Forty-Six Sermons in Volume II of the Works by Jonathan Edwards (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read the Sermon entitled 'A divine and supernatural light'.
Today's sermon is about the spiritual light Christians receive from God.
Firstly Edwards shows us what this divine light is by initially telling us what the divine light is not. Then Edwards tells us that the spiritual and divinie light may be thus described: 'A true sense of the divine excellency of the things revealed in the word of God, and a conviction of the truth and reality of them thence arising.'
Secondly Edwards teaches us that this light is immediately given by God and not obtained by natural means. What he means is that the light is 'given by God without making use of any means that operate by their own power or natural force'.
Thirdly Edwards shows us that his doctrine concerning spiritual light is true because it is both Scriptural and rational.
What grabbed me
I liked Edwards point near the end that if what he has said is true, then God's goodness is magnified: 'this doctrine may lead us to reflect on the goodness of God, that has so ordered it, that a saving evidence of the truth of the gospel is such, as it is attainable by persons of mean capacities and advantages, as well as those that are of the greatest parts and learning. If the evidence of the gospel depended only on history, and such reasonings as learned men only are capable of, it would be above the reach of far the greatest part of mankind. But persons with an ordinary degree of knowledge are capable, without a long and subtle train of reasoning, to see the divine excellency of the things of religion: they are capable of being taught by the Spirit of God, as well as learned men. The evidence that is this way obtained, is vastly better and more satisfying, than all that can be obtained by the arguings of those that are most learned, and greatest masters of reason. And babes are as capable of knowing these things, as the wise and prudent; and they are often hid from these when they are revealed to those. 1 Cor. i. 26, 27. “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world.”'
Spiritual light may be experienced by everyone if God wills it, not just theologians and historians.
Next week's reading
Read the Sermon entitled 'The Church's marriage to her sons and to her God'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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