Jonathan Edwards (Click to Enlarge Image)
Though Edwards is not a Puritan, he has had one of the most profound impacts on my “theological world” outside of the Reformers, Turretin and the Puritans. He should be read and reread. Begin with his sermons. More will be added all around as I can finish them.
A Thanks to Christ for Jonathan Edwards
Edwards is one of the most valuable preachers and theologians that the Christian church has ever possessed. I say that will full conviction. Certainly, he was cut from the theological fabric of the Reformation, along with the theology of Post-Reformation Dogmatics, and the writings of some of the greatest puritans. Being both a theologian and philosopher gave him an edge other ministers of the Gospel simply did not possess. Certainly, God creates all His servants with varying gifts and degrees of ability. However, we should be thankful for the degree of cool-minded precision that Edwards demonstrates, not only in his sermons, but in his writings too. It is no wonder why the Encyclopedia Britannica deemed him the greatest philosopher and theologian ever produced in America. I concur.
In my own reading of his works, I must admit, that Christ graciously used (and uses) Edwards to shape much of my study and understanding of many fundamental doctrinal truths, as well as many truths that some would never even venture into (such as the doctrine of continuous creation). I owe a great debt to Edwards for sparking my mind into some of my own further formulations of theological and philosophical ideas that I believe would never have come to pass without his help. I am awed at his theological breadth and precision, his exegetical prowess, and his pastoral heart – the combination – a triple threat, but in a good way! He balances them in such grace as to place him at the top of the “I wish I had what he had” list.
The Spirit of God uses his truth in every age to propagate and further refine essential Christian doctrines for the church to understand in a more particular light. Doctrine never changes as God never changes, but good expositors of the Word will aid us in our quest to understand the God of the Word all the more. For me, I owe a debt to Edwards for this. He is among my favorite theologians, favorite pastors, and is my favorite “theological philosopher.” I bid Christ a hearty thanks for the work He worked through His servant, Jonathan Edwards.
I hope you will find Edwards’ writings, treatises, miscellanies, letters and sermons as much of a spiritual benefit as I have found them. I would encourage you to begin with reading his sermons. After this, his miscellanies. That will prepare you for his theological treatises.
Though all of his material is available in book form, there are few websites that offer as much of Edwards’ works as A Puritans Mind. I will try to post his public works in whole as I am able. But please remember, Edwards was a voluminous writer. Anyone who has simply read portions of the Banner of Truth edition of his works knows this. That means there is a lot of work to be done. Even Yale University Press is currently producing the rest of his writings and sermons in book form, and is currently at volume 22!
May Christ bless you as you read and study. May Edwards help you to have high thoughts of God.
CMM
