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^26 “Then God said, ‘Let us make man^[a] in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ ²⁷ So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:26-27 ESV)

One of the results of God creating humankind in His image was giving us the responsibility of dominion over God’s creation. Dominion involves the righteous use of power, authority and control.

Unfortunately, the fall into sin (Genesis 3) perverted man’s delegated dominion over God’s creation. This is because the human heart became wicked and sinful (Ps. 51:5-6; Jer. 17:9).

“Tragically, the man and the woman turned away from God and fell into sin, seeking to become yet more like God (3:5); to choose for themselves what is good and evil. The image of God was defaced. Though made upright, they sought out many schemes (Eccl. 7:29). Their descendants would likewise bear this defaced image (Rom. 5:12–21),” states Dr. Mark Ross, professor of systematic theology at Erskine Theological Seminary in South Carolina.

Christians understand that human beings were created good, but fell into sin and rebellion against God and alienation from one another. Apart from God’s redeeming and renewing grace, fallen man finds only violence in his heart. David expresses the truth eloquently as he writes of God’s attitude toward the wicked: “The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man” (Ps. 5:5–6),” explains Dr. W. Robert Godfrey, president of Westminster Seminary, California.  

The wicked are boastful in what they do. They are evildoers. They speak lies and feel little to no remorse for doing so. The are bloodthirsty and deceitful. It is the result of a secular worldview born of a sinful soul.

“In one way or another, they (the wicked) claim that the victims of their violence are in some way inferior or less human than they are. I can justify violence against those who are not like me: they are not part of my family, my neighborhood, my tribe, my nation, my race, or my religion,” Godfrey comments about the secular individual’s propensity for violence.

With respect to abortion, the advocacy of it rests not only on the woman’s right to choose, but also on “scientific” arguments that argue that the unborn baby is sub-human tissue. Is this argument legitimate?

“Proponents of abortion insist that they are exercising their freedom legitimately. However, they have actually dehumanized the unborn child to justify their elimination of unwanted pregnancies. The real problem is not science, but the abuse of science. The horrendous effect of these pseudo-scientific justifications is dehumanizing violence born of selfishness,” concludes Godfrey.

Are humans nothing less than animals? Aside from today’s text, where else in the Scriptures does it teach the inherent value of the unborn? When next we meet, we will examine Psalm 139:13-16.

Have a blessed day in the Lord. I appreciate your prayers. You have mine.

Soli deo Gloria!

The His Word Today Weekly Podcast begins Monday, September 5 featuring expository messages from the Epistle to the Ephesians.

²⁶ “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. ²⁷ So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:26–27 (ESV)

“In America and throughout the world, the church of Jesus Christ must rise up to defend the rights of all individuals—children in the womb and abused children outside the womb, kidnapped girls forced into sex trafficking, men captured and sold into slavery, and the aged, infirm, or unwanted murdered through euthanasia and genocide. Our triune God is the Almighty Creator and Sustainer of life, He has bestowed dignity on every person, and He alone has defined personhood. The barbaric murder, abuse, and slavery of our fellow human beings ought to bring us to tears, to our knees in prayer, and to action on behalf of the least of these as we preach the gospel to the nations and fight for the life and freedom of all individuals so that they might live and hear the gospel of eternal life,” explains Pastor Burk Parsons.

Pastor Parsons stated that the Almighty Creator and Sustainer of life has bestowed dignity on every person and He alone has defined personhood. When did God give inherent dignity and personhood to every individual; born and unborn? He did so when He created man, as recorded in today’s text from Genesis 1:26-27.

I remind you that abortion is one example of a spiritual battle of worldviews. The Secular/Atheistic Worldview does not believe that people possess inherent value because they do not believe in the existence of God. Therefore, their rationale is that people do not possess inherent value because God did not create them in His image. God could not do this because they say God does not exist.

The Biblical Worldview says otherwise. The Bible says individuals are valuable, regardless of gender, intelligence, ethnicity, age, class, wealth, notoriety, or social position. God created mankind in His image. What does this mean?

