The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards- Steven Lawson

I have recieved this book from The Reformation Trust to review, I am not obliged to give a positive review:

I have never heard of Steven Lawson but Jonathan Edwards is always a draw as I have read many books at both an academic and popular level on Edwards as well as reading him myself. This book is at a more popular level but Lawson has drunk deep from the well that is Jonathan Edwards and so there is much to gain from reading this book.

The book starts excellently ‘Sanctification is never an elective course that a believer may or may not take. Neither is it an upper-level graduate study, required for only a few disciples. Instead, it is a core class, mandated for all Christians.

Godliness is a lifelong study for no-one graduates from the school of Christ this side of heaven.’ Wow I am hooked from the opening thought!!

Lawson is concerned to show that Edwards was not just the greatest theologian of American history but also that he stands above the rest not just because of his great intellect but because of his even greater piety. Edwards took God’s holiness seriously, it wasn’t just that Edwards was on a path to heaven but Edwards was on a path to greater and greater sanctification. Not for Edwards a dry academic faith or a sit back and wait for God type of attitude. Edwards was seriously committed to his own sanctification even though he knew he couldn’t do it on his own but was dependent on God. Lawson states,

‘This requires, as it did for Edwards, humble submission and dedication to God, all for the honor of Christ. Only in such self-denial is divine grace multiplied in one’s life.’ p 60

One of the reasons this book should be a best seller is because Lawson is committed to the same understanding as Jonathan Edwards. It is not that he has the same reformed theology as Edwards (although he clearly does) but that he has the same desire for himself and desires for us his readers to seek after God for holiness, to have the resolve of Edwards and the same loathing for own sinfulness and passion for his glory. He gives us this challenge, ‘God is looking for individuals in this generation who will rise above the status quo of contemporary Christianity and say with Edwards, “I am completely Yours.” P.60

Jonathan Edwards took God’s holiness seriously and because he took this seriously he took is own sinfulness seriously. Lawson points out that for Edwards sin was the opposite of God’s glory and as Edwards wanted to glorify God in all that he did sin needed to be conquered.

Jonathan Edwards was a passionate man, it is hard to believe sometimes as the disciplined character that he was that he was also white-hot in love with God and God’s grace. Yet Edwards was a man who knew that God loved him and this gave him a heart that was aflame with love. Lawson seeks to show us that behind the shy, social awkward man was a man who loved his neighbour intensely.

At the end of each chapter Lawson challenges us from something we have learnt from Edwards, and these are serious challenges as the Edwards who he presents to us is a man who is so earnest in his desire to please his God in all things.

Why you should read this book, firstly it is well written and a joy to read but secondly and more importantly, Lawson like Edwards is a pastor who cares for the soul. His desire in writing is not just to introduce you to Edwards but to help you in your walk with the God of Jonathan Edwards. ‘In this day, some three hundred years after Edwards’ time, there is a desperate need for a new generation to arise onto the scene of history that will prize and promote the glory of our awesome God. Beholding the soul-capturing vision of this all-supreme, all-sovereign, and all-sufficient God transforms individuals in life-altering ways.’ P.154

Shalom

Stephen