SINNERS IN THE HANDS OF AN ANGRY GOD: JONATHAN EDWARDS' IMPACT ON AMERICA

"Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God: Jonathan Edwards' Impact on America."

That was the title of a research paper that my son, Caleb, composed for a college history class. His document caused me to reflect on the power of the preached Word to bring transformation—to an individual, a family, a community—yes, and even a nation! It is difficult to imagine the birth of these United States apart from the spiritual awakening that swept over the colonies. Although there were certainly other preachers, most notably George Whitefield, who likewise played pivotal roles, Jonathan Edwards was a remarkable catalyst for the move of God that occurred. The hand of God at work in the church inspired and supported the founding of America. The activity of a Sovereign God brought forth a nation whose government system and laws were rooted in Scriptural principles. That is not to say that all the founders were Christians in the Biblical sense, but even those who were not, had a healthy understanding of truth and a fundamental belief in God and morality that was informed by Scripture. A good number were what we would call evangelicals. Without question, our forefathers had no intent to establish a theocracy. Having fled the unholy alliance of church and state that pervaded European nations—a union that wrought persecution and stifled freedom—they steadfastly refused to have a national church. There was no intent, however, to take the opposite extreme—to confine faith inside the four walls of the church—quarantining Christians as if they were some kind of contagion. Instead, the founders sought the favor of God and acknowledged the benefits of Christianity. Calls to prayer, offerings of thanksgiving, teaching of the Bible, and freedom for the church to advance its mission and ministry were woven into the fabric of America and given government protection—even promotion to an extent.

How things have changed! The mindset of many in power today give lip-service to freedom of religion—so long as it is kept to the church house and doesn’t impact the culture at large. The national conversation promotes political correctness. This new tolerance means that any idea, philosophy, or moral expression (really immoral or amoral) must not be confronted by the church. To do so is to be branded an extremist, a bigot, and a homophobe.

So, should we just accept this, cave in, bow down, and grovel?

We must be loving! That is not even negotiable! The most loving thing we can do is preach the truth that will deliver from hell and open up heaven when Christ is received by faith as Savior and Lord. What the church must do is not to tone down its message, but turn up the volume! Those holy words will only be heeded if spoken by those whose lifestyle mirrors their doctrine.

We need some men in the pulpit like Jonathan Edwards who are not fearful of warning sinners not to fall into the hands of an angry God, but fall on their knees in repentance! As we come to another birthday of America, there is a desperate need for a mighty move of the Spirit. It will not come unless some bold preachers preach the Gospel. History makes that abundantly clear.

PREACHING FROM THE BIBLE OF CHRIST AND HIS APOSTLES

And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.  (Luke 24:27)

In all of our preaching, let us be sure and not neglect using the Bible of Christ and His Apostles.  That Bible was what we call the Old Testament.  Someone has well said that the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.  Christ is the connection between the two—and His atonement is the scarlet thread that is woven throughout the fabric of the Word—from the promised Seed in Genesis to the crushing of the Serpent’s head in Revelation; from lamb God provided as a substitute for Isaac in the first book of Scripture to the Risen Lamb in the final one.  Our intent, of course, in preaching from the Old Testament, is not merely to give some interesting history concerning ancient people, but to present Christ.  “[T]here is always a way to Christ and his cross from every passage in the Old Testament.” (J. Ligon Duncan III, Preaching the Cross, p.47).  As Spurgeon put it, “Wherever I take my text, I make a beeline to the cross.”  Preaching from the Old Testament need not result in bored congregants, but in burning hearts!  That was the result of Jesus preaching from the Old Testament.  Old Testament texts are not meant to impose legalistic regulations to try to make people moral, but are meant to drive sinners to their knees in repentance, and thus to the cross for forgiveness and regeneration.  That is what happened when Peter preached from the Old Testament at Pentecost.  It is Gospel preaching that is needful and it is Gospel truth found in the Old Testament as well as the New.  How often do you preach from the Bible of Christ and His Apostles?