The Symmetry of Gracious Affections | Jonathan Edwards

Deep Dive into Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards - Another Thing wherein Those Affections That Are Truly Gracious and Holy, Differ from Those That Are False, Is Beautiful Symmetry and ProportionTrue gracious affections are characterized by a beautiful symmetry and proportion, reflecting the universality of sanctification and the whole image of Christ in believers. This means all virtues and affections develop in a balanced, harmonious way, like a perfectly formed natural body, even with life's imperfections. In stark contrast, false religious affections exhibit a monstrous disproportion, often likened to "Ephraim...a cake not turned," being half-baked and lacking uniformity.A significant distinction lies in the coexistence of affections. True saints experience joy accompanied by holy fear and continuous godly sorrow for sin, persisting even after initial comfort is established, much like a child crying after birth. Hypocrites, however, often rejoice without trembling and lack this ongoing sorrow.Love also reveals this difference. True Christian love is extensive and universal, extending to God, all people (even opponents), and encompasses concern for both souls and bodies. False love is often partial, confined to one's own party, or expressed in public while being absent towards close family or physical needs.Furthermore, true Christians are most affected by their own defects and corruptions, whereas hypocrites disproportionately focus on others' flaws. Their spiritual attainments are consistent, building from lesser virtues to higher ones. Unlike the instability of false affections, which appear only in "fits and starts" like temporary brooks or comets, true affections are steadfast like a living spring or fixed stars.Finally, a critical indicator is the delight in secret converse with God. True saints uniquely enjoy retirement for meditation and prayer, where they receive profound spiritual comforts and manifestations. Conversely, if individuals are highly affected in company but show little to no comparable engagement in private devotion, it "looks very darkly upon their religion."Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730