The image of God, the Imago Dei, comes from the Hebrew word Sal-me’. The Hebrew word De-mut means model, shape or likeness. In Genesis 1:27, the Hebrew word Selem is also used for image. While the words “image” and “likeness” appear as synonyms, image refers to natural reason while likeness refers to original righteousness prior to the fall (Genesis 3).

God emphasizes the likeness of God in man. Man is not made in the likeness of other creating beings, such as fish, birds, or animals: domestic or wild. Rather, mankind is made according to God’s “kind” or likeness. “We possess the dignity of the divine,” says Pastor Parsons.

It is understood that the image of God in man is our ability to rationally think, express emotion, and to make conscious decisions. This is the essence of personhood. Whether the potentiality of personhood has been achieved following birth makes no difference. God has given inherent personhood, and value, to created man; born and unborn.

Therefore, “that image provides human beings with a unique ability to mirror and reflect the very character of God,” writes Dr. R. C. Sproul.

It is apparent that mankind does not always reflect the very character of God. Why? It is because of sin. Sin is the subject of our next article.

Have a blessed day in the Lord as you reflect the character of God because you bear His likeness; the Imago Dei.

Soli deo Gloria!  

The His Word Today Weekly Podcast begins Monday, September 5 featuring expository messages from the Epistle to the Ephesians.

^26 “Then God said, ‘Let us make man^[a] in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ ²⁷ So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:26-27 ESV)

On January 14, 1988, President of the United States Ronald Wilson Reagan released a declaration entitled The Personhood Proclamation. Many American citizens may not remember this event. I did not, but it is worth considering since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, June 24, 2022. The following is an excerpt.

“America has given a great gift to the world, a gift that drew upon the accumulated wisdom derived from centuries of experiments in self-government, a gift that has irrevocably changed humanity’s future. Our gift is twofold: the declaration, as a cardinal principle of all just law, of the God-given, unalienable rights possessed by every human being; and the example of our determination to secure those rights and to defend them against every challenge through the generations.  

“One of those unalienable rights, as the Declaration of Independence affirms so eloquently, is the right to life. In the 15 years since the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade, however, America’s unborn have been denied their right to life. Among the tragic and unspeakable results in the past decade and a half have been the loss of life of 22 million infants before birth; the pressure and anguish of countless women and girls who are driven to abortion; and a cheapening of our respect for the human person and the sanctity of human life. . .

“That right to life belongs equally to babies in the womb, babies born handicapped, and the elderly or infirm. That we have killed the unborn for 15 years does not nullify this right, nor could any number of killings ever do so. Our nation cannot continue down the path of abortion, so radically at odds with our history, our heritage, and our concepts of justice. This sacred legacy, and the well-being and the future of our country, demand that protection of the innocents must be guaranteed and that the personhood of the unborn be declared and defended throughout our land.”

President Reagan said that abortion was so radically at odds with America’s history, heritage and its concepts of justice. Abortion is also at odds with the Scriptures. The Bible declares that God created man in His image. As such, man possesses inherent value.

What is meant by the image of God and why is it so important to the concept of personhood? I will address this question next time.

Have a blessed day. I appreciate your prayers. You have mine.

Soli deo Gloria!

The His Word Today Weekly Podcast begins Monday, September 5 featuring expository messages from the Epistle to the Ephesians.

^“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” (Psalm 139:14 (ESV)

The subject of abortion is controversial and emotional. Intensity exists on both sides of the debate.  Often any discussion concerning it emits more heat than light or enlightenment.  It is similar to the issues of American slavery in the 19^th century and the American Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War in the 20^th century.

Questions abound concerning abortion. What about women’s rights? Does any government have the right to allow or restrict personal decisions affecting one’s own body? What about the use of contraception’s? Is abortion permissible under the law in the instance of incest or rape? What about the rights of the unborn child?

Abortion is a complicated issue. It raises many questions and requires thoughtful answers. Slogans on a bumper sticker or shouted in protests are insufficient. Careful consideration must be given to science, natural law and the Scriptures.

