Steve Lawson: Edward's Resolve

Jonathan Edwards is well known as perhaps the greatest theologian the United States has ever produced. He is equally noted for his preaching and writing. But in this Long Line Profile, Dr. Steven J. Lawson considers the unique focus and commitment with which Edwards sought to live out the Christian faith.

Lawson examines Edwards' life through the lens of the seventy resolutions he penned in his late teens, shortly after his conversion. Lawson is quick to note that in writing these resolutions, Edwards was not merely seeking to bolster his own determination. As Edwards himself said before writing the first resolution, "Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these resolutions . . . for Christ's sake." Edwards knew he would never keep his resolutions in his own strength.

The resolutions cover everything from glorifying God to repenting of sin to managing time. Drawing on Edwards' writings, as well as scholarly accounts of Edwards' life and thought, Lawson shows how Edwards sought to live out these lofty goals he set for the management of his walk with Christ. In Edwards' example, he finds helpful instruction for all believers.

On the program today, I will speak with Dr. Steve Lawson about his latest book, The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards.

Dr. Steve Lawson is the senior pastor of Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama. Dr. Lawson serves on the board of directors of The Master's College and on the ministerial board for Reformed Theological Seminary, and teaches with Dr. John MacArthur at the Expositor's Institute.