Edwards on Assurance
Category: Sermons and Seminars
Wednesday, 01 April 2009 by Danny Saunders
This research paper will give a Biblical and theological critique of Jonathan Edwards’ doctrine of Christian assurance. The main points at issue are whether assurance is of the essence of faith, as in Reformed theology, or separate from faith, as in Puritan theology. The translation and exegesis of Heb 11:1 is important to this discussion, so also an understanding of justification by faith. The locus of assurance is also important for this discussion, is assurance to be found in justification, sanctification or perseverance? We find that Edwards’ doctrine of assurance is unbalanced and inherently dangerous because he replaces the Biblical and Reformed “trinty-centric” objective focus for assurance with a subjective focus on union with God by the Holy Spirit and growing obedience to works and Christian practice. His doctrine should not be followed because it will lead to unhealthy introspection, legalism, works righteousness and a minimization of the foundation in Christ’s sacrificial atonement and justification by faith alone, as Jesus said to the thief on the cross, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
