I need help how Edwards answered the following questions in "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God."
1. Is it enough to lead a good and decent life? Why?
2. Is it enough to believe in God? Why?
3. What role does having a good physical constitution play in salvation? What was his reply?
4. What is the one thing that one must do to avoid eternal damnation?
Thank you, I do not understand the speech.
Why don't you try to answer the questions to the best of your ability, and then we can help you?
http://edwards.yale.edu/major-works/sinners-in-the-hands-of-an-angry-god/
Be sure to read this carefully. Then reread the text.
When you have answered each question as best you can, please repost, and someone here will be happy to give you feedback.
=)
In Jonathan Edwards' sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," he addresses the questions about salvation and the way to avoid eternal damnation. To understand how Edwards addressed these questions, let's break it down:
1. Is it enough to lead a good and decent life?
Edwards argues that simply leading a good and decent life is not enough for salvation. He believes that human beings are born sinful and inherently deserving of God's wrath. While leading a good life may have positive effects on society and one's earthly existence, it does not absolve one from their inherent sinfulness or secure their salvation in the eyes of God. Edwards emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and repenting for one's sins, accepting God's mercy, and surrendering to God's divine will.
2. Is it enough to believe in God?
According to Edwards, simply believing in God is not sufficient for salvation either. He argues that true repentance and genuine faith involve a complete submission to God's sovereignty and a recognition of one's unworthiness. Mere intellectual belief in God's existence is not enough; it must be coupled with a heartfelt, transformative faith that leads to a personal relationship with God.
3. What role does having a good physical constitution play in salvation? What was his reply?
Edwards does not specifically address the role of a good physical constitution in salvation in "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." His focus is primarily on the sinful nature of humanity and the need for repentance and faith in God. Therefore, there is no direct reply to this question in the sermon.
4. What is the one thing that one must do to avoid eternal damnation?
For Edwards, the one thing that one must do to avoid eternal damnation is to be reconciled with God through repentance and faith. He emphasizes the urgency of this decision, warning his audience of the imminent dangers of God's wrath and the fragility of human life. Edwards urges sinners to acknowledge their sinfulness, turn to God in contrition, and commit themselves fully to a personal relationship with Him.
To gain a full understanding of Edwards' responses to these questions, it is recommended to read the entire sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God."