Important Theological Controversies - Edwards - XVI - Continue Chapter VI

Required reading

Remarks on Important Theological Controversies in Vol 2 of the Works by Jonathan Edwards (Available from Amazon or free here) - Continue Chapter VI 'Concerning faith' by reading up to the paragraph commencing: '67. The distinction of the several constituent parts or acts of faith...'

My summary

This week we continue hearing about faith.  

We learn of the connection of faith to:

(i) the mediation of Christ;

(ii) justification;

(iii) good works;

(iv) prayer;

(v) trusting;

(vi) reception;

(vii) covenants;

(viii) cleaving;

(ix) assent;

(x) God's strength;

(xi) love;

(xii) seeking;

(xiii) waiting;

(xiv) hoping;

(xv) leaning;

(xvi) relying;

(xvii) committing.

What grabbed me

I appreciated Edwards' honesty about the difficulty of defining faith: 'The difficulty in giving a definition of faith is, that we have no word that clearly and adequately expresses the whole act of acceptance, or closing of the soul or heart with Christ. Inclination expresses it but partially; conviction expresses it also but in part; the sense of the soul does not do it fully. And if we use metaphorical expressions, such as embrace, love, &c. they are obscure, and will not carry the same idea with them to the minds of all. All words that are used to express such acts of the mind, are of a very indeterminate signification. It is a difficult thing to find words to exhibit our own ideas. Another difficulty is to find a word, that shall clearly express the whole goodness or righteousness of the Saviour and of the gospel. To be true, is one part of the goodness of the gospel. For the Saviour to be sufficient, is one part of his goodness. To be suitable, is another part. To be bountiful and glorious, is another part. To be necessary, is another part. The idea of a real good or lovely object, that is conceived to be real, possesses the heart after another manner, than a very lovely idea that is only imaginary. So that there is need of both a sense of goodness and reality, to unite the heart to the Saviour.'

What a marvel our faith in Christ Jesus is!

Next week's reading

Continue Chapter VI 'Concerning faith' by reading up to the paragraph commencing: '86. Faith in Christ is the condition of salvation.'

Now it's your turn

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