All creatures continually live upon the generosity of God; He maintains the whole creation through His mere goodness. And every good thing that is enjoyed is a part of his generosity.– Jonathan Edwards
Prayer is not an option for the believer but a divinely ordained duty, a duty done in obedience, rooted in love for God…. Such love draw the believer to the Father, leaning upon the Son, and depending upon the Spirit in prayer. The true believer prays because he has been loved and because he loves is return.– Jonathan Edwards
The redeemed have all their objective good in God. God himself is the great good which they are brought to the possession and enjoyment of by redemption. He is the highest good, and the sum of all that good which Christ purchased. God is the inheritance of the saints; he is the portion of their souls. God is their wealth and treasure, their food, their life, their dwelling place, their ornament and diadem, and their everlasting honor and glory. They have none in heaven but God; he is the great good which the redeemed are received to at death, and which they are to rise to at the end of the world.
– Jonathan Edwards
The glorious excellencies and beauty of God will be what will forever entertain the minds of the saints, and the love of God will be their everlasting feast.– Jonathan Edwards
– Jonathan Edwards
As I continue to read about Jonathan Edwards, I enjoyed the collection of essays found in the book, A God Entranced Vision of All Things edited by John Piper and Justin Taylor. The essays are based on several addresses from a conference focused on the contributions of Jonathan Edwards. The book begins with three chapters addressing his legacy, his life, and his wife’s life. Part Two shares lessons we can learn from his life and teachings on revival, spiritual disciple, and church life. The final chapter in part two addresses the issue of Edwards owning slaves. Part Three explores some of his most important works on sin, the will, and religious affections. All in all, the book makes a good introduction to his life and teachings, and provides plenty of challenges for our lives today.
God is the beginning, the middle, and the end of all things. Nothing exists without his creating it. Nothing stays in being without his sustaining word. Everything has its reason for existing from him. Therefore nothing can be understood apart from him, and all understandings of all things that leave him out are superficial understandings, since they leave out the most important reality in the universe. We can scarcely begin to feel today how God-ignoring we have become, because it is the very air we breathe.
– John Piper
in A God Entranced Vision of All Things
A few years ago I read Jonathan Edwards’ Resolutions – 70 resolutions he made that he wanted to live by. Many I found to be helpful. But I also noticed that he seemed to repeat himself, or perhaps better put – there was no organization. He simply recorded them as he thought of them. I like organization! Enter Steven J. Lawson’s book, The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards. Lawson organizes the resolutions into several categories. For each category, he considers the related resolutions, as well as looking at Edwards’ other writings to flesh them out further. The result is a challenging book calling us to:
All of these categories are set in the context of the first two chapters looking at Edwards’ life and the prerequisite of faith. If you are looking for a helpful book to examine your life and challenge you to live for the Lord, this is a great choice.
I have been reading about Jonathan Edwards off and on for the last few years. From his part in the Great Awakening to his extensive writings, he is well worth learning more about. Here are some brief thoughts on four biographies:
Jonathan Edwards
by George Marsden
At over 600 pages, this is the definitive biography.
If you want to learn a lot about Edwards’ life and thought,
this is the place to go. Scholarly, yet very accessible.
A Short Life of Jonathan Edwards
by George Marsden
As the title suggests this is a shorter biography
(about 150 pages) by the same author for the
person who wants a quicker summation of Edwards’ life.
Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography
by Iain H. Murray
At around 500 pages, this biography gives a full and clear
look at Edwards’ life and thought. Spiritually challenging.
This was the first bio of Edwards I read.
Jonathan Edwards and the Ministry of the Word
by Douglas A. Sweeney
At around 200 pages, this is a good introduction to Edwards’ life and thought. Well written and easy to read. As the last bio of Edwards I read, I found it to be a good summary and reminder of Edwards’ life.
Brian J. Mikul 