In the realm of theological discourse, few texts resonate as profoundly as Jonathan Edwards’ sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” This 1741 address remains a cornerstone in American literature and religious history. Below, we present ten thought-provoking quotes from this compelling work that elucidate the perilous condition of humanity without divine grace.
Quote 1
“There is nothing that keeps wicked men at any one moment out of hell, but the mere pleasure of God.” This profound assertion accentuates the precarious balance maintained by divine forbearance.
Quote 2
“The bow of God’s wrath is bent, and the arrow made ready on the string.” In this vivid imagery, Edwards casts the unrepentant sinner as a target in divine crosshairs, invoking a sense of imminent peril.
Quote 3
“You hang by a thread, with the flames of divine wrath flashing about it.” Here, the metaphor of a thread illustrates the frail condition of the sinner, dangling perilously over the abyss.
Quote 4
“The God that holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds a spider, or some loathsome insect over the fire.” This gruesome comparison underscores the contemptible state of those who persist in their wickedness.
Quote 5
“If God should withdraw his hand, immediate destruction would seize you.” The implication is clear: without divine intervention, chaos and calamity loom.
Quote 6
“You are ten thousand times more abominable in his eyes than the most hateful serpent.” This vivid comparison serves to illuminate the gravity of sin in the eyes of the Creator.
Quote 7
“There are no mere men in hell; there are none innocent.” This stark reminder accentuates the irrevocability of the fate of the unrepentant, evoking a chilling sense of justice.
Quote 8
“The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest.” This evocative phrase paints a portrait of eternal unrest, reflecting the inner turmoil of those estranged from God.
Quote 9
“The wrath of God is like great waters that are dammed for the present.” Edwards utilizes this metaphor to convey the latent fury poised to engulf the unrepentant sinner.
Quote 10
“It would be dreadful to suffer these things forever.” This encapsulation of eternal suffering serves as a stark admonition against complacency in one’s spiritual journey.