A writer must know his limitations. It is wise to decide what corner of any subject must be addressed and to be content to examine it well and then stop. Abortion is a vast topic and this blog is limited.

Therefore, I am focusing on one aspect of the debate; the biblical truth that the unborn child is a living, human person created in the image of God. What does it mean to be a living, human and a person? What does it mean to be created in the image of God? When does an unborn child become a person? Is it at conception or is it at birth? Or is personhood obtained when the child begins to be a productive member of society? Is there a standard age when personhood and productivity occurs? Does the unborn child have intrinsic value?

As a pastor, theologian, seminary professor, and Biblicist, I unapologetically assert that the Bible is the Word of God and therefore is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction and instruction in righteous living (2 Tim. 3:16). The Scriptures are the ultimate authority for believers in Christ. All other authority must be examined in light of biblical revelation.

It is my prayer and hope that those who are non-Christians may be persuaded by what I teach from Scripture concerning the unborn child. I also hope and pray that Christians will affirm what I teach as biblical and thereby be strengthened in holding to a biblical world view concerning the value of all human life, including the unborn. Ultimately, it is the Holy Spirit who will accomplish this work. I am solely His instrument for noble purposes.

I appreciate your prayers. You have mine.

Soli deo Gloria!

The His Word Today Weekly Podcast begins Monday, September 5 featuring expository messages from the Epistle to the Ephesians.

^“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” (Psalm 139:14 (ESV)

On January 22, 1973, the United States Supreme Court reached a judgment which legalized abortion on demand. The Roe v. Wade decision became one of the most controversial and culturally polarizing judgments and remained so for close to fifty years. It divided American citizens, families, and even churches.

On June 24, 2022, the United States Supreme Court reached a decision which overturned Roe v. Wade. The court struck down nearly fifty years of the judicial sanctioned killing of unborn human beings in this nation.

Dr. R. Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, stated, “It’s Friday, June 24, 2022. A day we will long remember.” In commenting on the court’s decision, Dr. Mohler also said, “It puts a stop to the stain of legally sanctioned abortion by federal mandate. It returns the question of abortion to the people and to their elective representatives. It is an answer to prayer.”

I am writing this article on Tuesday, June 28, four days after this momentous decision. This article will publish on Monday, August 15. Seven weeks will have passed. Only the Lord knows the extensive ramifications and reactions by those who identify themselves as Pro Choice and who angrily decry the court’s June 24 resolution.

In this series, answers will be sought to the questions of whether abortion is murder, is the unborn child a person, women’s rights and other key issues.

Let’s begin with an observation. The subject of abortion, along with other controversial topics, is a debate concerning worldviews. Abortion, for or against, reflects an individual’s perspective on life and values. This must be understood.  

There are two basic worldview systems in the world. There always has been. Until the Lord returns, there always will be. Those two basic worldviews are as follows.

First, the Secular/Atheistic Worldview. This perspective on life and values teaches that there is no God who is the ultimate creator and sustainer of the universe. Consequently, since there is no God then it stands to reason there is no absolute right or wrong because there is no absolute God who decrees what is right or wrong. Ultimately, there is no purpose to life because there is no ultimate God who provides purpose and meaning to life. Therefore, mankind must figure out for themselves what is their ultimate right or wrong and purpose. In effect, mankind must find their own truth. Humanity is on its own.  

The Secular/Atheistic Worldview are attitudes and activities that have no religious, spiritual, or biblical basis. Secularism reflects the truth found in Judges 21:25 which says, “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”  

The alternative is known as the Biblical Worldview. It is in contrast to the Secular/Atheistic Worldview. The Biblical Worldview teaches that there is a One, True and Ultimate God who is creator and sustainer of the universe; the God of the Bible. This is taught beginning in Genesis 1:1. He alone has decreed what is right and wrong and also that there is an ultimate purpose to life. That purpose is to obey and honor God (Ecc. 12:13; I Cor. 10:31).

