The first distinguishing sign serves as both a mark of God’s gracious and saving work in a believer and the basis of the remaining eleven signs. The evidence of God’s saving work flows from the stamp of God’s holiness and happiness on the soul by the Holy Spirit taking up permanent residence and imparting His […]
Gleanings from The Religious Affections (Part 14): Uncertain Sign Twelve: Moving Affections and Testimonies
Many during the excitement of the Awakening sang God’s praises, said the right things, knew the right doctrines, loved the saints, served God with zeal, joy, and assurance of their eternal destiny, and moved saints to tears with testimonies of God’s grace in their lives. To many, the combination gave undeniable proof of a saving […]
Gleanings from The Religious Affections (Part 11): Uncertain Sign Eight: Joy and Comfort Following Conviction and Mourning for Sin
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, […]
Gleanings from The Religious Affections (Part 6): Uncertain Sign Two: Great Bodily Effects
The high and intense affections of the Great Awakening often came with an assortment of bodily effects, including fainting, shaking, sweating, crying, and exhaustion (among others). Some found the displays unsettling and refused to accept any of them as works of God. Others welcomed them all as evidence of God’s work. Here again, Edwards took […]
