Jonathan Edwards’ short essay entitled, Signs of Godliness, sets forth a clear thesis that appears at the end of the work: “The grand secret of being real, thorough Christians lies in these two things: in cleaving to Christ as our only portion, so as therein to renounce the world; and in trusting in Christ as our only Savior, in a renunciation of our own righteousness.”
The Puritan divine supports his thesis by pointing to numerous signs of godliness which include:
- Bringing forth fruit and keeping Christ’s commandments – what Edwards refers to as “universal obedience.”
- Persevering through temptations and difficulties.
- Mortifying the flesh.
- Denying ourselves for Christ.
- Bridling the tongue.
- Believing the difficult, the spiritual and abasing doctrines of Christianity.
- Hungering and thirsting after spiritual good.
- Having the spirit of Christ.
- A meek and forgiving spirit.
- Love and charity which is “the primary fruit of the Spirit.”
- Loving other Christians.
- Believing and being heartily convinced that Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of the world.
- Being faithful to God in our own sphere and particular calling.
- Walking in newness of life and bringing forth the fruits of righteousness.
- Trusting in God – “Scarcely anything is more frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as the distinguishing character of a godly man than trusting in God.”
- Choosing and resting in God and Christ and spiritual and eternal good as our portion.
- Fearing God.
- A changed heart, which involves turning from sin and turning to God.
- Humility, a broken and contrite heart, being poor in spirit, sensible of our own vileness and unworthiness, self-abasement before God, disclaiming all worthiness and glory, mourning for sin.
- Seeing and knowing God and Christ and understanding divine things.
- Spiritual knowledge.
- Relishing, savoring and delighting in the Word of God.
- A disposition to praise God.
- A delighting and rejoicing in God.
Edwards props up each of these “signs of godliness” with a host of Scriptures, intending to convince readers of their importance. His work is a devastating critique of the free grace movement (almost 300 years before its inception) and any theological system that supports a non-lordship approach to Scripture. One wonders how any antinomian would respond to Edwards’ clear and biblical assertions.
Signs of Godliness beckons Christians to live in a way that is consistent with their calling. Christ-followers must be a people of humility, gentleness, patience, and love” (Eph. 4:1-3).
