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Jonathan Edwards
is no stranger to us. Some refer to him as the greatest Christian thinker that
this country has ever produced. He was indeed a key figure in the early 1700’s
and the Great Awakening. There has been a renewed interest in this man during
the past several years. John Piper, also no stranger to our readers, has spent
thirty years studying him. Some have complained that Edwards is hard to read,
but this volume by Piper will be a good way to bring the reader into Edwards’
works. As you read this volume you will be impressed with the relevance of
Edwards’ words to us today.
The book contains
a brief biography of Edwards which could also serve as an introduction to this
man and his thoughts. Piper makes it clear that behind “the greatness of
Edwards’ thoughts was the greatness of his soul.” He was a man of extraordinary
discipline, intellectual ability, and commitment to the Triune God. For Edwards,
Christianity meant both thinking and living. Those two elements must not be
separated.
One chapter is
aptly titled, “A Mind in Love with God.” In contrast to the current lack of
thought, the obvious media manipulation of the 21st century, the shallowness of
modern and postmodern Christianity, and the superficial definition of pleasure
and joy, Edwards was driven by a passion for God’s glory, for the supremacy of
God in all things. And Edwards’ passion was rooted in God’s passion for His own
glory.
The second half of
this book is the text of Edwards’ The End for Which God Created the World,
which was first published in 1765. In his introduction to the original, Edwards
himself wrote, “All that is ever spoken of in the Scripture as an ultimate end
of God’s works is included in that one phrase, the glory of God.” Piper
paraphrases Edward’s thesis this way: ”God is most glorified in us when we are
most satisfied in Him.” In other words we are most satisfied when God is most
glorified in us. Piper further suggests that to reflect Edwards’ intent, the
first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism which reads “Man’s chief end
is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever,” should read, “Man’s chief end is to
glorify God by enjoying him forever.”
Sometimes we use
jargon or carelessly throw around terms. “God’s glory” has been one of those
phrases that is often quoted but not often understood. This book will
contribute to our understanding of the biblical intent reflected in the first
catechism question. What could be more important than glorifying God? When His
delight becomes ours, then we are lifted from the muck of mendacity and placed
upon a path that will lead us to glory. In one section, to which Piper gives
the heading “God prizes holiness in the creature and holiness is essentially the
prizing God,” Edwards writes, “If holiness in God consist chiefly in love to
himself, holiness in the creature must chiefly consist in love to him. And if
God loves holiness in himself, he must love in the creature.”
I commend this
book for personal reading, group discussion, and the basis for sermons and other
studies. Piper wrote, “To that,” (referring to The End for Which God Created
the World) I now bid you a very slow and reflective Godspeed.” Read it
carefully, thoughtfully, and devotionally. Edwards concludes his text with this
summary, “It will take an eternity of increasing joy to experience all the
fullness of God.” There will never be a moment this side of heaven where we can
ever say that God is fully glorified and man completely satisfied but we press
on towards that prize. That is Edwards’ challenge.
- Charles Dunahoo, CEP Coordinator
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