Jonathan Edwards’ Resolution #17
Resolved, That I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
In other words: live life with no regrets.
This is very similar to Edward’s Resolution #7, as it states “Resolved, never to do anything that I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.” However, for the edification of everyone reading, I will do my best to shed additional light on the subject.
I imagine Edwards writing this resolution while looking forward in time—picturing in his mind—toward his last hour, with the precious death dew upon his brow and looking up to His God asking, Why did I not do such and such?! I see Edwards wrestling with this scenario years before he actually passes away from a small pox inoculation and exclaiming with resolve, “Ah! I will not be like that on my death bed. I will do these things now!”
For weeks, the lyrics of that timeless old hymn Solid Rock has been playing in my head, almost bringing me to tears and absolute joy because of the foundation I have in Christ. Today, I ask myself: When I meet my own last hour, will I be sitting with my family by my side and saying, “Why did I not do these things while I still lived?” By Christ’s power and grace I certainly hope not.
Lastly, I must echo something I said regarding Resolution #7: ultimately, the only subject to be both spoken and lived is the promotion and exaltation of the gospel of Jesus Christ—Him crucified and risen. May we all know that “Christ is the solid rock in which we can stand, and all other ground is sinking sand.” Now, let’s live to the glory of God with no regrets. Amen.
What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice
(Philippians 1:18)
But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course andthe ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
(Acts 20:24)
[This article is part of an ongoing series on the Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards.]
2 Comments on "Resolution #17: No regrets"
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