Becoming so heavenly minded that we are of some earthly good.

Jonathan Edwards on Affection

Religious_Affections_by_Jonathan_Edwards1

A person who has knowledge of doctrine and theology only – without religious affection – has never engaged in true religion. Nothing is more apparent than this: our religion takes root within us only as deep as our affections attract it. There are thousands who hear the Word of God, who hear great and exceedingly important truths about themselves and their lives, and yet all they hear has no effect upon them, makes no change in the way they live.

The reason is this: they are not affected with what they hear. There are many who hear about the power, the holiness, and the wisdom of God; about Christ and great things that he has done for them and his gracious invitation to them; and yet they remain exactly as they are in life and in practice.

I am bold in saying this, but I believe that no one is ever changed, either by doctrine, by hearing the Word, or by the preaching or teaching of another, unless the affections are moved by these things. No one ever seeks salvation, no one ever cries for wisdom, no one ever wrestles with God, no one ever kneels in prayer or flees from sin, with a heart that remains unaffected. In a word, there is never any great achievement by the things of religion without a heart deeply affected by those things.

– Jonathan Edwards, Religious Affections

About Josh Monen

Josh is a Christian entrepreneur who lives in Central Texas with his wife and 4 kids.

4 Comments

  1. Matt Perkins

    Hey Josh,
    Great quote. Religious Affections is a book I would definitely like to read someday. Hope you guys are doing well. Come visit in Lacey sometime!

    • Joshua Monen

      Hey Matt – yeah we want to come visit sometime soon. I’ll send you a Facebook message about it.

  2. Jason Fountain

    Awesome quote, Josh!

Leave a Reply to Jason Fountain Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badge

© 2024 Beyond Clichés

Theme by Anders NorenUp ↑