Gracious Affections Increase Spiritual Hunger | Jonathan Edwards

Deep Dive into Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards - Another Great and Very Distinguishing Difference between Gracious Affections and Others Is, That Gracious Affections, the Higher They Are Raised, the More Is a Spiritual Appetite and Longing of Soul after Spiritual Attainments Increased. On the Contrary, False Affections Rest Satisfied in ThemselvesTrue saints are marked by an ever-increasing longing for holiness and God. This desire does not lead to a cessation of spiritual appetite but rather intensifies the more one experiences divine grace, much like a flame burns more ardently the higher it is raised. Genuine believers are never fully satisfied with their current spiritual state, always striving for more.This profound yearning manifests as a greater desire to love God, accompanied by a sense of uneasiness over their lack of love for Him. They long for a deeper hatred for sin, lamenting any remaining affection for it, and desire to mourn for sin more earnestly, seeking a more broken heart. True saints thirst and pant after God and holiness for its own sake, understanding it as the "meat and drink" of their spiritual appetite due to its moral excellency and inherent holy sweetness.Spiritual enjoyments are described as "soul-satisfying" not because they cloy, but because they are perfectly adapted to the soul's nature, fulfill expectations, and offer permanent gratification from an infinite ocean of good. This satisfying nature paradoxically fuels a deeper thirst for more, driving the soul towards ultimate perfection.Conversely, false affections lead to self-satisfaction and a cessation of earnest spiritual pursuit. Those with counterfeit faith often feel "rich, and increased with goods," believing their spiritual "work is done" based on past experiences. Their desires for more are for "by-ends," such as seeking clearer discoveries for personal assurance, self-gratification, or merely tasting God's love without genuinely cultivating more love for God. Therefore, longing for a more holy heart and living a more holy life are the most significant distinguishing marks of true saints, rather than desires for great spiritual experiences or comforts.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730