"A Sure Guide to Heaven" is a thorough and compelling argument for the necessity of conversion. In it the author presents the nature of true conversion and common mistakes about conversion, so the reader can be assured he is not deceived into believing he is converted when in reality he is not ("Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." -Matthew 7:13-14).
Alleine outlines the marks of an unconverted soul, so the reader may make an accurate self-inventory ("Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test." -2 Corinthians 13:5-6). He forewarns the fence-sitter of the miseries of the unconverted state, both in this life and hereafter, and gives motives for conversion. The book concludes with "directions to the unconverted" so that the reader may take hold of the saving faith Christ offers.
Joseph Alleine's ministry burned briefly but brightly. He died at age 34 after being wearied by almost continuous persecution. "A Sure Guide to Heaven" was his most popular work, being reprinted countless times since it was originally published in 1671. It is an uncommonly straightforward and easy-to-read example of Puritan writing, suitable even for a capable 4th grade reader.
This Digital Puritan reprint, based on the Banner of Truth edition, includes the biographical preface of Iain Murray. Over four hundred Scripture references (in the English Standard Version) are hyperlinked and embedded into the book. No internet connection is required.
Alleine outlines the marks of an unconverted soul, so the reader may make an accurate self-inventory ("Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test." -2 Corinthians 13:5-6). He forewarns the fence-sitter of the miseries of the unconverted state, both in this life and hereafter, and gives motives for conversion. The book concludes with "directions to the unconverted" so that the reader may take hold of the saving faith Christ offers.
Joseph Alleine's ministry burned briefly but brightly. He died at age 34 after being wearied by almost continuous persecution. "A Sure Guide to Heaven" was his most popular work, being reprinted countless times since it was originally published in 1671. It is an uncommonly straightforward and easy-to-read example of Puritan writing, suitable even for a capable 4th grade reader.
This Digital Puritan reprint, based on the Banner of Truth edition, includes the biographical preface of Iain Murray. Over four hundred Scripture references (in the English Standard Version) are hyperlinked and embedded into the book. No internet connection is required.
