy Spirit—not personal effort or status—in matters of service and leadership. 

In this classic exposition of 1 Corinthians 13:8–10, Jonathan Edwards exhorts Christians to ponder the love of God — both here in the world and in expectation of heaven. The things of this world are temporary, but “love never ends” (1 Cor. 13:8). God’s love is a foretaste of future glory, made available through communion with the Holy Spirit. Each chapter of this audiobook is rich with pastoral insights that will leave listeners hungry to experience more of God’s love in eager anticipation of heaven.

In The Mortification of Sin, Owen states not only that sin remains an active and negative force on the lives of Christians, but also that there is a highly effective way to combat that evil force and temptation along with it. Largely addressing Romans 8, this work extracts understanding and brings clarity to the listener on these widely discussed topics. Despite such a potentially disheartening revelation of the impact and influence of sin, Owen reminds the listener of the triumph of Christ.

Nearly two thousand years ago, Jesus told a simple parable about a family...a father and his two sons. It was a story of rebellion, repentance, and unfathomable grace. The Parable of the Prodigal Son still stands out as a crucial lesson about our struggle with sin and dependence on divine salvation. But there is a part of this story that often goes untold. It’s a message you need to hear. This powerful book provides fascinating new insight into one of the Bible’s most important stories. 

Striving for holiness should be a goal for all followers of Christ, yet it is often viewed as too overwhelming of an undertaking or as simply not as important as the more immediate demands of daily life.  

Focusing on one of the most fundamental aspects of the Christian walk, John Owen delves into the heart of any healthy relationship—communication. Owen emphasizes how crucial it is to understand the Trinity and how the importance of communion applies to each person of God. Owen explains that in fully understanding the Triune God, it is clear that each part has a unique role and therefore encourages unique relationships and communication with believers. A healthy Christian life is grown through open communication and a dedicated connection with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux describe four loves: self-love, selfish love, loving God objectified, and loving one's self in God. These four loves are all on the path of learning to love God. He asserts that reaching the last stage of love grants a pain-free afterlife. 

From Genesis to Revelation, the providence of God directs the entire course of redemptive history. Providence is “God’s purposeful sovereignty”. Its extent reaches down to the flight of electrons, up to the movements of galaxies, and into the heart of man. Its nature is wise and just and good. And its goal is the Christ-exalting glorification of God through the gladness of a redeemed people in a new world. 

Oswald Chambers here shows us the parallel between our Lord’s wondrous life on Earth and our life lived in his name. The psychology of the sanctified life is perfectly illustrated in our Lord’s life as set forth in the Gospels. The First Adam mishandled and disarranged his human nature. The Last Adam restored human nature to a right working relation to God. I pray that the book may prove as great a blessing to many thoughtful students, as it has been to some of us for years, bringing them to the Apostolic climax of confession, “For to me to live is Christ.”