Commemorating Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758)

A picture of Jonathan Edwards

A series of sermons and studies throughout 2003 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the birth of a great theologian and teacher in Christ's church.

Jonathan Edwards was one of the foremost Reformed theologians of Christ's church on earth. This year (2003) marks the three hundredth anniversary of his birth at East Windsor, Connecticut, in October 1703.

Since Edwards remains one of my favourite authors and theologians (yes, I have to admit I prefer him to Calvin!), I want to add my own stone to the cairn of Edwards' memory. Throughout 2003 I intend to preach on a text which has significance in Edwards' thought and writings. In October 2003 I am planning to give some commemorative lectures which will also appear on the website.

And if you think it strange that a Scottish pastor should be giving so much space to an American theologian, then you need to know about Edwards' Scottish connections! So keep reading, and may these studies help us to walk in Edwards' footsteps as a faithful follower of Christ.

Meanwhile, if you want to do your own reading, then I would recommend three books:

Iain H. Murray Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography (Banner of Truth 1987)

John Piper God's Passion for His Glory: Living the Vision of Jonathan Edwards (IVP 1998)

Stephen J. Nichols Jonathan Edwards: A Guided Tour of his life and thought (Presbyterian and Reformed 2002)

Finally, a quotation from the great man himself:

"The people of God are the most excellent and happy society in the world. That God whom they have chosen for their God is their Father; he has pardoned all their sins, and they are at peace with him; and he has admitted them to all the privileges of his children. As they have devoted themselves to God, so he has given himself to them. He is become their salvation, and their portion: his power and mercy, and all his attributes, are theirs. They are in a safe state, free from all possibility of perishing: Satan has no power to destroy them. God carries them on eagles' wings, far above Satan's reach, and above the reach of all the enemies of their souls. God is with them in this world; they have his gracious presence. God is for them: who then can be against them?"

(from a sermon on Ruth 1:16, 'Ruth's resolution' [BOT edition, Vol 1, p665])