A Spreading Goodness

In his 1746 Religious Affections Jonathan Edwards offered “Twelve Distinguishing Signs of Truly Gracious and Holy Affections” to distinguish genuine faith from fading forms of religion. In his eighth sign Edwards summarized the disposition found in every redeemed soul. “Truly gracious affections differ from those affections that are false and delusive, in that they tend …

Jonathan Edwards’ “Twelve Distinguishing Signs of Truly Gracious and Holy Affections” in his 1746 Religious Affections defended the authenticity of New England’s recent “great awakening.” For many the awakening was simply a passing spiritual fad, and critics now dismissed the entire event. Edwards, however, meant to distinguish true transformations from those that didn’t last. His …

Jonathan Edwards offered “Twelve Distinguishing Signs of Truly Gracious and Holy Affections” in his 1746 Religious Affections. A spiritual awakening in New England, and in Edwards’ church, had come and gone, and afterwards skeptics were dismissive of the whole thing. Edwards was more measured, discriminating God’s authentic reformation from the passing fads of revivalism. The …

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 …

In Jonathan Edwards’ Religious Affections he offered “Twelve Distinguishing Signs of Truly Gracious and Holy Affections.” Edwards believed God’s transforming work starts in the affections, where motives operate. People follow their desires, and God can move heart desires. As he does this the world sees his grace at work. Edward’s second Sign traced this connection: “The first …