SoCal Theologica: Theological Musings from the West Coast

22. This is a wonderful resolution, that should put to rest the claims that the puritan’s were anti-joy. Edwards had a rich vision of joy and would often spend joyful hours in communion with the savior. What about me? Do I violently (interesting and right choice of a word) try to live in light of life eternal, or is this small life what I live for?
24. How does one trace back an evil to its root? I have had times where I could remember how a certain sin began to exert its power, then led to more sin, but sometimes I have no idea, what I had for breakfast the day before, let alone, what small decisions led to actual sins!

22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power, might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.

As I think of death I realize that I do not think of ti much at all because I am only 21. But when I do think of it I have found that my thoughts have changed drastically about death from being scared, afraid, and timid, to where now I am not afraid, scared, and in fact I am semi-excited about it becaue I know that I am gaining. It says in Philippians 1:21 “for to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Paul clearly knew that to die for him actully meant to gain so much more than what he had on earth. So, to hear Edwards echo such a truth as this, to die is gain, is such a blessing because I should think this way and I want to truly think this way. To die is gain! I will gain Christ, and be in His very presence! So, while I am here on this earth I will pursue with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength to gain all the happiness in heaven that I can get because it will all be gain, to whereas on earth it will perish! Thank you Edwards for pressing my weak and immature mind to think past earthly things and to think eternally!