Deuteronomy 32:35 The God that holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds
ID: 3492844 • Letter: D
Question
Deuteronomy 32:35
The God that holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds a spider, or some loathsome insect over the fire, abhors you, and is dreadfully provoked: his wrath towards you burns like fire; he looks upon you as worthy of nothing else, but to be cast into the fire; he is of purer eyes than to bear to have you in his sight; you are ten thousand times more abominable in his eyes, than the most hateful venomous serpent is in ours. You have offended him infinitely more than ever a stubborn rebel did his prince; and yet it is nothing but his hand that holds you from falling into the fire every moment. It is to be ascribed to nothing else, that you did not go to hell the last night; that you was suffered to awake again in this world, after you closed your eyes to sleep. And there is no other reason to be given, why you have not dropped into hell since you arose in the morning, but that God's hand has held you up. There is no other reason to be given why you have not gone to hell, since you have sat here in the house of God, provoking his pure eyes by your sinful wicked manner of attending his solemn worship. Yea, there is nothing else that is to be given as a reason why you do not this very moment drop down into hell.
What reaction would Edwards have expected from his Congregation? Was he trying to appeal to their heads (reason) or hearts (emotion/fears)? 2. How does Edward’s approach reflect the approach of the First Great Awakening (how did his focus on emotional reactions to God compare with those of the “New Lights?”) 3. Which appeal was more likely to draw support—one that focused on damnation or on salvation and the equality of believers? Which would appeal to you, if you were a religious person going through hard times (disease, Indian attack, and the unpredictable nature of colonial life)?
Explanation / Answer
Jonathan Edward delivered this sermon on 8 July,1741in Enfield, Connecticut, during the time when Great Awakening was at it's height.Edward was invited to preach there because the congregation of Enfield seemed to be immune for the call of radical conversion.Edward intended to disturb profoundly the comfortable members of the congregation,he wished to establish a close connection with the words spoken from the scriptures to whom it was addressed by giving a warning that the same would happen to the audience if they do not turn from the evil way that they are on ,as happened to the people of Israel who were perverse and unfaithful.
He appeals both in heads (reasons)and hearts (emotions/fears) to warn the audiences to recognize their foolish ways ,to turn away from those ways that lead them to perish, to fear the consequences.
Edward very well knew that true conversion comes from both head and heart.He through the imagery of scriptures lead the audiences to think that they should not deceive themselves of their status , strength and virtues as these are before the Almighty like"heaps of light chaff before the whirlwind" and "dry stubble before devouring flames".He tries to pound into the audiences about the uncertainty of life and the truth of death,and that true salvation comes only by the acknowledging Jesus as Savior.
Edward reflects both parts of the coin the damnation and salvation equally.He appeals his audiences to accept the salvation that is free of cost ,to be saved from the ultimate doom.He emphasis that only faith in Christ will save their life and will give eternity to their soul ,awakening the deluded soul in their sinful condition is necessary to experience the wonders of divine grace.
The divine grace of Almighty , the peace that Jesus Christ has promised appeals personally ,admist of trials and persecution in life.Though how bitter may this life on Earth be ,Jesus promises an eternal and joyful life with him for everyone who accepts him as his personal Savior.
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