Jonathan Edwards was an American theologian, pastor, and philosopher who is widely regarded as one of the greatest thinkers in American history. His writings have had a profound impact on the course of American religious thought and his legacy continues to be felt today. He is best known for his powerful preaching and writing on topics such as sin, salvation, the nature of God, and the will of God. The quotes by Jonathan Edwards are often cited for their insight into the human condition and their timeless wisdom. His words often challenge us to think more deeply about our faith and our relationship with God. Whether you’re looking for a bit of inspiration or just want to explore more about this great thinker, these Jonathan Edwards quotes are sure to offer thought-provoking reflection.”The happiness of the creature consists in rejoicing in God, by which also God is magnified and exalted.” – Jonathan Edwards
Jonathan Edwards Quotes on Sin
Sin is the ruin and misery of the soul; it is destructive in its nature, and if God should leave it without restraint, there would be an entire destruction of all that is good. Sin is the greatest enemy to human happiness, and no man will ever be happy whose heart is filled with it. It is an evil that has infected the whole human race, and brings a curse upon all men. It deserves to be hated and detested by every one who knows its nature.
God has ordained that sin shall be punished, and therefore every instance of sin ought to be punished according to its demerit; for this is the only way in which justice can be maintained. The punishment of sin may serve various other purposes besides that of being a manifestation of God’s justice; but the chief end of it is to show forth his justice, or his hatred of sin.
The punishment due to sin should serve as a warning against committing future sins. This view makes it necessary for sinners to repent and turn away from their wickedness in order that they may escape the wrath of God. The punishment of sin should also serve as an example or pattern for others who may be tempted into similar sins.
It should also serve as a source of comfort for those who have been injured by another’s sin; since they can rest assured that God will punish the guilty party according to his justice. Finally, it should also serve as a reminder for all people that no matter how far away we are from God’s holy presence, he has not forgotten us nor has he ceased to watch over us with love and mercy.
Jonathan Edwards Quotes on God’s Sovereignty
The 18th-century theologian Jonathan Edwards was among the most influential figures in American religious history. His teachings on the sovereignty of God had a profound impact on religious thought in the United States. Edwards believed that God was absolutely sovereign over all things, and his quotes on this subject continue to be studied and quoted today.
“The great God has, from all eternity, had one single, absolute plan or purpose respecting all his works and all his creatures; which comprehends whatever he does or permits to be done.” – Jonathan Edwards
“God moves according to His own pleasure. He is under no obligation to any creature, nor is He at all pleased with those who set bounds to Him.” – Jonathan Edwards
“Though we cannot fathom the depths of divine wisdom, yet it is a certain truth that whatever God does is just and right.” – Jonathan Edwards
“God hath a perfect knowledge and foresight of whatsoever comes to pass; nothing can befall any creature but what He has eternally foreseen and disposed in His own infinitely wise counsel.” – Jonathan Edwards
“All events happening in the world are according to the wise appointment of an infinitely holy and wise God: every thing that comes to pass is according to His will.” – Jonathan Edwards
“Nothing ever comes into being by chance; nothing happens without an adequate cause; nothing takes place without being ordered by infinite wisdom.” – Jonathan Edwards
Through his teachings, Jonathan Edwards offered profound insight into the sovereignty of God. His quotes offer timeless wisdom for believers seeking to understand how their lives fit into the grand design of a sovereign Creator.
Jonathan Edwards Quotes on the Human Nature
Jonathan Edwards was an 18th century American Calvinist theologian and philosopher. He is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in early American religious life and thought. His writings, especially his sermons, have had a lasting influence on Christian thought and opinion about the human nature. Here are some of his most memorable quotes on the human nature:
“The natural corruption of our nature is a fountain that yields streams of sin and guilt, that run continually.”
“The natural state of man is depravity; so that nothing but divine grace can bring him to holiness.”
“The natural heart is like a hard, dry rock; no good comes from it unless it be broken first.”
“The natural inclination of the human will is to that which is evil; it needs to be renewed by grace before it can be inclined to good.”
“The natural tendency of the mind, when left to itself, is to pride and self-exaltation.”
“The natural tendency of the heart is to vanity and self-conceit; which will incline us against God’s holy law.”
“The natural state of man is total depravity; nothing but God’s Spirit can bring him back into favor with Him.”
These quotes by Jonathan Edwards serve as a reminder for us that we must seek out God’s grace if we are ever to overcome our sinful nature. With His help, we can live lives that reflect His glory and righteousness.
Jonathan Edwards Quotes on Heaven and Hell
Jonathan Edwards was a prominent theologian in the 18th century who wrote extensively on the topics of Heaven and Hell. He believed that Heaven was a place of joy and bliss, while Hell was a place of torment and suffering. Here are some of his quotes on these two eternal destinations:
“Heaven is full of answers to prayers that have not yet been asked.”
“The happiness of heaven is to be enjoyed with holy pleasure, but never with sinful pleasure.”
“Hell is the worst thing God can do to man; it is the highest degree of his displeasure and curse.”
“The fire that burns in hell is not material fire, but an intense anguish and horror of conscience arising from the sense of divine wrath.”
