90 likes | 489 Views
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. Jonathan Edwards. “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”. Edward’s sermon begins with a thesis – God is all-powerful and keeps you from harm He attempts to persuade his congregation through fear
E N D
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God Jonathan Edwards
“Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” • Edward’s sermon begins with a thesis – God is all-powerful and keeps you from harm • He attempts to persuade his congregation through fear • Humans, his congregation, take their good health as a sign that they will be kept from hell • In reality, if it were not for God, all would fall straight to Hell • “…wickedness is as heavy as lead” • A simile comparing wickedness to a tangible (touchable) item • Lead drops just as people weighted with sin would
Man’s attempt to keep out of Hell is ineffective • Edwards compare it to a spider’s web stopping a falling rock – impossible • Imagery – black clouds of God’s wrath, full of storm and thunder (meant to instill fear) • God keeps the storm from rushing upon you • The wrath of God is like great waters dammed; His power, over time, builds • God may temporarily withhold his vengeance, but your guilt builds greater and greater
God is the only one that keeps you from death • YOU=spider, loathsome insect, hateful venomous serpent • If you are not born again (achieve grace) then you are in danger of receiving God’s wrath • Not all people have the opportunity to repent for their sins; those that do are lucky • Edwards end with hope for his congregation to receive salvation