Edwards Still Speaks

Several years ago I read the sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, by Jonathan Edwards. After hearing a portion of it via the internet, I am convinced that this sermon could bring true revival in Evangelicalism.

Back in September, Chris Arnzen, host of Iron Sharpens Iron, had some interesting guests on his radio program. David Hauser, founder of this site http://www.thesermon1741.com/ has made an audio recording of the famous sermon by Jonathan Edwards, Sinner in the Hands of an Angry God.

The sermon title often causes Christians and non-Christians alike to wince that someone would write such a sermon. When most pulpits are preaching "Become a Better You", Edwards' sermon really drives home the nature of grace and mercy in contrast to the fierce wrath of God.

The program definitely helps in setting the background for Edwards' sermon. It was mentioned that it is inappropriate to preach a message of God's mercy and grace that saves sinners if sinners do not know what they need salvation from. However, I personally agree with the First London Baptist Confession (1646), which states:

XXV. The preaching of the gospel to the conversion of sinners, is absolutely free; no way requiring as absolutely necessary, any qualifications, preparations, or terrors of the law, or preceding ministry of the law, but only and alone the naked soul, a sinner and ungodly, to receive Christ crucified, dead and buried, and risen again; who is made a prince and a Savior for such sinners as through the gospel shall be brought to believe on Him.

Sometimes people hear the Gospel and already intuitively knowing their own sin come to Christ through the call of the Good News.

Edwards wrote the sermon to warn those who know not their sin. As the website says:

The purpose of this terrifying subject is to wake up the unconverted people in this congregation. What you have heard is true of every one of you who do not believe and trust in Christ. That world of misery, that lake of burning brimstone is spread right beneath you. There is the dreadful pit of the glowing flames of God's wrath. There is Hell's wide open mouth. And, you have nothing to stand on or to grab onto, nothing between you and Hell but the air. Only the power and mere pleasure of God holds you up.

Perhaps if more preachers relied on the power of the Word instead of gimmicks, in time men would see their true need. Edwards being dead could still speak to our lost generation in ways we have forgotten.

If you have trouble downloading it, I have made a lower bit rate version here. This just makes the file size smaller by about 1/3. Just download it and listen. You will be blessed!