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Holy Living: Jonathan Edwards’s Seventy Resolutions for Living the Christian Life
In Holy Living , author Matthew Everhard explores the “resolutions” Jonathan Edwards wrote when he was just nineteen years old, revealing how they are still beneficial to Christians today.
Though not yet ordained, Edwards (1703-1758) wrote these short but powerful aphorisms to guide his life, and now they offer spiritual guidance to a modern audience as well. Following a brief biography of Edwards, the book then looks at each resolution under three main (1) existential (considering the purpose of life); (2) ethical (considering the duty and character of the Christian); and (3) eschatological (preparing for the brevity of life followed by death and eternity). Lay readers, pastors, students, church elders, and study group members will find troves of timeless wisdom and guidance for how to live the Christian life.
The book is divided into five It includes the following
Though not yet ordained, Edwards (1703-1758) wrote these short but powerful aphorisms to guide his life, and now they offer spiritual guidance to a modern audience as well. Following a brief biography of Edwards, the book then looks at each resolution under three main (1) existential (considering the purpose of life); (2) ethical (considering the duty and character of the Christian); and (3) eschatological (preparing for the brevity of life followed by death and eternity). Lay readers, pastors, students, church elders, and study group members will find troves of timeless wisdom and guidance for how to live the Christian life.
The book is divided into five It includes the following
176 pages, Paperback
Published December 7, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 7, 2023
What do Jonathan Edwards’s Resolutions reveal about his life and mind? In Holy Living, Matthew Everhard shares Jonathan Edwards’s Seventy Resolutions for Living the Christian Life.
A Prolific Writing Life for Spiritual Purposes
In just over a tight 150 pages, Everhard’s scholarship on Jonathan Edwards is presented through the lens of his famous resolutions. He explains each resolution while referencing Edwards’s other works. The book is divided into 3 parts that correspond to 3 categories of the resolutions: (1) Existential resolutions: the meaning and purpose of life, (2) ethical resolutions: how then should we live? and (3) eschatological resolutions: the brevity of life and eternal world to come.
I was fascinated by Edwards’ prolific writing life. “He wrote not so much for publication as for self-expansion and improvement.” His writing served his spiritual life, particularly in helping him match his head to his heart. This Puritan mindset is explained towards the beginning of the book: “For the Puritans, the distinction between religion and relationship was a false dichotomy; Christianity was self-evidently a soul-deep relationship with he Living God through the work of Christ, empowered by the presence of the Holy Spirit.” His hard work and spiritual life remain inspiring.
An Emphasis on Personal Holiness
While Everhard makes reference and comments on Edwards’ published works, I was most interested in his “Blank Bible.” These were notes that he kept as a running commentary on the Bible. While these would eventually be published, I was amazed at how engaged he was with Scripture for his own edification.
There are also moments where Edwards’ humanity and an awareness of his sin come out. For example, in his 60th resolution, he resolves to examine himself when his feelings are out of order. Everhard reports that Edwards had noted a parallel entry in his journal regarding a fight he had with his parents. Everhard also comments on a number of Edwards’ resolutions that regard his speech. The emphasis on his personal holiness is remarkable.
The Resolutions Remain Inspiring
I was most moved in the section that focused on Edwards’ resolutions regarding the brevity of this life and the eternal world to come. It seems like wasted time was a vice that Edwards particularly disliked. Everhard recalls Edwards’ sermons “The Preciousness of Time” and “Redeeming the Time.”
The book ends by reminding us that Edwards is still a stained-glass saint. While we may be quick to champion and maybe even idolize, his life still has the marks of a fallen and sinful human. Nevertheless, the resolutions remain inspiring — and we can all do our best to resolve to live a life for Christ.
I received a media copy of Holy Living and this is my honest review.
A Prolific Writing Life for Spiritual Purposes
In just over a tight 150 pages, Everhard’s scholarship on Jonathan Edwards is presented through the lens of his famous resolutions. He explains each resolution while referencing Edwards’s other works. The book is divided into 3 parts that correspond to 3 categories of the resolutions: (1) Existential resolutions: the meaning and purpose of life, (2) ethical resolutions: how then should we live? and (3) eschatological resolutions: the brevity of life and eternal world to come.
I was fascinated by Edwards’ prolific writing life. “He wrote not so much for publication as for self-expansion and improvement.” His writing served his spiritual life, particularly in helping him match his head to his heart. This Puritan mindset is explained towards the beginning of the book: “For the Puritans, the distinction between religion and relationship was a false dichotomy; Christianity was self-evidently a soul-deep relationship with he Living God through the work of Christ, empowered by the presence of the Holy Spirit.” His hard work and spiritual life remain inspiring.
An Emphasis on Personal Holiness
While Everhard makes reference and comments on Edwards’ published works, I was most interested in his “Blank Bible.” These were notes that he kept as a running commentary on the Bible. While these would eventually be published, I was amazed at how engaged he was with Scripture for his own edification.
There are also moments where Edwards’ humanity and an awareness of his sin come out. For example, in his 60th resolution, he resolves to examine himself when his feelings are out of order. Everhard reports that Edwards had noted a parallel entry in his journal regarding a fight he had with his parents. Everhard also comments on a number of Edwards’ resolutions that regard his speech. The emphasis on his personal holiness is remarkable.
The Resolutions Remain Inspiring
I was most moved in the section that focused on Edwards’ resolutions regarding the brevity of this life and the eternal world to come. It seems like wasted time was a vice that Edwards particularly disliked. Everhard recalls Edwards’ sermons “The Preciousness of Time” and “Redeeming the Time.”
The book ends by reminding us that Edwards is still a stained-glass saint. While we may be quick to champion and maybe even idolize, his life still has the marks of a fallen and sinful human. Nevertheless, the resolutions remain inspiring — and we can all do our best to resolve to live a life for Christ.
I received a media copy of Holy Living and this is my honest review.
January 30, 2022
Good Explanation of Edwards and the Resolutions
Matthew Everhard takes the reader into the heart and mind of Edwards. He goes into great about the Resolutions. He gives us insight into what made Edwards tick. Ironically we find that the Resolutions ultimately failed Edwards. While reading the book I thought of Romans 7:15 and James 3:2 and the impossibility of changing one's life without the Holy Spirit. Edwards seemed to come to the same conclusion. Overall this was a good book. At times it was difficult to read, but it was worth the effort.
Matthew Everhard takes the reader into the heart and mind of Edwards. He goes into great about the Resolutions. He gives us insight into what made Edwards tick. Ironically we find that the Resolutions ultimately failed Edwards. While reading the book I thought of Romans 7:15 and James 3:2 and the impossibility of changing one's life without the Holy Spirit. Edwards seemed to come to the same conclusion. Overall this was a good book. At times it was difficult to read, but it was worth the effort.
December 11, 2021
Good book. Do not skip over the Apendix
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews