The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards: Living a Purposeful Life

The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards: A Guide for Living a Purposeful Life

Jonathan Edwards was an American theologian and preacher during the 18th century. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Protestant theologians of all time. Edwards was known for his intellectual prowess and his deep devotion to God. He wrote the 70 Resolutions when he was 19 years old, in order to guide his life and help him achieve his goals. These Resolutions remain a powerful guide for living a purposeful life today.

What Are the Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards?

The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards are a list of 70 goals that Edwards set for himself in order to live a more purposeful life. The Resolutions cover a wide range of topics, from spiritual disciplines to personal habits. Some of the Resolutions include:

• Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.


• Resolved, never to do anything which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.


• Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness in the other world as I possibly can, with all the power, might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of.


• Resolved, never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can.


• Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly, and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive, myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

These Resolutions are not meant to be taken as a legalistic set of rules, but rather as a guide to help Christians live a more purposeful life. Edwards wrote them in order to help him achieve his goals and to live a life that was pleasing to God. They can be used in the same way today, as a guide to help Christians focus on what is truly important in life.

Why Are the Resolutions Important?

The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards are important for several reasons. First, they provide a model for Christians who want to live a purposeful life. Edwards was a man who was deeply committed to his faith, and his Resolutions reflect that commitment. By following his example, Christians can learn how to live a life that is pleasing to God.

Second, the Resolutions challenge Christians to live up to their full potential. Edwards was a man who was dedicated to his work and to his studies, and his Resolutions reflect that dedication. By following his example, Christians can learn how to be more disciplined and focused in their own lives.

Finally, the Resolutions provide a framework for Christians to evaluate their own lives. By reading through the Resolutions, Christians can assess their own habits and behaviors, and make changes where necessary. The Resolutions can serve as a useful tool for self-reflection and self-improvement.

How Can We Apply the Resolutions Today?

The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards were written in the 18th century, but they are still relevant today. Here are some ways that we can apply the Resolutions to our lives today:

1. Set Goals

One of the key themes of the Resolutions is the importance of setting goals. Edwards was a man who was constantly striving to improve himself, and he set specific goals to help him achieve his objectives. Christians today can do the same. By setting specific, measurable goals, we can focus our efforts and make progress towards the things that really matter to us.

2. Cultivate Spiritual Disciplines

One of the most important aspects of the Resolutions is the emphasis on spiritual disciplines. Edwards was a man who was deeply committed to his faith, and he made a point of studying the Bible and praying regularly. Christians today can do the same. By making time for prayer, Bible study, and other spiritual disciplines, we can deepen our relationship with God and grow in our faith.

3. Live with Purpose

The Resolutions challenge us to live with purpose and intentionality. Edwards was a man who was driven by a sense of purpose, and he made a point of using his time and talents to serve God. Christians today can do the same. By living with purpose and intentionality, we can make the most of our time on earth and make a positive impact on the world around us.

4. Focus on the Eternal

The Resolutions remind us that this life is not all there is. Edwards was a man who was focused on the eternal, and he made a point of living his life in light of that reality. Christians today can do the same. By focusing on the eternal, we can gain a new perspective on our lives and our priorities. We can also find comfort and hope in the knowledge that this life is not all there is.

Conclusion

The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards are a powerful guide for living a purposeful life. They challenge us to set goals, cultivate spiritual disciplines, live with purpose, and focus on the eternal. By following the example of Edwards, we can learn how to live a life that is pleasing to God and make a positive impact on the world around us.

As Christians, we are called to live a life of purpose and meaning. The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards provide a roadmap for achieving that goal. By studying these Resolutions and applying them to our lives, we can grow in our faith and become the people that God has called us to be.

References

1. Romans 12:1-2: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

2. Philippians 3:13-14: "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

3. Colossians 3:23-24: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."