Divine Retribution

This week, John and Chuck are back with the series on Salvation in Full Color, looking at a sermon on divine retribution by Jonathan Edwards.

Jonathan Edwards (1703—1758) was the grandson of Solomon Stoddard, a famous pastor and one of the most influential pastors of 17th-century America. Edwards’ first spiritual stirrings happened when he was seven years old and then again in college when he was converted. He began preaching at age nineteen and became the sole pastor at his grandfather’s church in 1729. From 1734-35, there was a powerful period of revival in the church. And again in 1740 when Whitefield came, there was another wave of revival. In 1750, Edwards was rejected from his church and went to serve as a missionary to the Indians. He was later invited to be the President of Princeton.

Divine retribution, Edwards writes, is “the eternity of hell torments.”

  • It is right that God inflicts an eternal punishment on wicked men.

    • God’s punishment is not inconsistent with His justice or His mercy.

  • This punishment is ongoing punishment (not simply annihilation).

  • This punishment is eternal.

  • Justice is upheld.

Remember: it’s an extraordinary kindness that, if all of humanity is heading into judgement, we are given a warning in time to turn away from this end! The One who gives us (His enemies) the warning is the only Being who fully understands what is coming and has provided a way of rescue.

We hope you’ll join us as we read and study Salvation in Full Color together.

 

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for weekly updates, or listen / subscribe on: iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify

 
The Whole CounselCourtney Brewer