There remains a tension and intermingling between these two worldview systems. It is apparent that some atheists live as if there is a God who exists and who has defined what is good and evil. Listen to those who hold no allegiance to God the next time a school shooting occurs. They will remark that the killing of children is evil. How is evil defined since, according to the atheist, there is no God and therefore no one who determines what is good or what is evil. Or consider when an object of theirs is stolen or damaged. There is certainly an innate sense of right and wrong in that situation.

It is also apparent that some Christians live as if there is no God who exists and who has defined what is good or evil. Listen to Christians as they seek to justify their ungodly behavior, their sin, and their nonchalant attitude toward God. It seems as if they have replaced the God of the Bible with themselves. God becomes a supportive character in their life story. God created them in His image and they are returning the favor.

Sensitivity will be sought as the subject of abortion is examined. However, biblical truth will also be uncompromisingly sought. I appreciate your prayers. You have mine.

Soli deo Gloria!  

The His Word Today Weekly Podcast begins Monday, September 5 featuring expository messages from the Epistle to the Ephesians.

What are some good resources on the life and ministry of Jonathan Edwards? Here are some I recommend.

First, monergism.com has a significant number of messages and articles by Jonathan Edwards. You can read these primary sources from the man himself. Well worth the time with little effort required to access.

Second, Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography by Iain Murray. My personal favorite on the life and ministry of America’s foremost theologian.

Third, Meet the Puritans by Joel Beeke and Randall J. Pederson. While the authors provide mini-biographies on the Puritans, their article on Edwards is one of the longest. What the authors provide is a primer on Edwards. It is an appetizer provoking a desire to know more about the man.

Fourth, Jonathan Edwards: A Life by George M. Marsden. The book’s publisher writes, “In this biography, Jonathan Edwards emerges as both a great American and a brilliant Christian. George M. Marsden evokes the world of colonial New England in which Edwards was reared – a frontier civilization at the center of a conflict between Native Americans, French Catholics, and English Protestants. Drawing on newly available sources, Marsden demonstrates how these cultural and religious battles shaped Edwards‘ life and thought. Marsden reveals Edwards as a complex thinker and human being who struggled to reconcile his Puritan heritage with the secular, modern world emerging out of the Enlightenment. In this, Edwards‘ life anticipated the deep contradictions of our American culture.”-

Fifth, A God Entranced Vision of All Things: The Legacy of Jonathan Edwards edited by John Piper and Justin Tayler. Published by Crossway, this book examines three categories about Edwards. These are The Life and legacy of Edwards, Lessons from Edwards’ Life and Thought, and Expositions of Edwards’ Major Theological Works.

These are a brief list. There are many other books on Edwards from which to choose. These are the ones which I have read. I am confident you will benefit from these resources.

Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

The His Word Today Weekly Podcast begins Monday, September 5 featuring expository messages from the Epistle to the Ephesians.

What are the lasting legacies of Jonathan Edwards? What relevance does an 18^th century American New England pastor and theologian have for today’s believer in Christ? In a word; much.

First, Jonathan Edwards had a thorough understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He understood that the LORD was sovereignly responsible for the justification of sinners by grace alone, through faith alone, in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone.

Edwards understood, in line with his Puritan heritage, that fallen sinners were dead in their trespasses (Eph. 2:1-4). However, he also understood that by God’s divine grace alone, He brings to life those who were spiritually dead. Through the preaching of the Gospel, the Holy Spirit monergistically regenerates the elect and they come to faith in Christ (John 3:1-8; 6:35-66; Eph. 2:4-9).

, “His (Edwards) extensive and thorough understanding of the gospel, for one, compels attention. Edwards begins with a vision of the holiness and wrath of God, coupled with his infinite love and mercy as seen in the cross, then moves to portray vividly and powerfully humanity’s desperate plight and utter need of a savior. He thoughtfully balances both a deep and abiding sense of our sin and lowliness alongside the exaltation of joy in Christ and delight in God. This approach serves well as an antidote to the often anemic and shallow presentations of the gospel today,” Dr. Stephen J. Nichols explains

Second, Jonathan Edwards understood the revelation of God is not only seen in the Word of God, but also the creation of God. Edwards embraced both biblical and general revelation.

