Five discourses on the soul's eternal salvation in Vol I of the Works - Edwards - VII - Second discourse commenced

Required readingFive discourses on the soul's eternal salvation in Vol I of the Works by Jonathan Edwards (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence the Second Discourse (Pressing into the Kingdom of God) by reading up to the Application.

My summary.

Today we begin Edward's second discourse which is on "The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it." (Luke 16:16)

Firstly, Edwards observes two things:

(i) wherein the work and office of John the Baptist consisted;

(ii) wherein his success appeared.

Then Edwards states that the doctrine that he observes from the verse is this: "It concerns every one that would obtain the kingdom of God, to be pressing into it."

Then in discoursing on this subject, he:

(i) shows what is that way of seeking salvation that seems to be pointed forth in the expression of pressing into the kingdom of God;

(ii) gives the reasons why it concerns every one that would obtain the kingdom of God, to seek it in this way.

What grabbed me

I liked the encouragement that those who enter the kingdom press through difficulties: 'By pressing into the kingdom of God is denoted a breaking through opposition and difficulties. There is in the expression a plain intimation of difficulty. If there were no opposition, but the way was all clear and open, there would be no need of pressing to get along. They therefore that are pressing into the kingdom of God, go on with such engagedness, that they break through the difficulties that are in their way. They are so set for salvation, that those things by which others are discouraged, and stopped, and turned back, do not stop them, but they press through them. Persons ought to be so resolved for heaven, that if by any means they can obtain, they will obtain. Whether those means be difficult or easy, cross or agreeable, if they are requisite means of salvation, they should be complied with. When any thing is presented to be done, the question should not be, Is it easy or hard? is it agreeable to my carnal inclinations or interest, or against them? But is it a required means of my obtaining an interest in Jesus Christ, and eternal salvation? Thus the apostle, Philip. iii. 11. "If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead." He tells us there in the context what difficulties he broke through, that he suffered the loss of all things, and was willingly made conformable even to Christ's death, though that was attended with such extreme torment and ignominy.'

Pressing can be painful, but it must be done!

Next week's reading

Continue the Second Discourse (Pressing into the Kingdom of God) by reading the paragraph beginning 'But here I would particularly direct myself to several sorts of persons'.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.