What We Learn from God’s Early Work of Redemption | Jonathan Edwards

Deep Dive into A History of the Work of Redemption by Jonathan Edwards - Improvement of the Second PeriodJonathan Edwards reflects on the history of redemption by focusing on the transition from Christ’s earthly humiliation to the application of his finished work. He uses this historical context to reprove those who reject Christ, those who trust in their own righteousness, and those who neglect their salvation.Edwards argues that rejecting the Savior is a grave sin because it slights the four thousand years of divine providence God used to prepare for Christ’s coming. He is especially sharp toward the self-righteous, labeling their attempts to save themselves as supreme arrogance. By trusting in "polluted" prayers or moral reforms, these individuals imply that Christ’s suffering was unnecessary and that his death was an act of folly. Edwards asserts that attempting to work out one’s own redemption is a more daunting task than creating the universe; therefore, those who try to earn God’s favor are claiming a power they do not possess.He also rebukes the careless, noting the irony that while angels and ancient prophets viewed redemption with awe and longing, many modern people ignore it for worldly pleasures. He questions how anyone can remain indifferent to a work for which God overturned kingdoms and Christ endured the "furnace of God’s wrath."Finally, Edwards provides encouragement to those burdened by their sins. He emphasizes that the purchase of salvation is entirely complete. Since God spent ages preparing the way and Christ sacrificed his life to finish the work, there is a divine interest in seeing that work succeed. Christ will not reject a sincere seeker, as doing so would frustrate the very purpose of the incarnation and the thousands of years of preparation that preceded it. The invitation is to come "without price," trusting that the work is already done.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730