September 2017

Gleanings from The Religious Affections (Part 12): Uncertain Signs Nine and Ten: Great Time and Energy Spent in Religious Activity and Praise to God

Religious Affections

Of the twelve signs Edwards characterized as “uncertain,” great time, energy, and praise to God in religious works and worship would seem to provide good evidence of a true work of God in the hearts of people. Yet, many viewed the displays as emotional excess, sanctimonious theatre, or worse. Others ignored alternative explanations and concluded […]

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Gleanings from The Religious Affections (Part 11): Uncertain Sign Eight: Joy and Comfort Following Conviction and Mourning for Sin

Religious Affections

Under the preaching of God’s Word during the Awakening, many experienced deep sorrow for sin and fear of God’s judgment, followed by joy and comfort when convinced they had become objects of God’s favor. Some refused to believe this scenario was evidence of God’s saving work, while others viewed it as undeniable proof. For Edwards,

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Gleanings from The Religious Affections (Part 10): Uncertain Signs Six and Seven: The Presence of Love and Many Affections at the Same Time

Religious Affections

The Presence of Love Unlike the other eleven “uncertain” signs described by Edwards, no one viewed the presence of love as evidence against God’s work in the heart. Many, however, saw the presence of love in religious affections as proof they came from God. Love “is the chief of the graces of God’s Spirit, and

Gleanings from The Religious Affections (Part 10): Uncertain Signs Six and Seven: The Presence of Love and Many Affections at the Same Time Read More »

Gleanings from The Religious Affections (Part 9): Uncertain Sign Five: That Religious Affections Come with Texts of Scripture in the Mind

Religious Affections

In the previous article we examined how religious affections perceived to be from an external or supernatural source could be from a satanic, natural, or divine source, and were thus considered by Edwards to be an “uncertain” sign of a work of God. But, what if such affections came with texts of Scripture brought to

Gleanings from The Religious Affections (Part 9): Uncertain Sign Five: That Religious Affections Come with Texts of Scripture in the Mind Read More »