“Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” by Jonathan Edwards

Before text: Points 1-10 –

  1. God has all the power to cast wicked men into hell.
  2. Although they deserve to go to hell, God’s mercy is keeping it from happening.
  3. Because of God’s law, unconverted sinners are condemned to hell.
  4. God is angry with unconverted sinners as he is with those in hell.
  5. The devil is anticipating them in hell; God is the one holding the devil back.
  6. Sin creates hell within the souls of men.
  7. Just because death does not seem imminent (soon) does mean it could not happen.
  8. None of man’s wisdom or carefulness will save him.
  9. None of the unconverted person’s plans will save him or her.
  10. God is under no obligation to save the unconverted sinner (who has not accepted Christ); He is only obligated to save those who accept Christ’s salvation.

Text: From textbook pages 46-48 (attached)

Cognitive Strategies Sentence Starters (1 per paragraph except paragraph 2; 10 total):

“Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” by Jonathan Edwards

Last Paragraphs:

And now you have an extraordinary opportunity, a day wherein Christ has thrown the door of mercy wide open, and stands in calling and crying with a loud voice to poor sinners; a day wherein many are flocking to him, and pressing into the kingdom of God. Many are daily coming from the east, west, north and south; many that were very lately in the same miserable condition that you are in, are now in a happy state, with their hearts filled with love to him who has loved them, and washed them from their sins in his own blood, and rejoicing in hope of the glory of God. How awful is it to be left behind at such a day! To see so many others feasting, while you are pining and perishing! To see so many rejoicing and singing for joy of heart, while you have cause to mourn for sorrow of heart, and howl for vexation of spirit! How can you rest one moment in such a condition? Are not your souls as precious as the souls of the people at Suffield*, where they are flocking from day to day to Christ?

Therefore, let every one that is out of Christ, now awake and fly from the wrath to come. The wrath of Almighty God is now undoubtedly hanging over a great part of this congregation: Let every one fly out of Sodom: "Haste and escape for your lives, look not behind you, escape to the mountain, lest you be consumed."

Questions and Rhetorical Devices

  1. What is the purpose of Edwards’ sermon? Give evidence (quote) to support your answer.
  1. What are the benefits of converting? Give evidence (quote) to support your answer.
  1. What freedom does Edwards offer the congregation at the conclusion of his sermon? Give evidence (quote) to support your answer.
  1. Annotate your packet for specific rhetorical devices Jonathan Edwards uses to convince his audience. Then number them and explain what point Edwards is making or what effect he might have on his audience.

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*Writing Prompt:

In one body paragraph, identify and discuss one or more rhetorical device(s) Jonathan Edwards uses in “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” Remember to include how the rhetorical device(s) establishes and/or supports his point(s).