The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards

by Steven J. Lawson

Overview

Jonathan Edwards is well known as perhaps the greatest theologian the United States has ever produced. He is equally noted for his preaching and writing. But in this Long Line Profile, Dr. Steven J. Lawson considers the unique focus and commitment with which Edwards sought to live out the Christian faith.

Lawson examines Edwards’ life through the lens of the seventy resolutions he penned in his late teens, shortly after his conversion, which cover everything from glorifying God to repenting of sin to managing time. Drawing on Edwards’ writings, as well as scholarly accounts of Edwards’ life and thought, Lawson shows how Edwards sought to live out these lofty goals he set for the management of his walk with Christ. In Edwards’ example, he finds helpful instruction for all believers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781567691085
Publisher:	Ligonier Ministries
Publication date:	12/01/2008
Series:	A Long Line of Godly Men Profile
Pages:	168
Product dimensions:	5.25(w) x 7.50(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

Dr. Steven J. Lawson is founder and president of OnePassion Ministries. He is a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow, director of the doctor of ministry program at The Master’s Seminary, and host of the Institute for Expository Preaching. He has written numerous books, including The Passionate Preaching of Martyn Lloyd-Jones, The Evangelistic Zeal of George Whitefield, John Knox: Fearless Faith, and The Moment of Truth. He is on Twitter at @DrStevenJLawson.

Table of Contents

Preface: The Pursuit of Holiness xi

Chapter 1 Edwards' Life and Legacy 1

Chapter 2 A Spiritual Compass for the Soul 25

1 Historical Setting

2 Cultural Precedence

3 Spiritual Purpose

4 Theological Roots

5 Major Categories

6 Complementary Writings

Chapter 3 The Prerequisite of Faith 47

7 Personal Inability

8 Divine Enablement

9 Humble Submission

10 Purest Motive

11 Regular Review

Chapter 4 The Priority of God's Glory 63

12 Chief Ambition

13 Relentless Pursuit

14 Comprehensive Strategy

15 Intentional Endeavor

16 Purposeful Omissions

Chapter 5 The Putting Away of Sin 77

17 Genuine Repentance

18 Godly Sorrow

19 Heart Investigation

20 Unyielding Fight

21 Full Confession

Chapter 6 The Precipice of Eternity 93

22 Limited Time

23 Final Hour

24 Immediate Action

25 Last Trumpet

26 Future World

Chapter 7 The Passion of Discipline 105

27 Wholehearted Devotion

28 Physical Regimentation

29 Spiritual Disciplines

30 Steadfast Fervor

Chapter 8 The Practice of Love 123

31 Charitable Acts

32 Patient Attitude

33 Gracious Words

34 Peacemaking Spirit

35 Compassionate Heart

Chapter 9 The Posture of Self-Examination 139

36 Examined Conversion

37 Exposed Sin

38 Inspected Life

39 Tested Duties

40 Monitored Feelings

Conclusion: Soli Deo Gloria 153

Appendix The "Resolutions" of Jonathan Edwards 157

Editorial Reviews

Tired of going at the Christian life in piecemeal fashion? Tired of half-hearted pursuits? Then you’ve come to the right book. Here Steven Lawson artfully points you to Jonathan Edwards, a model for pursuing holiness, humility, and love, and for the forsaking of sin—all driven by a relentless passion ‘to glorify God and enjoy him forever.’ When Edwards wrote his ‘Resolutions,’ he likely had no idea how
much they would impact his life. Beware, they’ll do the same for you.

Dr. Stephen J. Nichols

The growing embrace of Reformed thought in the past quarter of a century has been very encouraging to those of us who delight in this
most biblical expression of Christianity. And the remarkable writings of Jonathan Edwards have, by the grace of God, played no little
part in this expansion of Reformed theology. This new volume by Steve Lawson helps to locate the root of Edwards’ thinking in his
close walk with God. It serves as a powerful reminder that Reformed orthodoxy and Reformed piety belong together, and that to focus on the former at the expense of the latter is not only un-Edwardsean, but also un-biblical.

Dr. Michael A.G. Haykin

The pursuit of a regimented godliness is not unique to Christianity, but it is rare. Unlike popular versions of the Christian faith, Jonathan Edwards did not seek the disciplines of godliness for utilitarian ends, the self-help preoccupation of Western Christianity. He saw conformity to Christ as a means, the only means, to glorify God. Steve Lawson has done a wonderful service, producing in a tactful
and pastoral manner Edwards’ pious resolutions, thereby helping us understand the inner life, the spiritual struggles and goals, of perhaps America’s greatest intellect.

Dr. John D. Hannah

Steven Lawson artfully points you to Jonathan Edwards, a model for pursuing holiness, humility, and love, and for the forsaking of sin; all driven by a relentless passion to glorify God and enjoy him forever.”

, research professor, Lancaster Bible College