“The torments in hell are like those in this world; but they are greater, more constant, more acute, and more oppressive than any we know here.”
“Heaven is a place where God dwells; it is a place where all our desires will be fully satisfied; it is a place where there will be no more sin, sorrow or death.”
Jonathan Edwards Quotes on Christian Living
“The best way for a person to have true happiness is to gain an understanding of God and His ways.” – Jonathan Edwards. This quote from one of America’s most influential theologians emphasizes the importance of understanding God and His ways for true happiness and peace. It is through this knowledge that we can live a life devoted to Him, one full of joy, grace, and hope.
Jonathan Edwards was a Puritan pastor who wrote extensively about Christian living. His teaching focused on personal piety and the pursuit of holiness. He believed that a life devoted to God was the only way to true joy and happiness. He also held that salvation was only possible through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works or any other means.
In his book The Religious Affections, Edwards wrote: “True religion, in great part, consists in holy affections.” He advocated for religious emotions such as love for God, awe of His greatness, humility before Him, and joy in knowing Him. Edwards believed that these emotions were integral to a truly spiritual life.
Edwards also emphasized the importance of prayer in his teachings on Christian living. He said: “Prayer is the most powerful means we have for drawing near to God.” Prayer allows us to open our hearts and minds to Him and connect with Him on a deeper level. Through prayer we can ask for guidance and strength when faced with difficult circumstances or decisions in our lives.
Finally, Edwards stressed the need for communing with other believers in order to grow spiritually: “We must seek out fellowship with those who fear God…so that we may be edified by mutual encouragement” (“Religious Affections”). He believed that being part of a community of faith would help us become more like Christ and live out our faith more fully.
Jonathan Edward’s words are still relevant today as they were centuries ago when he lived and preached them. By following his teaching on Christian living, we can gain an understanding of God’s ways which will bring us true happiness and peace – now as well as in eternity.
Joy
Jonathan Edwards was a theologian, philosopher and pastor who is best known for his sermons on the topics of revival and spiritual awakening. He is also remembered for his contribution to the Great Awakening that occurred in America in the 18th century. Edwards believed that joy was an essential part of living a life devoted to God. He said that true joy was found when we are obedient to God and seek His will in our lives. Edwards believed that joy was a gift from God, one we should strive to cultivate and experience. He said, “The enjoyment of God is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied.”
Love
Edwards also praised the importance of love in our lives, saying, “True love is active; it labors and exerts itself; it seeks occasions for showing itself in acts of kindness.” He saw love as essential to living a life devoted to God, saying that it should be our primary motivation in all we do. According to Edwards, love begins with obedience to God’s will and then extends outward into all areas of life – from loving our neighbor as ourselves to loving even our enemies. He said, “We must not only love those from whom we receive good deeds or kind words but those from whom we receive nothing but injuries.”
Moral Values
Jonathan Edwards was a theologian, philosopher, and Congregationalist preacher in colonial North America. He was an influential figure in the Great Awakening revival during the mid-18th century. His teachings and writings emphasized morality and righteousness, and believed that individuals should strive to maintain a close relationship with God. Edwards is widely regarded as one of the most important theologians in American history, and his quotes on moral values remain relevant today.
Edwards believed that there were certain moral standards that people should live by, such as justice, mercy, temperance, humility, and love. He also believed that moral behavior should be based on Christian principles such as those found in the Bible. He often spoke of the importance of living a life of integrity and honesty, free from hypocrisy and selfishness. Edwards felt strongly about maintaining moral values in society, writing: “If virtue and knowledge are diffused among the people, they will never be enslaved. This will be their great security”.
Edwards also emphasized the importance of self-discipline when it comes to morality. He wrote: “Without self-discipline nothing can be achieved. It is the inner strength that enables us to do what we ought to do”. Edwards felt strongly about maintaining one’s own moral code even in difficult times: “No matter how hard life may seem sometimes, it is important to remain true to our values”.
In addition to his writings on morality itself, Edwards was also concerned with its impact on society at large. He argued that moral values could help bring about social change by inspiring individuals to work for a more just society: “The greatest advancement of true religion is not necessarily visible in our outward behavior but through our inward transformation which will ultimately have an effect on our outward behavior”.
Jonathan Edwards’ words remain relevant today as people continue to struggle with issues surrounding moral values and their impact on society as a whole. His teachings are still inspiring many individuals who strive for righteousness even in difficult times.
Conclusion
Jonathan Edwards was one of the most influential religious figures in American history. His sermons and writings shaped the spiritual lives of countless individuals, and his words continue to resonate today. His quotes offer timeless wisdom about faith, life, and the world around us. From his exhortation to “live with eternity in view” to his reminder that “God is at work in all things,” Jonathan Edwards’s words inspire us to live meaningful and purposeful lives. May we all strive to live our lives with joy and courage, as he did.
May we always remember the wise words of Jonathan Edwards: “So live that when thy summons comes to join The innumerable caravan, which moves To that mysterious realm where each shall take His chamber in the silent halls of death, Thou go not like the quarry-slave at night Scourged to his dungeon; but sustained and soothed By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.”