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Following Jesus in an Age of Quitters: The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards for Today
Devotional challenges modern readers to take up Jonathan Edwards’ Resolutions
In 1722, an 18–year–old Jonathan Edwards began setting down seventy resolutions, personal statements of intent, to which, by the grace of God, he held himself accountable for the rest of his life. He read them prayerfully once a week until his death in 1758. Some examples of these resolutions
Resolved to be always discovering new ways to Glorify God in my life and increase both my joy in Jesus and that of others.
Resolved to give my best every week to grow in the grace of God and to be brought to a new and higher place with Jesus than I was the week before.
Resolved, as far as possible, when presented with something wonderful and puzzling about God and His ways, to not delay in opening my Bible and my heart to search and discover all that God has revealed to me about Himself.
Resolved to be eagerly seeking out those to whom I can be generous and charitable.
Resolved, whenever I hear of or see something praiseworthy in another person to seek to imitate it in my life.
John Gillespie here examines each resolution in the light of scripture and encourages modern readers to meditate on how they could apply Edwards’ resolutions to their own lives.
Each of the 70 short readings begins with the resolution in question and a passage from the Bible, and ends with a verse or quote to meditate on. The devotionals expound on Edwards’ words and call 21st century Christians to think about how they could apply his resolutions to their lives today.
In 1722, an 18–year–old Jonathan Edwards began setting down seventy resolutions, personal statements of intent, to which, by the grace of God, he held himself accountable for the rest of his life. He read them prayerfully once a week until his death in 1758. Some examples of these resolutions
Resolved to be always discovering new ways to Glorify God in my life and increase both my joy in Jesus and that of others.
Resolved to give my best every week to grow in the grace of God and to be brought to a new and higher place with Jesus than I was the week before.
Resolved, as far as possible, when presented with something wonderful and puzzling about God and His ways, to not delay in opening my Bible and my heart to search and discover all that God has revealed to me about Himself.
Resolved to be eagerly seeking out those to whom I can be generous and charitable.
Resolved, whenever I hear of or see something praiseworthy in another person to seek to imitate it in my life.
John Gillespie here examines each resolution in the light of scripture and encourages modern readers to meditate on how they could apply Edwards’ resolutions to their own lives.
Each of the 70 short readings begins with the resolution in question and a passage from the Bible, and ends with a verse or quote to meditate on. The devotionals expound on Edwards’ words and call 21st century Christians to think about how they could apply his resolutions to their lives today.
- GenresChristian
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2024
17 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 22, 2025
I am not done with this book but get the jist enough to write a review. Beginning in 1722 when he was still a young man, Jonathan Edwards wrote 70 Resolutions of how he strove to live his life. He reviewed them weekly. This book by John Gillespie treats Edwards’s resolutions like a devotional. Each short chapter is Gillespie’s commentary on a resolution along with scripture that corresponds. Gillespie loves an exclamation point and calls Edwards “Jonny” frequently which I find endearing. His writing is a nice counterpoint to the somber way in which we moderns view Puritan writings. I’m reading a chapter a day (they are very short) and enjoying the book.
April 23, 2025
Do you know those devotionals that feel like flimsy pamphlets—light on substance and quick to forget? This is not that book. Following Jesus in an Age of Quitters is packed with depth, challenge, and spiritual richness. It’s the kind of book that, the moment you finish, you’re already thinking about reading it again. And coming from someone who rarely re-reads anything besides the Bible, that says a lot.
Every minute I spent with this book was deeply edifying. Gillespie is soaked in Scripture, but his writing doesn’t feel narrow or cloistered. He draws from a wide range of voices—believers and even non-believers—who lived with purpose and intentionality, illustrating the broad relevance of Jonathan Edwards’ resolutions.
I’ve always admired Edwards’ resolutions, and this book unpacks them in a way that is both beautiful and deeply practical. It’s not written just for pastors or theologians—anyone seeking to follow Jesus with intention will find it accessible and challenging. The resolutions are surprisingly down-to-earth, especially considering they were written by such a young man.
Another highlight: the book is full of references—quotes, authors, and titles—so if you’re a fellow book-lover always looking for your next spiritually nourishing read, you’ll find plenty of recommendations here.
I listened to it slowly on Audible, savoring every chapter, and now I’m planning to buy the physical copy so I can return to it regularly. My plan is to take one resolution each week, reflect on it, and put it into practice. This isn’t a book to rush through—it’s one to live with.
It could definitely work in a group setting, but the real benefit comes when you take the time to sit with it and let it stir your heart. Sure, you might not agree with every single point, but this book isn’t aiming to win theological debates. It’s about character—real, Christ-like character in an age where quitting is easier than commitment.
Five stars? I’d give it more if I could.
Every minute I spent with this book was deeply edifying. Gillespie is soaked in Scripture, but his writing doesn’t feel narrow or cloistered. He draws from a wide range of voices—believers and even non-believers—who lived with purpose and intentionality, illustrating the broad relevance of Jonathan Edwards’ resolutions.
I’ve always admired Edwards’ resolutions, and this book unpacks them in a way that is both beautiful and deeply practical. It’s not written just for pastors or theologians—anyone seeking to follow Jesus with intention will find it accessible and challenging. The resolutions are surprisingly down-to-earth, especially considering they were written by such a young man.
Another highlight: the book is full of references—quotes, authors, and titles—so if you’re a fellow book-lover always looking for your next spiritually nourishing read, you’ll find plenty of recommendations here.
I listened to it slowly on Audible, savoring every chapter, and now I’m planning to buy the physical copy so I can return to it regularly. My plan is to take one resolution each week, reflect on it, and put it into practice. This isn’t a book to rush through—it’s one to live with.
It could definitely work in a group setting, but the real benefit comes when you take the time to sit with it and let it stir your heart. Sure, you might not agree with every single point, but this book isn’t aiming to win theological debates. It’s about character—real, Christ-like character in an age where quitting is easier than commitment.
Five stars? I’d give it more if I could.
March 5, 2025
Convicting book!
June 3, 2025
I enjoyed this walk through of the resolutions made by J Edwards in the 18th century. A good reflection on these and how they might be applied. would recommend as a reflective quiet time book.
November 26, 2025
This book is incredible, exploring all 70 of Jonathan Edward’s resolutions. I read at a pace of about 1 a week, worth talking in slowly and thoughtfully. Convicting and encouraging.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews