Living with the End in View
By Rooted Africa (
Resolution 7
Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.
In simple terms, Edwards resolved never to engage in any thought, word, or deed he would regret or fear if he knew it was his final hour on earth.This resolution sharpens the earlier ones. If God's glory is supreme and time is short, then every choice should stand the test of death's nearness. Edwards wanted a life free of hidden shame, secret sins, or wasted opportunities—ready to meet God at any moment.Why This Matters TodayWe often act as if tomorrow is guaranteed, indulging habits or compromises we'd never defend on our deathbed. Edwards forces the question: Would I be comfortable doing this if Christ returned or death came now? This perspective cuts through excuses and aligns daily life with eternal reality.Applying Resolution 7 Practically
@kateyakli
)Jonathan Edwards had resolved to live with full vigour while life lasts (Resolution 6) and to redeem every moment (Resolution 5). Now he added a powerful test for every action: Would I do this if death were imminent? At nineteen, he kept eternity close, refusing anything he couldn't face at life's final hour.Resolution 7
Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.
In simple terms, Edwards resolved never to engage in any thought, word, or deed he would regret or fear if he knew it was his final hour on earth.This resolution sharpens the earlier ones. If God's glory is supreme and time is short, then every choice should stand the test of death's nearness. Edwards wanted a life free of hidden shame, secret sins, or wasted opportunities—ready to meet God at any moment.Why This Matters TodayWe often act as if tomorrow is guaranteed, indulging habits or compromises we'd never defend on our deathbed. Edwards forces the question: Would I be comfortable doing this if Christ returned or death came now? This perspective cuts through excuses and aligns daily life with eternal reality.Applying Resolution 7 Practically
- Pause before acting: Ask, “Would I do this if it were my last hour?”
- Reject hidden compromise: Avoid secret thoughts, words, or actions that would bring fear at the end.
- Pursue what endures: Choose love, faithfulness, and obedience that bring peace in that final moment.
- Live ready: Let this awareness fuel urgency in devotion, relationships, and service.
- What activity or habit would I hesitate to do if death were near?
- How does this test expose areas needing change?
- What would I prioritize more if eternity felt closer?
@kateyakli
).We continue tomorrow with Resolution 8.This is Day 7 in our daily series on Jonathan Edwards' 70 Resolutions.References for Further Reading- Full text of Edwards' Resolutions: https://www.jonathan-edwards.org/Resolutions.html
- "The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards" (Desiring God): https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-resolutions-of-jonathan-edwards
- Ligonier Ministries overview: https://learn.ligonier.org/articles/resolutions-jonathan-edwards
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