Month: October 2021

In 1746 Jonathan Edwards offered “Twelve Distinguishing Signs of Truly Gracious and Holy Affections” in his Religious Affections. A spiritual awakening changed many souls in his day, but the excitement soon passed as too many people returned to the token faith of their earlier years. Critics then questioned the entire revival. Edwards, in response, offered …

Jonathan Edwards offered “Twelve Distinguishing Signs of Truly Gracious and Holy Affections” in his Religious Affections of 1746. A spiritual awakening in New England in prior years included dramatic works of God in many hearts. But some of these were only short-term stirs and critics soon questioned the whole awakening. Edwards responded with his set …

In 1746 Jonathan Edwards presented “Twelve Distinguishing Signs of Truly Gracious and Holy Affections” in his Religious Affections. Edwards held that God achieves transformation in souls by stirring human affections. After Adam’s fall everyone follows selfish desires—the affections of self-interest. But God overturns this captivity through the attractive power of his own person. Edwards pointed to …