“This led Edwards to view his engagement of the world in an entirely new way. He could learn of God in the Bible, to be sure, but as he watched the flying spider, for instance, he could see something of the pleasure of God, and as he rode through the picturesque Connecticut River Valley he marveled at God’s creativity and goodness,” Dr. Nichols states,

“The key to Edwards’ thought is that everything is related because everything is related to God,” Edwards’ biographer George Marsden observes. Understanding the world this way brings new perspective to the Christian’s work, the enjoyment of  nature, one’s participation in the arts, and also engaging the culture.

Thirdly, Edwards illustrated the reality that a faithful man of God will encounter conflict in ministry. He encountered conflict throughout his ministerial career. Whether at Yale College, dealing with the reactions of the divine movement of the Holy Spirit during the Great Awakening, or his dismissal by the Northampton congregation, Edwards understood that great leaders will encounter great conflict (2 Tim. 3:12).

Finally, Jonathan Edwards appreciated and relished in his gifts from Almighty God. He passionately preached, and lived out, the truth that ultimately believers in Christ find true fulfillment in relishing God Himself. or as Pastor John Piper often says, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”

“Somewhat endemic to American identity is the pursuit of happiness. Enshrined by Thomas Jefferson, these words and what they mean are often the talk of American historians, and in many ways are often the goal of American citizens. Happiness and its pursuit was of no less interest to Edwards. He differed quite a bit from his contemporaries, however. Most notable in this regard is Benjamin Franklin, one of the key shapers of the meaning of those words. In Franklin’s hands, the pursuit of happiness largely came to mean self-fulfillment accomplished through self-reliance,” Dr. Nichols concludes,

“Edwards could not disagree more. Rather than seeing self-centeredness as the goal achieved through self-reliance, Edwards advocated God-centeredness achieved through dependence on him. There is, however, a great irony here. The irony is summed up in Christ’s words: “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39). To state the irony directly, self-centeredness through self-reliance leads to self-defeat, in the truest and fullest sense possible. When, however, God is at the center, the self is most realized, most fulfilled, and most happy.”

Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

The His Word Today Weekly Podcast begins Monday, September 5 featuring expository messages from the Epistle to the Ephesians.

“And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. ⁹ No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there.” (Isaiah 35:8-9 (ESV)

As previously mentioned throughout this series on Jonathan Edwards, there remains a vast wealth and breadth of Edwards’ books and sermons for the edification of the believer in Christ. On such work by Edwards is a sermon entitled The Way of Holiness. It is based on Isaiah 35:8-9.

The phrase Way of Holiness in the Hebrew language refers to the believer’s journey and manner of conduct characterized by a separateness and apartness from sin and a sacredness unto God. As a believer in Christ, it is to be an object or person who is dedicated and consecrated unto serving God by a life of moral and inner purity.

What follows is an excerpt from Edwards’ sermon. The complete text, and many other of Edwards’ works, may be accessed at monergism.com.

“You have heard what holiness is and of the necessity of it, the absolute necessity in order to escaping hell; what we must have or die forever, must be forever forsaken Now, nothing is so necessary to us as holiness; other things may be necessary to discover this life, and things that are necessary men will strive for with all their might, if there is a probability of obtaining of them. How much more is that to be sought after, without which we shall fare infinitely worse than die ten thousand deaths!”

“This is motive enough without any other; for what can be a greater motive than necessity? But besides that, if it were not necessary, the amiable and excellent nature of it is enough to make it worth earnestly seeking after.”

