Religious Affections in Vol I of the Works - Edwards - XIV - Part 3 concluded

Required readingReligious affections in Volume I of the Works by Jonathan Edwards (Available from Amazon or free here) - Continue Part 3 by reading Section 12.

My summary.

Today we conclude the primary part of the work by looking at how Christian practice is a distinguishing and sure evidence of grace to persons' own consciences.

Firstly Edwards shows how Christian practice, or keeping Christ's commandments, is to be taken, when the Scripture represents it as a sure evidence to our own consciences, that we are sincere Christians.

Secondly, and primarily, Edwards shows that Christian practice, taken in the sense is explained, is the chief of all the evidences of a saving sincerity in religion, to the consciences of the professors of it; much to be preferred to the method of the first convictions, enlightenings, and comforts in conversion; or any immanent discoveries or exercises of grace whatsoever, that begin and end in contemplations.  To do so, he gives six arguments and two objections.

What grabbed me

I enjoyed this illustration: 'If a man should have word brought him from the king of a distant land, that he intended to make him his heir, if upon receiving the tidings he immediately leaves his native land and friends, and all he has in the world, to go to that country, in a dependence on what he hears; then he may be said to venture himself and all he has in the world upon it. But if he only sits still, and hopes for the promised benefit, inwardly pleasing himself with the thoughts of it; he cannot properly be said to venture himself upon it; he runs no venture in the case; he does nothing, otherwise than he would do, if he had received no such tidings, by which he would be exposed to any suffering, in case all should fail. So he that on the credit of what he hears of a future world, and in dependence on the report of the gospel, concerning life and immortality, forsakes all, or does so at least so far as there is occasion, making every thing entirely give place to his eternal interest; he, and he only, may properly be said to venture himself on the report of the gospel. And this is the proper evidence of a true trust in Christ for salvation.'

If news of a marvelous inheritance doesn't change your life, you clearly haven't accepted the news..

Next week's reading

Read the Appendix.

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