Deep Dive into Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards - Nothing Can Be Certainly Concluded Concerning the Nature of Religious Affections, That Any Are the Subjects of, from This, That the Outward...

Judging a person's religious sincerity based solely on outward appearances is presented as highly unreliable and often disappointing. Humans can only observe external manifestations such as emotional displays, fervent religious talk, participation in duties like prayer and singing, and even appearances of assurance. However, these can be skillfully counterfeited by individuals who are "altogether graceless" and lack genuine faith. There can be a great resemblance between a hypocrite and a true saint in all outward expressions and appearances.The sources use analogies like blossoms in the spring that look fair and promising but never come to anything. Similarly, the wheat and tares parable shows they are so much alike they are next to impossible to distinguish until the fruit appears. The "ear of the fruit" is the true distinguishing mark.This means relying on initial or outward shows, plausible talk, or subjective feelings that a person's experience "harmonizes" with one's own is uncertain and liable to deceit. The Scripture states man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. True saints themselves do not have an infallible ability to certainly determine who is godly.The appearance of piety that disappoints is precisely this outward show that lacks inward substance. The consequences of judging solely by appearance include mistaking hypocrites for true saints, leading to disappointment and falling away. It is considered arrogant setting up men's wisdom above Christ's plain rule to judge chiefly by the fruit. Wise individuals proceed with caution in such matters. The ultimate judgment of the heart belongs only to God.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianPatreon: patreon.com/edi_reformed