“Holiness is a most beautiful, lovely thing. Men are apt to drink in strange notions of holiness from their childhood, as if it were a melancholy, morose, sour, and unpleasant thing; but there is nothing in it but what is sweet and ravishingly lovely. ‘Tis the highest beauty and amiableness, vastly above all other beauties; ’tis a divine beauty, makes the soul heavenly and far purer than anything here on earth-this world is like mire and filth and defilement [compared] to that soul which is sanctified-’tis of a sweet, lovely, delightful, serene, calm, and still nature. ‘Tis almost too high a beauty for any creature to be adorned with; it makes the soul a little, amiable, and delightful image of the blessed Jehovah. How may angels stand with pleased, delighted, and charmed eyes, and look and look with smiles of pleasure upon that soul that is holy!”

“Christian holiness is above all the heathen virtue, of a more bright and pure nature, more serene, calm, peaceful, and delightsome. What a sweet calmness, what a calm ecstasy, cloth it bring to the soul! Of what a meek and humble nature is true holiness; how peaceful and quiet. How cloth it change the soul, and make it more pure, more bright, and more excellent than other beings.”

Soli deo Gloria!

The His Word Today Weekly Podcast begins Monday, September 5 featuring expository messages from the Epistle to the Ephesians.

“For thy name’s sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.”
—Psalm 25:11.

The following is an excerpt from Jonathan Edwards’ sermon Pardon for the Greatest Sinner. May the LORD receive all the glory and praise.

Doctrine: If we truly come to God for mercy, the greatness of our sin will be no impediment to pardon…The following things are needful in order that we truly come to God for mercy:

1. The mercy of God is as sufficient for the pardon of the greatest sins, as for the least, because His mercy is infinite. That which is infinite is as much above what is great as it is above what is small. Thus, God being infinitely great, He is as much above kings as He is above beggars. He is as much above the highest angel, as He is above the meanest worm. One infinite measure doth not come any nearer to the extent of what is infinite than another. So the mercy of God being infinite, it must be as sufficient for the pardon of all sin as of one…

2. That the satisfaction of Christ is as sufficient for the removal of the greatest guilt as the least: “The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1Jo 1:7). “And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses” (Act 13:39). All the sins of those who truly come to God for mercy, let them be what they will, are satisfied for, if God be true Who tells us so. And if they be satisfied for, surely it is not incredible, that God should be ready to pardon them. So that Christ having fully satisfied for all sin, or having wrought out a satisfaction that is sufficient for all, it is now no way inconsistent with the glory of the divine attributes to pardon the greatest sins of those who in a right manner come unto Him for it.

God may now pardon the greatest sinners without any prejudice to the honor of His holiness. The holiness of God will not suffer Him to give the least countenance to sin, but inclines Him to give proper testimonies of His hatred of it. But Christ having satisfied for sin, God can now love the sinner and give no countenance at all to sin, however great a sinner he may have been. It was a sufficient testimony of God’s abhorrence of sin that He poured out His wrath on His own dear Son, when He took the guilt of it upon Himself. Nothing can more show God’s abhorrence of sin than this…

God may, through Christ, pardon the greatest sinner without any prejudice to the honor of His majesty. The honor of the divine majesty indeed requires satisfaction, but the sufferings of Christ fully repair the injury. Let the contempt be ever so great, yet if so honorable a person as Christ undertakes to be a Mediator for the offender and suffers so much for him, it fully repairs the injury done to the Majesty of heaven and earth. The sufferings of Christ fully satisfy justice. The justice of God, as the supreme Governor and Judge of the world, requires the punishment of sin. The supreme Judge must judge the world according to a rule of justice…The Law is no impediment in the way of the pardon of the greatest sin, if men do but truly come to God for mercy: for Christ hath fulfilled the Law, He hath borne the curse of it, in His sufferings. “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree” (Gal 3:13).

