Reading notes on:
Devotional Classics / Preparing for the Spiritual Life / Page 19

The third selection includes excerpts from Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758).

I enjoyed this selection so very much. I wish I could quote all of the excerpts chosen by the editors. I intend to read the rest of Religious Affections. Thankfully it’s available as a free download at CCEL.org. Edwards addresses more deeply the thoughts I shared earlier about casual Christianity.

“The kind of religion that God requires, and will accept, does not consist in weak, dull, and lifeless ‘wouldings’–those weak inclinations that lack convictions–that raise us but a little above indifference. God, in his word, greatly insists that we be in good earnest, fervent in spirit, and that our hearts be engaged vigorously in our religion: ‘Be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord’ (Rom. 12:11)” (19)

“If we are not earnest in our religion, and if our wills and inclinations are not strongly exercised, we are nothing. The importance of religion is so great that no halfhearted exercise will suffice. In nothing is the state of our heart so crucial as in religion, and in nothing is lukewarmness so odious.” (19, 20)

Edwards goes on to say in contrast that, “True religion is a powerful thing.”

Patti commented earlier this morning about the last paragraph of section two. Here it is:

“When we receive the Spirit of God, we receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost who is like “fire, ” and along with it the sanctifying and saving influences of God. When this happens, when grace is at work within us, it sometimes “burns” within us, as it was for Jesus’ disciples (Luke 24:32)” (20)

Edwards continues to discuss his ideas of true religion. He wrote, “A person who has a knowledge of doctrine and theology only–without religious affections–has never engaged in true religion.” (21)

What are these religious affections that “true religion” requires? Edwards writes of nine.

1. Holy Fear - “The fear of God is a great part of godliness.” (21)
2. Hope in God
3. Love
4. Holy Desire - “This holy thirst is spoken of as a condition of participation in the blessings of eternal life.” (22)
5. Joy
6. Religious Sorrow - A contrite heart. Psalm 51:17
7. Gratitude
8. Compassion
9. Zeal

Bible Selection: Deuteronomy 10:12-22

Suggested Exercise: “Use the list of nine holy affections, focusing on one in which you would like to see growth in your life. Notice that each affection is based on a scriptural foundation. Do a personal Bible Study on that particular affection, paying attention to the theology and doctrine that undergirds it.” (24)

Note: If you want to do the suggested exercise I quoted, let me know which affection you’re studying and I’ll send you that part of the reading.