by Jonathan Edwards
In ePub, .mobi and .pdf formats
Originally titled True Grace Distinguished from the Experience of Devils by Jonathan Edwards, 1752, this modern language version is Copyright 1994 by William Carson. Permission is granted for reproduction, so long as this text is not altered, this notice is included in any reproduction, and it is not sold for profit.
In the book, Edwards discusses the nature of true Christian faith and scrutinizes the superficial belief in God. He emphasizes that true Christian faith is not just intellectual assent but involves a heartfelt transformation, a genuine spiritual experience sparked by divine grace, leading to a life aligned with God's will. The treatise profoundly explores the essence of saving faith, distinguishing it from mere acknowledgment of religious truths, and underscores the necessity of a transformative encounter with the divine.
Three key lessons from the book include:
True Faith vs. Demonic Belief: Edwards emphasizes that true faith in Christ involves more than mere belief in God's existence, a belief that even demons possess. It's about a transformative relationship with God.
Divine Gift of Faith: Faith is not self-generated but a divine gift. It's through the Holy Spirit's intervention that one's heart is turned towards God, distinguishing genuine faith from mere acknowledgment of religious truths.
Transformative Power of Faith: Genuine faith fundamentally transforms the heart and aligns one's life with God's will. This transformation is not just about resisting sin but about embracing a life of service, love, and holiness.
Edwards articulates these points to delineate the real essence of Christian faith, distinguishing it from mere intellectual agreement or fleeting emotional experiences.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Demons Have a Knowledge of God.
Knowledge of God alone is no proof of salvation.
Religious experiences are no proof of salvation.
Objection #1- People are different from demons.
Objection #2- People can have religious feelings that demons cannot.
True Spiritual experiences have a different source.
A true spiritual experience transforms the heart.
Genuine spiritual experiences have different results.
The sight of Christ's beauty- God's greatest gift!