3. Christ will not refuse to save the greatest sinners, who in a right manner come to God for mercy; for this is His work. It is His business to be a Savior of sinners; it is the work upon which He came into the world; and therefore He will not object to it. He did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (Mat 9:13). Sin is the very evil which He came into the world to remedy: therefore, He will not object to any man that he is very sinful. The more sinful he is, the more need of Christ. The sinfulness of man was the reason of Christ’s coming into the world…The physician will not make it an objection against healing a man who applies to him that he stands in great need of his help…

4. Herein doth the glory of grace by the redemption of Christ much consist, viz., in its sufficiency for the pardon of the greatest sinners. The whole [plan] of the way of salvation is for this end: to glorify the free grace of God. God had it on His heart from all eternity to glorify this attribute; and therefore it is, that the device of saving sinners by Christ was conceived. The greatness of divine grace appears very much in this: that God by Christ saves the greatest offenders. The greater the guilt of any sinner is the more glorious and wonderful is the grace manifested in his pardon: “Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Rom 5:20)…The Redeemer is glorified, in that He proves sufficient to redeem those who are exceeding sinful, in that His blood proves sufficient to wash away the greatest guilt, in that He is able to save men to the uttermost, and in that He redeems even from the greatest misery.

It is the honor of Christ to save the greatest sinners when they come to Him, as it is the honor of a physician that he cures the most desperate diseases or wounds. Therefore, no doubt, Christ will be willing to save the greatest sinners, if they come to Him. For He will not be backward to glorify Himself and to commend the value and virtue of His own blood. Seeing He hath so laid out Himself to redeem sinners, He will not be unwilling to show that He is able to redeem to the uttermost.

If you see not the sufficiency of Christ to pardon you, without any righteousness of your own to recommend you, you never will come so as to be accepted of Him. The way to be accepted is to come—not on any such encouragement, that now you have made yourselves better, and more worthy, or not so unworthy, but—on the mere encouragement of Christ’s worthiness and God’s mercy.

From “Great Guilt No Obstacle to the Pardon of the Returning Sinner” in The Works of Jonathan Edwards, Vol. 2, reprinted by the Banner of Truth Trust.

“And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. ⁹ No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there.” (Isaiah 35:8-9 (ESV)

As previously mentioned throughout this series on Jonathan Edwards, there remains a vast wealth and breadth of Edwards’ books and sermons for the edification of the believer in Christ. On such work by Edwards is a sermon entitled The Way of Holiness. It is based on Isaiah 35:8-9.

The phrase Way of Holiness in the Hebrew language refers to the believer’s journey and manner of conduct characterized by a separateness and apartness from sin and a sacredness unto God. As a believer in Christ, it is to be an object or person who is dedicated and consecrated unto serving God by a life of moral and inner purity.

What follows is an excerpt from Edwards’ sermon. The complete text, and many other of Edwards’ works, may be accessed at monergism.com.

“If it be so that none but those that are holy are in the way to heaven, how many poor creatures are there that think they are in the way to heaven who are not? There are many that think that they are undoubtedly in the way to heaven, and without question shall enter there at last, that have not the least grain of true holiness, that manifest none in their lives and conversations, of whom we may be certain that either they have no holiness at all, or that which they have is a dormant, inactive sort which is in effect to be certain that there is none. There are a great many others that are not so distinctly and plainly perceived, that have nothing but what is external, the shell without the kernel. Vast multitudes are of these two kinds.”

“If none are in the way to heaven but those that are holy, let us try and examine ourselves by this doctrine to see whereabouts we are, and see whether or not we are in the way to heaven. To know which way we are going, whether towards Canaan or Egypt, whether towards heaven or hell; for if we think ourselves in the road to heaven, and are going to the place of torment all the while, and continue deceived, without doubt fire and brimstone will undeceive us. If we find ourselves in the broad way to destruction, how dare we stir a step further? If we would know whether we are holy or no, let us try ourselves by these five following things:”

1. Meditate on the holiness of God, and see if you cannot see a conformity, a likeness in your mind. 
2. See if you can see any resemblance in your life to the life of Christ. 
3. Is there an agreeableness between your souls and the Word of God? 
4. Do you find by a comparison a likeness and agreeableness between your hearts and lives, and the hearts and lives of those holy men that we are assured were such by the Word of God? 
5. Do you in a measure imitate the saints and angels in heaven?

Soli deo Gloria!

The His Word Today Weekly Podcast begins Monday, September 5 featuring expository messages from the Epistle to the Ephesians.