Jonathan Edwards (theologian) quotes

Jonathan Edwards was an American theologian and revivalist preacher, regarded as one of the most important figures in the First Great Awakening. His sermons and writings powerfully influenced Protestant theology and American religious life. He is remembered for his passionate sermons, such as "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," and his role in shaping evangelical thought. Here are 128 of his quotes:

Truth is the agreement of our ideas with the ideas of God.

Jonathan Edwards (theologian)

You have reason to wonder that you are not already in hell.

Jonathan Edwards (theologian)

Consider that as a principle of love is the main principle in the heart of a real Christian, so the labor of love, is the main business of the Christian life.

Jonathan Edwards (theologian)

A greater absurdity cannot be thought of than a morose, hard-hearted, covetous, proud, malicious Christian.

Jonathan Edwards (theologian)

I assert that nothing ever comes to pass without a cause.

Jonathan Edwards (theologian)

Every Christian that goes before us from this world is a ransomed spirit waiting to welcome us in heaven.

Jonathan Edwards (theologian)

Christian practice is that evidence which confirms every other indication of true godliness.

Jonathan Edwards (theologian)

Almost all men, and those that seem to be very miserable, love life, because they cannot bear to lose sight of such a beautiful and lovely world. The ideas, that every moment whilst we live have a beauty that we take not distinct notice of, brings a pleasure that, when we come to the trial, we had rather live in much pain and misery than lose.

Jonathan Edwards (theologian)

Whatever in Christ had the nature of satisfaction, was by virtue of the suffering or humiliation that was in it; but whatever had the nature of merit, was by virtue of the obedience or righteousness there was in it.

Jonathan Edwards (theologian)

Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad's of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.

Jonathan Edwards (theologian)

You contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary.

Jonathan Edwards (theologian)

How can you expect to dwell with God forever, if you so neglect and forsake him here?

Jonathan Edwards (theologian)

Of all the knowledge that we can ever obtain, the knowledge of God, and the knowledge of ourselves, are the most important.

Jonathan Edwards (theologian)

The way to Heaven is ascending; we must be content to travel uphill, though it be hard and tiresome, and contrary to the natural bias of our flesh.

Jonathan Edwards (theologian)

Surely there is something in the unruffled calm of nature that overawes our little anxieties and doubts; the sight of the deep-blue sky and the clustering stars above seems to impart a quiet to the mind.

Jonathan Edwards (theologian)

What self-righteous persons take to themselves, is the same work that Christ was engaged in when He was in His agony and bloody sweat, and when He died on the cross, which was the greatest thing that ever the eyes of angels beheld. Christ could accomplish other parts of this work without cost; but this part cost Him His life, as well as innumerable pains and labors. Yet this is the part which self-righteous persons go about to accomplish for themselves.

Jonathan Edwards (theologian)

If you seek in the spirit of selfishness, to grasp all as your own, you shall lose all, and be driven out of the world, at last, naked and forlorn, to everlasting poverty and contempt.

Jonathan Edwards (theologian)

Grace is the seed of glory, the dawning of glory in the heart, and therefore grace is the earnest of the future inheritance.

Jonathan Edwards (theologian)

From love arises hatred of those things which are contrary to what we love, or which oppose and thwart us in those things that we delight in.

Jonathan Edwards (theologian)

Remember that pride is the worst viper that is in the heart, the greatest disturber of the soul's peace and sweet communion with Christ; it was the first sin that ever was, and lies lowest in the foundation of Satan's whole building, and is the most difficultly rooted out, and is the most hidden, secret and deceitful of all lusts, and often creeps in, insensibly, into the midst of religion and sometimes under the disguise of humility.

Jonathan Edwards (theologian)

All the graces of Christianity always go together. They so go together that where there is one, there are all, and where one is wanting, all are wanting. Where there is faith, there are love, and hope, and humility; and where there is love, there is also trust; and where there is a holy trust in God, there is love to God; and where there is a gracious hope, there also is a holy fear of God.

Jonathan Edwards (theologian)

The wrath of God burns against them, their damnation does not slumber; the pit is prepared, the fire is made ready, the furnace is now hot, ready to receive them; the flames do now rage and glow.

Jonathan Edwards (theologian)