Brilliant short answer from John Piper on why emotions are crucial in the Christian life.
Tag: Jonathan Edwards
That glorious city of light and love is, as it were, on the top of a high hill or mountain, and there is no way to it but by upward and arduous steps. But though the ascent be difficult, and the way full of trials, still it is worth your while to meet them all for the sake of coming and dwelling in such a glorious city at last.
Be willing, then, to undergo the labour, and meet the toil, and overcome the difficulty. What is it all in comparison with the sweet rest that is at your journey’s end? Be willing to cross the natural inclination of flesh and blood, which is downward, and press onward and upward to the prize. At every step it will be easier and easier to ascend; and the higher your ascent, the more will you be cheered by the glorious prospect before you, and by a nearer view of that heavenly city where in a little while you shall for ever be at rest.
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There, in heaven, this infinite fountain of love – this eternal Three in One – is set open without any obstacle to hinder access to it, as it flows forever. There this glorious God is manifested, and shines forth, in full glory, in beams of love. And there this glorious fountain forever flows forth in streams, yea, in rivers of love and delight, and these rivers swell, as it were, to an ocean of love, in which the souls of the ransomed may bathe with the sweetest enjoyment, and their hearts, as it were, be deluged with love!
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As we turn the corner on a new year, many of us will find it profitable to reflect on our own lives. New Year’s Resolutions are often made flippantly and have little value. But they can also reflect a sincere desire to grow spiritually. To this end, let me present some of Jonathan Edwards’ resolutions as a stimulant to those of us who are interested in reflecting on our lives at the start of our new year.
Rick Phillips at Reformation 21 reflects on Jonathan Edwards’ Resolutions. A good follow-up to my recent entry.