The Essence of Christianity

It’s time for Tuesdays with Edwards!

Hence we may learn the nature of true and sincere Christian piety. This shows the nature and genius of Christianity, what that is wherein it most essentially consists. It don’t consist chiefly in any certain profession, or set of principles or tenets; or in any outward form of worship, or an attendance in such or such religious observances; or in outwardly moral behavior; but in such an internal, spiritual harmony between Christ and the soul, as that which has been spoken of.

In that consists the essence of Christianity. He that has this is a Christian; and he that is without it is not worthy of the name, whatever his knowledge, or profession, or orthodoxy, or outward strictness be.

By this, Christianity is most essentially distinguished from all things. By this, ’tis distinguished from the morality of the heathen. And by this, ’tis distinguished [from] the superstition and will-worship of many that are called Christians. And by this, ’tis distinguished from the fair, outward show, or the false affection and zeal of hypocrites. By this, may all pretended descriptions of Christian piety, and precepts to it, and pretenses of it be tried.

The end of the doctrines and precepts of Christianity, is to bring about this sweet harmony between the soul and Jesus Christ. And this is the nature and tendency of them. Whatever doctrines or rules of any profession tend to the contrary, they are to be rejected. And whatever pretenses any make to piety, if their prevailing temper be found contrary to this, they are like to be rejected and acknowledged by Christ as his; for his sheep know his voice and follow him.

Jonathan Edwards, “The Sweet Harmony of Christ,” in Sermons and Discourses, 1734-1738, ed. M.X. Lesser, The Works of Jonathan Edwards, vol. 19 (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2001). p. 447.