Deep Dive into The Doctrine of Original Sin by Jonathan Edwards - Wherein Several Other Objections Are Considered

In The Doctrine of Original Sin, Jonathan Edwards defends the reality of hereditary corruption against objections raised by "Dr. T," who argued that the blessings given to Noah—such as fruitfulness and dominion—prove humanity is not under a curse. Edwards counters by distinguishing between "temporal blessings" and the "blessings of eternal life." He argues that eternal life was a reward suspended on Adam’s obedience and subsequently forfeited by the Fall. Consequently, the blessings enjoyed by Noah were not a continuation of Adam's original innocence but were granted on a "new foundation"—the covenant of grace—evidenced by Noah's reliance on sacrifice.

Edwards further addresses the objection that Christ and the Gospels are silent on original sin. He contends that Christ implicitly taught the doctrine by declaring all humanity "lost" and "sick," necessitating a physician and spiritual rebirth. Furthermore, Edwards argues that the lack of the specific word "imputation" regarding Adam's sin does not negate the theological reality, just as the absence of the word "impute" regarding theft does not mean thieves are not held legally guilty.

Finally, Edwards clarifies the "design" of the Public Judgment. He asserts that the trial is not an investigative process for God, who is already omniscient, but a "declarative" event intended to manifest the truth to the world. The Judge uses personal works as "proper evidences" to prove the heart’s condition, establishing a "perfect, open distinction" among men. This involves a primary "Difference of State" (separating the children of Christ from the children of the wicked one) and a secondary "Difference of Degree" (assigning rewards and punishments based on talents and opportunities). Edwards concludes that recognizing this natural malady is not an act of contempt toward human nature, but a necessary step toward seeking the Divine Physician.

Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian

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