In sign two Edwards argued that gracious affections stand on the excellence of God, apart from self-interest. Sign three goes further to show that holiness comprises the beauty of the excellence of God and divine things. “A love to divine things for the beauty and sweetness of their moral excellency, is the first beginning and […]
At long last we come to the twelve “distinguishing signs” or evidences of a true work of God in the heart of a believer. Edwards introduces the section with necessary and helpful qualifications. For instance, having warned his readers against presuming to know the hearts of others with certainty, he seeks to avoid the same
Many opponents of the Awakening viewed assurance of salvation as delusional, that believers can never be certain of God’s favor. [1] Others viewed a lack of assurance as sinful, often ignoring saving faith in Christ and new life as its necessary foundation. Edwards rejected both views, clarifying the nature of assurance and its relationship to
