Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God Annotated Pdf
“Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God” is a sermon by the American Christian theologian, Jonathan Edwards. It was first delivered to the congregation at the Enfield church in Connecticut in 1741. The sermon is considered a masterpiece of the Great Awakening, which was a religious revival movement in the 1730s and 1740s in the British colonies of North America. The sermon is known for its vivid imagery and its warning of eternal damnation for those who do not repent and turn to God. The “Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God annotated pdf” is a version of the sermon that includes annotations and explanations of the text.
The Historical Context of “Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God”
Jonathan Edwards was a Congregationalist minister who lived in New England during the 18th century. He was a key figure in the Great Awakening, which was a revivalist movement that swept through the British colonies in North America during the 1730s and 1740s. The Great Awakening was characterized by emotional preaching and a call for personal conversion and repentance. Edwards was known for his fiery sermons that emphasized the wrath of God and the need for salvation.
“Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God” was delivered during a particularly intense phase of the Great Awakening. It was preached at a time of social and religious upheaval, as many people were questioning traditional authority and seeking spiritual renewal. The sermon struck a chord with many listeners, who were deeply moved by Edwards’ words.
The Content of “Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God”
The sermon is a vivid description of the wrath of God and the punishment that awaits sinners. Edwards compares God to a “great furnace of wrath” and a “terrible furnace of fire.” He warns that sinners are like “spiders or some loathsome insect” hanging over a fiery pit, with nothing but God’s mercy preventing them from falling into the flames.
The central message of the sermon is that sinners must repent and turn to God in order to avoid eternal damnation. Edwards argues that the only way to escape God’s wrath is through faith in Jesus Christ. He concludes the sermon with the famous line: “There is nothing that keeps wicked men at any one moment out of hell, but the mere pleasure of God.”
The Importance of the “Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God Annotated Pdf”
The “Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God annotated pdf” is an important resource for anyone who wants to understand the historical and theological context of the sermon. The annotations provide valuable insights into the language and imagery used by Edwards, and help to clarify some of the more difficult passages.
In addition, the annotated pdf helps to contextualize the sermon within the broader cultural and religious landscape of 18th century America. It allows readers to see how Edwards’ message resonated with audiences at the time, and how it contributed to the larger religious revival movement of the Great Awakening.
The Legacy of “Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God”
“Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God” has had a lasting impact on American religious and cultural history. The sermon is often cited as a classic example of Puritan theology, and has been studied by generations of scholars and students.
At the same time, the sermon has been criticized for its harsh language and its emphasis on divine punishment. Some have argued that Edwards’ message is too focused on fear and guilt, and that it fails to convey a message of love and compassion.
Despite these criticisms, “Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God” remains an important and influential work of American religious literature. Its powerful imagery and stark message continue to resonate with readers today, reminding us of the importance of repentance and spiritual renewal.
