Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God: Jonathan Edwards' Sermon Explained

What was Jonathan Edwards' main purpose in his sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God?

Did Edwards aim to teach his audience about the consequences of sin and the horrors of Hell?

Answer:

Yes, Edwards' main purpose in his sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, was to teach his audience about the horrors of Hell and the consequences of sin.

Jonathan Edwards, an American theologian, delivered his sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, to his congregation in Northampton, Massachusetts during New England's First Great Awakening. The sermon was aimed at teaching the audience about the terrifying realities of Hell and the severe repercussions of sin.

Despite the intense and fearful imagery used by Edwards in depicting an angry God, the ultimate message of the sermon was one of hope and salvation through Christ. Edwards wanted to impress upon his listeners the urgency of responding to Christ's call for forgiveness and to avoid the dire consequences of sinful behavior.

According to the Edwards scholar John E. Smith, the apparent pessimism of the concept of an angry God is counteracted by the promise of salvation and redemption through a loving and triumphant Christ. This juxtaposition of fear and hope was intended to motivate the audience to reflect on their actions and seek repentance.

In conclusion, Jonathan Edwards' main purpose in Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God was to convey a powerful message about the consequences of sin and the need for repentance and redemption. The sermon served as a wake-up call to the audience, urging them to reconsider their ways and turn to Christ for salvation.