Sam Storms joins me this afternoon on The Paul Edwards Program to discuss his new book, Signs of the Spirit: An Interpretation of Jonathan Edwards’s “Religious Affections”
. Jonathan Edwards was an 18th century American theologian and pastor in New England. His preaching is credited with igniting the Great Awakenings of that century. His treatise Religious Affections is widely considered the most important and accurate analysis of religious experience ever written. Edwards’ primary concern in that work was to determine, as much as possible, “what are the distinguishing qualifications of those that are in favor with God, and entitled to his eternal rewards.” Simply put, he endeavored to identify what constitutes true and authentic spirituality. What makes a person truly ‘Christian’? Are there certain features or characteristics in human thought and behavior that serve as “signs” of the saving activity and presence of the Spirit of God? Is it possible for us to know with any degree of certainty whether or not a person who claims to have experienced the saving grace of God is truly born-again?
“…think many Christians support this war because it is against another religion and after all since ours is right and theirs is false then they must be possessed by Satan. All the while they ignore the fact that there are a lot of innocent, lost souls in the Islamic faith that need to hear the message of salvation…”
I was just responding to this comment… You’re right, just because someone is a member of a false religion doesn’t mean we have the right to kill them, we should be obedient to our Lord and with sacrificial love give them the Gospel. I was just correcting you by saying there is no such thing as an “innocent lost soul”. Romans 3:9-19 and many other scriptures demonstrate that all human beings are naturally God-hating sinners who are in full rebellion… No human being is just some innocent bystandard who has slipped between the cracks and been decieved. Only by God’s overcoming grace when he regenerates our hearts do we respond to the Gospel call.
“While just because someone is a member of a false religion does give us a right to kill them, there is no such thing as “innocent” lost souls ”
Colin, I am not sure I understand your statement here. was it mistated?
Jeff,
The thing is though, that most of the “evangelicals” who are drinking starbucks they bought in their meg-churches are liberal social-gospel types like Rick Warren, who are against the war. While just because someone is a member of a false religion does give us a right to kill them, there is no such thing as “innocent” lost souls (Romans 3:9-19).
I have recently been mulling over this, especially in light of my opposition of this War in Iraq. When I look around, I see most of my brothers and sisters in the Lord who support a War that is unjust. Many voices were in opposition when the war started and now 4 years later those voices turn out to be right. However, I see the Christian community still in support of it. They sit over here in America in their comfy homes and nice cars, drinking their starbucks coffee from their Church cafe on Sunday mornings totally disconnected from the images of War. They pay their tithe so their church can become an entertainment center, with theater seating and feel good about it because “thus saith the Lord” you NEED to give your 10% of the GROSS to the CHURCH as most Pastors would say. I don’t see Christianity in that, there is a total disconnect from the great suffering that is going on. To me, it makes more sense to live the Christian life of compassion towards all of God’s children. I think many Christians support this war because it is against another religion and after all since ours is right and theirs is false then they must be possessed by Satan. All the while they ignore the fact that there are a lot of innocent, lost souls in the Islamic faith that need to hear the message of salvation. But instead of thinking about that we support the use of arms to kill and torture many thousands of innocent people and it’s OK because we don’t see it in our lives. Is being a Christian saying a phrase, paying your dues(tithe), reading your Bible, and following other “trusted” voices? Or is it Loving the Lord with all your heart soul mind and strength and loving your neighbor(even those of another religion) as yourself by having true compassion towards all suffering and having a critical mind to recognize injustices and speak out against it? Is it the things you do or the condition of the heart? My vote is for the latter.
at 7:22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’
Mat 7:23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
You are free to disagree, I am hoping that some of us Christians will start to get a check in out spirit about what is going on in the World around us. Thanks God Bless.