(Post by Joseph Grigoletti)
Book Review: To The Rising Generation: Addresses Given to Children and Young Adults
Author: Jonathan Edwards
Buy here
Introduction:
Jonathan Edwards is considered to be one of the greatest American theologians of all time. His books continue to encourage, teach, and convict countless people, and this collection of his sermons is no different. To The Rising Generation is a wonderful addition to any layperson’s library. Personally, I have been wanting to read this book for some time now, and I got the opportunity to do so as Reformation Heritage Books sent me a copy to review.
In this review, I will look at three areas. First, the physical book itself. Second, the theology; and Third, the doctrinal applications found in it. I want to divide the review into these three sections because I believe that writing or reading for the sake of oneself alone is harmful to both the writer and the reader; there must be a proper focus in all we do so that the glory of Christ will be seen. It is my hope that these sections will provide just that.
The book itself:
My initial impressions of the book were very positive. I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but the glossy dust cover is really beautiful and a delight to look at. Inside, the font is rather large and doesn’t quite suit the book, and another problem in terms of size is the size of the margins. When reading Edwards, it’s almost a necessity that you take notes and write your thoughts down to interact with this great theologian and learn from him. Wider margins would make this so much easier. In this case, I simply underlined and used a number system with a personal notebook; but it’s generally preferred to write notes in the book itself. But in all, the book is of amazing quality. It’s clear that Soli Deo Gloria wanted this book to last a long time – which is so important for anyone who buys books. I believe Soli Deo Gloria exceeds any other publisher when it comes to quality of cloth-bound books.
In all, it would be a big mistake to try to find these sermons online and print them out yourself. If you want to keep these sermons, you will definitely want to buy this book.
The Theology:
I first encountered Edwards in a high school class at the age of 16 through his infamous sermon Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. That one-hour class more than five years ago changed how I viewed God; He went from being just one of my many friends, to being my Holy God. It is somewhat ironic that it was through secular school curriculum that I discovered Reformed Theology.
Dr. Joel Beeke described Edwards as “intellectually brilliant, multifaceted in his interests, and abundantly creative. Spiritually, he was profound, reflective experiential, and intense.” This book, To the Rising Generation, reveals Edwards not as the brilliant theologian who wrote Religious Affections or The Freedom of the Will, but rather as a pastor of a local church who gave himself to be used by God in the sanctification of young people. I’m not sure if I’m still considered young at the age of 21, but there was much in this book that fed my soul regardless.
Edwards said that “when a young person has not only morality, but true grace, this is especially lovely in the sight of God Himself,” and that “God will be more ready to bestow converting grace on those who seek it earnestly while young since He loves His own glory; for the conversion of young people is more to the glory of God than the conversion of others.” These two statements made me think deeply about the mystery of my own sovereign election, and also what unconditional election actually means. I don’t know if Edwards is correct here, however, there is a certain logic to what he says that I find beautiful. The idea that “youth is the best and prime of our life, and we ought not to turn God off with evil days, days wherein we ourselves have no pleasure” is an encouragement to young people – especially those in high school and junior high – to continue to persevere in their faith – particularly for those who attend public or nominal Christian schools. Being young gives you the “freest opportunity to spend [your] time in seeking God” and it is a time that should be used to grow in grace, rather than wasting it doing trivial things. Why should young people be encouraged to focus on the things of God as opposed to the things of this temporal world? Because God, in His providence, has usually given them the most free time to read, pray, fast, serve others, etc., and they have the responsibility and obligation to redeem that time for the good of themselves and others.
Another aspect of Edwards’ writings here that I would like to mention is his focus on death. Edwards lived in a time when people actually believed in heaven and hell, and Edwards’ theology is based on this assumption. This was the motivation for his preaching. He so thoroughly understood the terrors of hell and the loveliness and beauty of heaven, that it spurred him on to preaching; it was just something he had to do. He had to try to persuade sinners to seek salvation because he loved them and knew God’s promise of divine judgment that would be upon them. In the 21st Century, Christians often affirm with our lips the existence of hell, yet we refuse to share the gospel of the Saviour we claim has saved us.
Young people need to remember that justification is by faith, not by age. God calls parents to share the gospel with their children, and not to simply assume that they are saved because of their young age, cuteness, seeming “innocence,” or even because of their own faith as the parent. This was something Edwards knew on the day he preached at the funeral of his beloved daughter. This is a powerful testimony to the greatness of God, as Edwards talked about the signs of conversion that were found in his daughter’s life, as opposed to just assuming she was saved. He used her early death to preach the gospel to the lost.
Doctrinal Application:
The Church has an obligation to realize that being young is a hard yet wonderful time. It is a unique time in an individual’s life that can be used to prepare them for either lifelong piety, or a life of sin. This is why it is vital that older folk take up the Apostle’s call for discipleship and help whoever we can, because they are the future of the church of Christ.
Another practical application to think of is that of youth ministry. In this economy, one of the last ministries we should cut funding for is youth ministry. According to Campus Crusade for Christ, most people come to Christ between the ages of 15 and 27, and even though God works in all people at any age, there is something unique and special about those particular years. It is important to be mindful of this, and to do what we can to reach out to youth.
Final Thoughts:
This is a book that should be given to all young people between the ages of 16-21. The reason I would not recommend it to those younger is because Edwards can be difficult to read. A friend of mine was looking at the book and made the comment: “this man is the master of the redundant and run-on sentence!” Most people tend to react that way the first time they pick up Edwards’ books. One must read his work regularly in order to truly be able to read with some ease and to profit from him. So, don’t let the smaller size of this book fool you – it will not be an easy read for younger kids. But for those a bit older, if they put in the effort to read Edwards, they will profit from him greatly.
This would make a great small group study, or would be great to use in a Senior High study. For young adults, pastors, elders, or layperson, this book is very useful. I give it 4 ½ out of 5 stars.
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