Customer Reviews

Jonathan Edwards on Heaven and Hell (The Essential Edwards Collection)

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The subject of eternal destiny is a hot topic. It seems everyone has an opinion about everyone else's opinion. Navigating the terrain of publishing and ideas can be confusing. Sometimes it helps to have someone who stands head and shoulders above the rest speaking intelligently about the subject.

Owen Strachan and Doug Sweeney have, again, provided a helpful treatment of Jonathan Edwards and his theology. The second title reviewed here in The Essential Edwards Collection published by Moody Press deals with the subject of Heaven and Hell. I have thoroughly enjoyed the books in this series. Strachan and Sweeney have given us a helpful tour through Jonathan Edwards' thought.

Not surprisingly, Edwards maintains the traditional view of Heaven and Hell. Yet, Edwards does not hold to Hell joyfully. He views Hell as a sad truth. That sad truth motivates him to speak of Hell and redemption in Christ in order that some may escape the flames of Hell through a heart set aflame towards love of Christ and transformation by his grace.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Moody Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review

By

Jason Scott

The Essential Edwards Collection: Jonathan Edwards

On Heaven and Hell

By Owen Strachan and Doug Sweeny

This is one volume of a five-volume set. This is a good introduction to some of the writings of Jonathan Edwards. Jonathan Edwards was one of America's greatest theologians who lived in the 1700's. His writings are voluminous and often difficult to read. Strachan and Sweeny have done a great service to 21-century readers by taking key writings from Edwards and helping the reader understand clearly what Edwards was saying.

This volume deals with the subjects of Heaven and Hell. Edwards lived with eternity in mind. Edwards strongly believed in a literal Heaven and Hell, and was unashamed to preach, teach and write about it.

"Why should not they be told as much of the truth

as can be? If I am in danger of going to hell, I

should be glad to know as much as possibly

I can of the dreadfulness of it." Pg. 62

Edwards most famous sermon, "Sinners in the Hand of an Angry God" has sometimes, unfortunately, painted Edwards as one whose sole focus was doom and gloom. To the contrary, Edwards also preached on the glories of Heaven as well.

"There shall be no remaining enmity,

distaste, coldness, and deadness of heart

towards God and Christ; not the least

remainder of any principle of envy

to be exercised towards any angels or saints

who are superior in glory, no contempt

or slight towards any who are inferior." Pg 108

"After they have had the

pleasures of beholding

the face of God millions of

ages, it won't grow a dull

story; the relish of this delight

will be as exquisite as ever." Pg95

This book is worth the read for those that have never heard of Jonathan Edwards, and for those very familiar with his works.