As with all of the previous distinguishing signs of a true work of God, sign seven consists of another effect of the Holy Spirit indwelling the believer, imparting His character to the soul, and giving true spiritual understanding—He transforms our nature. Moreover, the sense that views, comprehends, and loves the beauty of God’s holiness remains […]
Gleanings from The Religious Affections (Part 18): Distinguishing Sign Three: Gracious Affections Are Founded on the Beauty of Holiness
In the previous article we examined Edwards’ second distinguishing sign, “the supreme excellency of divine things as they are in themselves,” comprising the “first objective ground of all holy affections.” Sign three goes a step further to show that holiness comprises the beauty of God and divine things. [1] “A love to divine things for […]
Spiritual Sight and Blindness (Part 2): Holiness as the Beauty of God and His Works
In Part One we observed that unbelievers cannot see the beauty of God’s holiness—that which forms the beauty of His every attribute—and therefore seek to deny His existence or redefine His nature. We turn now to Jonathan Edwards for some examples of how spiritual sight of the beauty of holiness in God and divine things […]
Does God Require Evil to Display His Glory?
We come to our fourth and last post on the relationship of good and evil. Scripture clearly teaches that God displayed His glory in the person and saving work of Christ. In fact, nowhere is God’s glory more clearly seen than in Christ. Does it follow, then, that evil is necessary for God to display […]
