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 […]
Saints love God, Jesus Christ, Scripture, and every work and way of God for their divine excellence. And since “Christian love is the fountain of all gracious affections,” love of God’s infinite greatness constitutes the ultimate foundation and source of true religious affections. Gratitude and a love of present and future benefits of salvation form
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
