Deep Dive into Religious Affections by Johnathan Edwards - Nothing Can Be Certainly Known of the Nature of Religious Affections by This, That They Much Dispose Persons with Their Mouths to Praise...

Based on the sources, speaking highly of Christ is not considered a certain sign of grace. While many people view a strong disposition to praise and glorify God with their mouths as compelling evidence of genuine religious affection, the sources clearly state it is not a certain indicator.The main reasons provided are that persons without grace can still experience high affections towards God and Christ. When these non-saving affections are intense, they can naturally lead individuals to speak much and very earnestly about the religious topics they are affected by. Furthermore, the sources emphasize that counterfeits of all kinds of gracious affection can exist.Several scriptural examples illustrate this point. Multitudes who witnessed Christ's miracles glorified God. People cried "Hosanna" before his crucifixion. The Gentiles in Antioch were glad and "glorified the word of the Lord," but the sources note that only a certain elect number truly believed. The Israelites at the Red Sea sang God's praise but soon forgot His works. The Jews in Ezekiel's time showed "much love with their mouth" while their heart pursued covetousness. Even false professors and enemies of religion are foretold to show a readiness to glorify God.The sources also mention that expressing unworthiness and magnifying free grace, often associated with speaking highly of God's mercy, is not a certain sign of grace either. These expressions can arise from unsubdued pride and enmity against God when individuals perceive they have received extraordinary kindness. Examples like Saul acknowledging his unworthiness to David, or Nebuchadnezzar and Darius praising God in their "high affections," highlight that such outward displays do not necessarily stem from a truly gracious principle.Therefore, outward praise and speaking highly of Christ, while potentially accompanying genuine grace, are not sufficient or reliable evidence to determine if someone possesses saving grace, as they can be motivated by non-saving affections or even pride.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianPatreon: patreon.com/edi_reformed