Christian Practice as the Chief Evidence of Saving Faith | Jonathan Edwards

Deep Dive into Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards - Secondly, I Proceed to Show, That Christian Practice, Taken in the Sense That Has Been Explained, Is the Chief of All the Evidences of a Saving Sincerity in Religion, to the Consciences of the Professors of It; Much to Be Preferred to the Method of the First Convictions, Enlightenings, and Comforts in Conversion, or Any Immanent Discoveries or Exercises of Grace Whatsoever, That Begin and End in ContemplationThe chief evidence of sincerity in religion is holy or Christian practice. This is considered the paramount indicator, significantly preferred over initial convictions, enlightenings, or spiritual comforts that begin and end in contemplation.The supremacy of Christian practice is established through several key arguments. Firstly, reason plainly shows that a person's actions are the true trial of their heart's preference. Sincerity involves setting God highest and choosing Him above all else. When God and worldly interests or pleasures come into competition, actual behavior in cleaving to one and forsaking the other reveals the heart's true inclination. It is considered absurd to claim a good heart while living a wicked life, as actions demonstrate otherwise.Secondly, Scripture consistently represents life's difficulties as "trials" or "temptations" designed to test sincerity. These challenges force an "actual and practical choice" between God and other things, serving as the proper proof of one's faith. God uses these trials not for His own information, but to reveal to individuals, through their behavior under pressure, what is truly in their hearts.Thirdly, grace is "made perfect" or "finished" in practice. Like a tree perfecting its fruit, grace reaches its proper effect and end when it is expressed through active, obedient living. This makes practical exercises the highest evidence of grace, as a principle's true nature is best seen in its most complete expression.Furthermore, Scripture overwhelmingly emphasizes holy practice as a mark of true piety, highlighting it "ten times more" than any other sign. When Christ and His apostles explicitly provide marks of godliness, Christian practice is almost exclusively insisted upon. This consistent biblical emphasis is presented as an "invincible argument" for its preeminence.Lastly, holy practice is the grand evidence that will be used at the judgment seat of God. The future judgment will be a "declarative judgment," manifesting God's righteousness to consciences and the world, and it will be regulated by men's works. Therefore, what the Supreme Judge uses to judge humanity, individuals should use to judge themselves. This emphasis on practice is not a legalistic doctrine; it is presented as a sign or fruit of grace, demonstrating its presence, rather than its price or a means to earn salvation.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730