Jonathan Edwards, Resolution 2:
“Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote the forementioned things.”
Edwards, even as a young man, took his resolutions seriously. He was so committed to seeking the glory of God in all things that he resolved to be constantly trying to find out new ways to promote the glory of God. A heart that would truly resolve that is a heart that loves God with all of its being. That kind of heart is not content with the usual way that God is seen in glory, but is looking for new ways to magnify God in ways that He is glorified now and also in ways that He is not seen as glorious. Edwards was seeking to glorify God in as many ways as he could. This is a beautiful picture of how man is to seek the glory of God in all things, but to resolve to find innovative ways to seek His glory.
This sounds like Paul when he declares that “whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (I Cor 10:31). Paul does not use the same language that Edwards does, but surely the same heart is present. Surely it is the same Holy Spirit that has been poured out in both of their hearts giving both of them a love for God (Rom 5:5). The language of Edwards appears to have the desire to maximize the glory of God in all things and then look for other things to do the same. It is virtually certain that Paul had the desire to maximize the glory of God in all things when his own account of his desires is set out. “For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. 23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith” (Phil 1:19-25).
In v. 20 Paul sets out what his earnest expectation and hope is. He wants Christ to be exalted in his body whether by life of by death. It does not appear that he cared much if he died, though he thought it would be better for him to die. We see this in v. 21 when he says that “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Paul thought of life as simply the life of Christ in him and so to truly live was Christ. However, if he died that would be gain. He even declared that he had the desire to depart and be with Christ. This is a strange thought in modern times, and especially when Paul says why. Not only did he think that it was gain to die and be with Christ (v. 21), but it was “very much better” (v. 23). Paul was convinced that to remain with them was necessary for their sake, though it seemed that he wanted to die and go to be with Christ. However, he decided that he wanted to stay for the “progress and joy in the faith” of the people he was writing to. This shows a man with the desire to seek the glory of God in all things. This shows the heart of Paul in desiring to maximize the glory of God in all things.
This is the heart of all the people that God has used greatly. When men and women are not content to live ordinary and safe lives but resolved “to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote” the glory of God, then they are used of God in mighty ways. This is not something that is worked up in the flesh of man, though many may desire honor from men in this way, but this is something that God gives to some and not all. We should pray that God would raise up many that would have the spiritual certainty that to die and be with Christ is far better. We should pray that God would raise up more men like Luther who would be willing to “here I stand, I can do no other” when trials arise from the secular and religious authorities. We should pray that God would raise up more men like Jonathan Edwards who endeavored to find new inventions and contrivances to glorify God. All of these men lived so that the glory of God would be maximized and all appeared ready to die if necessary because it is far better to die and be with Christ. May God set apart men and women today who will see themselves as nothing but sheep to be slaughtered if God’s glory in order that they may seek to maximize the glory of God.
God Loves... Himself 
Leave a comment