Jonathan and Jesus

You may or may not have heard of Jonathan Edwards' famous sermon “Sinners In the Hands of an Angry God.” If not, allow me to summarize: this particular sermon was written and preached by Edwards to a Connecticut congregation in 1741. Many believe he went on to preach it during the remainder of his ministry. Due to its sizable impact, it soon became the most famous of all his writings—what many will accredit as a major catalyst for the lost coming to Christ during the First Great Awakening. 

Although the sermon is quite lengthy, it basically emphasizes Gods judgment towards sin and bolsters the need of one turning towards Christ (thereby escaping such judgment). Edwards’ frightening images of hell and Gods disposition towards sinners persuaded hearers of their utter depravity and, in fear of falling into the hands of this angry Deity, resulted in many repenting of their sins—submitting their life the One who could save them from such atrocities. Filled with images of Gods wrath and the all-too-familiar fear-inducing hell, Edwards holds nothing back. For instance, he speaks of God abhorring sinners, and as a result, dangling them over a fiery hell like “loathsome” insects. In one place he says, “You hang by a slender thread, with the flames of Divine wrath flashing about it, and ready every moment to singe it and burn it asunder.”

One can only imagine the amount of fear it provoked in the hearts of those who heard the esteemed theologians message. Likewise, I can imagine the residue of fear it leaves in the hearts and minds of those who continue to fall under its modern-day influence.

I understand that many came to Christ through this particular message, and that I am grateful for. I’m glad the Father never turns away from those who come to him—no matter what motive induces such a turning. God can take any negative scenario, even one rooted in fear, and redeem it into something beautiful!

However, as is the case with anything, we must be willing to ask some fundamental questions along our journey, especially as it relates to what we think and say concerning the nature of God. One of those being: do my words and thoughts promote faith or fear?

Edwards’ sermon has reached well beyond his passing in 1758. In fact, many Christian seminaries today still use it as a source of education and training in the art of study and preaching. Nearly three centuries later, this writing continues to be an inspiration for many who proclaim and hold fast to the message.

Growing up in church and being in some form of "ministry" leadership for nearly 25 years, I have not only witnessed the preaching, teaching, and embracing of such doctrines as this one, I have seen firsthand the effects of fostering distorted views of Gods nature.

Please note: It is not my intention to bring reproach on any one particular man. In fact, I'll be the first to admit that I myself have taught things that have fostered unhealthy images of God. Edwards wasn't the first to present putrid notions and concepts of God, nor will he be the last. If we're honest, I'd say most, if not all of us have embraced and even propagated images inconsistent with that of the nature of the Father, Son, and Spirit. The fact that we're human (and that we're continually growing in our revelation of God) tells me that error will inevitably and always be part of the process. However, I do believe it is a noble thing to identify the places where we have tolerated, fostered, and projected such distortion. Doing so makes us faithful followers of Jesus.

With that being said, I wish to use this particular sermon as a sort of contrast to the teachings of Jesus. In doing so I will be comparing quotes from Edwards' work with that of Jesus' sayings in the gospels. I'll be calling it "Jonathan and Jesus.” I am of the opinion that there is no higher revelation of God the Father than the Person of Jesus Christ; as the writer of Hebrews tells us, Jesus Christ “is the radiance of his glory and the exact representation of his nature” (see Hebrews 1:1-3). The things he said, taught, and most importantly, the works he did point us straight to the One he revealed as "Abba Father."

Again, this is NOT an attack on one particular man; In fact, Edwards was very much Christ-centered in some of his writings and lectures. However, this is an evaluation of a mindset that was channeled through a highly influential work—one that, during its time, projected an image of God that now, if left unchecked, will continue to bring lasting damage on our own hearts and minds. This is why I have chosen to hold it up against the ministry and life of Jesus. Furthermore, I believe we should allow any and all ideas that we have of God—whether in the form of books, sermons, or just everyday thoughts—to be held up against the eternal Word, Christ.

He is our hope of seeing the true nature of the Father!

Over the next few weeks, on my social media platforms I will be posting images that contrast quotes of Edwards and Jesus’ sayings in the gospels. I will also be attaching those same images here at this blog.