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A Divine and Supernatural Light (Matthew 16:17) | Jonathan Edwards
Deep Dive into A Divine and Supernatural Light (Matthew 16:17) by Jonathan Edwards
In his sermon "A Divine and Supernatural Light," Jonathan Edwards argues based on Matthew 16:17 that there is a specific spiritual knowledge immediately imparted to the soul by God, which differs in nature from any understanding obtained through natural means. Edwards clarifies what this light is not: it is not the conviction of sin and misery common to natural conscience, nor is it an impression upon the imagination like a vision. Furthermore, it does not involve the revelation of new truths not found in the Bible, nor is it merely a stirring of affections or emotions.
Instead, Edwards defines this light as a true sense of the divine excellency of the things revealed in the Word of God, which produces a conviction of their reality and truth. He distinguishes this from speculative knowledge, noting the difference between rationally believing God is glorious and having a "sense" of that glory in the heart. He illustrates this distinction by comparing one who rationally judges honey to be sweet versus one who actually tastes it; reason can perceive truth, but only this spiritual sense can perceive divine beauty.
Edwards explains that while this light utilizes natural faculties and the Gospel as a vehicle for content, the light itself is given immediately by the Spirit, not through secondary causes. He defends the doctrine as both scriptural and rational, arguing that it is reasonable for the Creator to reserve the communication of His highest spiritual beauty to His own immediate agency. Ultimately, this light is superior to all human learning, as it effectively changes the nature of the soul, assimilates the believer to the divine image, and produces universal holiness of life.
Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReformedExplainer
Spotify Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1t5dz4vEgvHqUknYQfwpRI?si=e-tDRFR2Qf6By1sAcMdkdw
https://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730
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By Edison WuDeep Dive into A Divine and Supernatural Light (Matthew 16:17) by Jonathan Edwards
In his sermon "A Divine and Supernatural Light," Jonathan Edwards argues based on Matthew 16:17 that there is a specific spiritual knowledge immediately imparted to the soul by God, which differs in nature from any understanding obtained through natural means. Edwards clarifies what this light is not: it is not the conviction of sin and misery common to natural conscience, nor is it an impression upon the imagination like a vision. Furthermore, it does not involve the revelation of new truths not found in the Bible, nor is it merely a stirring of affections or emotions.
Instead, Edwards defines this light as a true sense of the divine excellency of the things revealed in the Word of God, which produces a conviction of their reality and truth. He distinguishes this from speculative knowledge, noting the difference between rationally believing God is glorious and having a "sense" of that glory in the heart. He illustrates this distinction by comparing one who rationally judges honey to be sweet versus one who actually tastes it; reason can perceive truth, but only this spiritual sense can perceive divine beauty.
Edwards explains that while this light utilizes natural faculties and the Gospel as a vehicle for content, the light itself is given immediately by the Spirit, not through secondary causes. He defends the doctrine as both scriptural and rational, arguing that it is reasonable for the Creator to reserve the communication of His highest spiritual beauty to His own immediate agency. Ultimately, this light is superior to all human learning, as it effectively changes the nature of the soul, assimilates the believer to the divine image, and produces universal holiness of life.
Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReformedExplainer
Spotify Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1t5dz4vEgvHqUknYQfwpRI?si=e-tDRFR2Qf6By1sAcMdkdw
https://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730