Meaning: The quote by Thomas Goodwin, a 17th-century English Puritan theologian and preacher, encapsulates a profound theological concept related to God's love and the experience of time. Goodwin was a prominent figure in the Puritan movement, known for his influential writings on Christian theology and spirituality. The quote reflects his deep understanding of God's love and the way it is manifested in the lives of believers.

Goodwin's assertion that "when God first began to love you, He gave you all that He ever meant to give you in the lump" emphasizes the completeness and sufficiency of God's love for His people. In theological terms, this concept is often referred to as the doctrine of election or predestination, which suggests that God has chosen and granted salvation to certain individuals before the foundation of the world. This divine love and grace are not partial or incomplete but encompass all that is needed for the believers' redemption and eternal life.

The notion of God "retailing" out His love throughout eternity underscores the unfolding of God's plan and the ongoing experience of His love within the framework of time. Goodwin's language evokes the image of a divine merchant gradually dispensing His love to His chosen ones over the course of their earthly lives. This perspective aligns with the Calvinist understanding of God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His purposes in history.

From a theological standpoint, Goodwin's quote reflects the tension between the eternal and temporal dimensions of God's love and redemptive work. While God's love was bestowed upon believers in its entirety from the beginning, the experience and realization of this love occur within the context of human existence and the passage of time. This tension between the eternal and the temporal is a recurring theme in Christian theology, particularly within the Reformed tradition to which Goodwin belonged.

The quote can also be understood in the context of divine providence and the unfolding of God's plan in the lives of individuals. The idea that God is "retailing" His love throughout eternity suggests a deliberate and purposeful distribution of His grace and blessings over time. This perspective encourages believers to trust in God's timing and to perceive their lives within the broader framework of God's eternal purposes.

Furthermore, Goodwin's words convey a sense of assurance and comfort to believers, reminding them of the completeness and constancy of God's love. The notion that God has already given all that He meant to give in terms of His love and salvation implies a sense of security and confidence in the believers' relationship with God. It invites them to rest in the assurance of God's unchanging and unfailing love, knowing that it was granted in full from the outset.

In conclusion, Thomas Goodwin's quote encapsulates profound theological insights into the completeness of God's love and its relationship to the passage of time. It reflects the tension between the eternal and temporal dimensions of God's redemptive work, emphasizing the completeness of His love from the beginning and its ongoing realization throughout eternity. Goodwin's words convey a sense of assurance, comfort, and trust in God's providential care, inviting believers to rest in the sufficiency and constancy of God's love.