Important Theological Controversies - Edwards - II - Commence Chapter II

Required reading

Remarks on Important Theological Controversies in Vol 2 of the Works by Jonathan Edwards (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Chapter II by reading up to the paragraph commencing: '20. To suppose that, after all the means of grace that are used in this world, Moses and the prophets, Christ and the gospel, the warnings of God's words...'.

My summary

Today Edwards teaches us about the endless punishment of those who die impenitent.

Edwards argues that the punishment is endless because:

(i) it is not purifying;

(ii) it cannot be a state of trial;

(iii) the lifespan of man;

(iv) of the work of Christ (particularly as the only way of salvation);

(v) of unrepentance;

(vi) of the word 'eternal'.

What grabbed me

I liked the comment about the wickedness of those in hell: 'It further appears from what was observed above, that the sinner continuing obstinate in wickedness under such powerful means to reclaim him, for so long a time, will be so far from being more and more purged, or brought nearer to repentance, that he will be farther from it. Wickedness in his heart will be vastly established and increased. For, it may be laid down as au axiom, that the longer men continue wilfully in wickedness, the more is the habit of sin established, and the more and more will the heart be hardened in it. Again, it maybe laid down as another axiom, that the greater and more powerful the means are, that are used to bring men to reform and repent, which they resist, and are obstinate under, the more desperately are men hardened in sin, and the more the principle of it in the heart is confirmed. It may be laid down as a third axiom, that long continuance in perverse and obstinate rebellion against any particular kind of means, tends to render those particular means vain, ineffectual, and hopeless.'

There is no hope for the wicked in hell!

Next week's reading

Conclude Chapter II of 'Remarks on Important Theological Controversies'.

Now it's your turn

Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.