how can we be saved and be the same? our wants, our affections, our ambitions... they are all redeemed when our soul is saved. how deep does that grace run? superficially? not if it is of the Lord... it changes the nature of our being.... complete transformation. what a great book! ( )

I only started listening to this because it was free on ChristianAudio, but it's exactly what I needed at this point in my spiritual journey. It's all about the difference between those who are actually in Christ, and those who are fooling themselves. The difference is the religious affections, the genuine and unconditional love for the glory and holiness of God.

There's a lot in this book to digest, which is especially hard in the audio format, so I made highlights in the 99-cent kindle copy. That way, I can go back over the most relevant passages. It's a little technical in structure, but my brain loved that aspect of it. The English is a little old, but it's good to help one better absorb the previous meanings of words. Also the English wasn't old at all compared to John Bunyan which I'd just finished listening to.

Mr Edwards supports all his points very thoroughly with scripture, and offers help in many of the things modern writers are neglecting. I would recommend this to anyone who can comprehend it, or is willing to learn to comprehend it. ( )

With overwhelming logic and Scriptural backing, Edwards examines the true evidences of conversion and gives excellent counsel in examining both out own fruit and that of others. ( )

James states that "pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world" (chapter 01, v. 27). Jonathan Edwards, in this well grounded essay, shows the biblical concept about true religion. The Scripture is his object of work. The christians are his audience. His argument gives emphasis in the fruits produced by a christian whose life belongs to Jesus. In order to recognize this, one has to be aware of the false prophets and must not trust in his feelings. "The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?" (Jeremias, chapter 17, v. 9) Man has to search and develop the wisdom from above, with "is first pure, than peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hipocrisy" ( James chapter 3, v. 17). The author's exposition definitely suceeds in showing the meaning of true religion. ( )

In my most recent read of the great puritan pastor-theologian Jonathan Edwards I was able to read some analytical treatises written on revival. In the book Jonathan Edwards on Revival the selective works included are “A Narrative of Surprising Conversions” which is dealing with the religious revival in Northampton in 1735. Then also included are “The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God“, and “An Account of the Revival of Religion in North Hampton 1740-1742” which also dealt with revival and what it constitutes and how to know if it is or is not a true work of the Holy Spirit.

The treatises are prefaced with some introductory material. This work hopes to further familiarize readers with Edwards and his timeless writings. Jonathan Edwards is widely recognized today as perhaps the greatest of all North American thinkers, philosophers, and theologians. He began his ministry in Northampton, Massachusetts, and exemplifies the Puritan influence which had been felt in New England.

Edwards being one othe foremost authorities on revivalism writes on his encounters with the outcomes of such spiritual activity. This is a great read for those who think a revival is going away on a weekend conference so you can feel good about yourself. Edwards shows why it is not that, rather he shows that true revival is a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit that generally leads to massive numbers converting to Christ due to mourning over sin.

Edwards shows how having a true conversion constitutes having a genuine awareness of your own sin often accompanied with a great fear of hell and a great desire for true Holiness. Again readers must realize that true revivals are where converts continue in the Christian faith and they are not necessarily those of large Evangelistic conventions where many respond to an altar call but few thereafter are seen again. This is a great book for any Christian wanting to know what true revival is.