Biography Of Jonathan Edwards: A Great Shepherd Of Early Colonial Theology And Revivalism

Jonathan Edwards: A Great Shepherd of Early Colonial Theology and Revivalism Jonathan Edwards (1703-1759) played a historical part in American Christianity as we know it today. He was a notorious religious figure during a time when Congregationalists were determined to adhere to the religious styles of old. His intellectual and theological reason, along with his fervent zeal fueled by the Holy Spirit, makes him one of the greatest evangelistic preachers and apologists of all time. His life, works, and sermons inspired other leaders to spread the gospel message and brought about life-altering revivals and conversions in those he reached. Our textbook author wrote, “All authentic leaders must be confirmed in order to lead.” (Youssef, …show more content…
At the time of the early revivals and the first Great Awakening, some scholars rejected the emotionalism of his preaching style. He wrote defenses for the religious revivals that were taking place advocating that they were not to be condemned but rather embraced because they proved that the Holy Spirit was at work in the hearts of people and they signified that true conversions were taking place. His first major treatise, Religious Affections, was written in defense of these revivals in 1746. Edwards also met with resistance when, after serving the congregation of the Northampton church for nearly 24 years, he was dismissed on account of his belief concerning the practice of open communion. Under Edwards’s grandfather’s pastorship, nearly anyone could partake in communion since the wide-held belief was that it was responsible for bringing about conversion in a person. Edwards pushed for extending full church membership only to the people who had repented, confessed and experienced true saving faith conversion within their hearts. Jonathan, no doubt a man after God’s own heart, emphasized a scriptural defense to support the basis that a sinner’s heart should be one of true repentance and in the right place in order for them to be allowed to partake of the symbolic ritual of the Lord’s Supper. The extent of his literature works is rather …show more content…
His life works are testimonies to mirror. Like Edwards, we too should stand bold for the truth at all costs even when it falls in conflict with man’s legalism and traditions. His drive to emphasize that the true Christian conversion would result in a person who would not only profess their faith in Christ but experience a life living in the glory of Him was not futile. Edwards was clearly a man of truth. In all his intelligence he sought for the rational truth in all things and allowed God to carry him into all that truth. He worked his entire life to fulfill his God-given call and he preached that truth to the masses. As a leader who sought after, preached, and lived the truth, there is no doubt that Jonathan Edwards earned the right to be remembered and commended for leaving us some exemplary works, tools, and Christ-like examples to follow in our own appointing from God