Series on Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions: Resolution #19

Acting as if Judgment Is Imminent

Jonathan Edwards didn’t just want to live out of his brightest spiritual moments or keep death in view. He took it further—he wanted to live every hour ready for Christ’s return, as if he could hear that final trumpet any minute.

Here’s Resolution 19 in his words:  

Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.

Put simply, Edwards decided he’d never do anything he’d be ashamed of if Jesus showed up in the next hour. This resolution feels a lot like his earlier ones about living with death in mind, but now the focus sharpens—the sudden return of Christ, the kind described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17. Edwards wanted nothing in his life that would make him shrink back in shame when judgment came.

Why does this matter now? Most of us drift through our days acting like tomorrow is a given and Jesus’ return is far off. Edwards won’t let us off the hook. He asks, “If I knew Jesus was coming back in the next hour, would I still be doing this?” That question has a way of cutting through our excuses, revealing what we’re trying to hide, and lighting a fire under our love for God and people.

Jesus said, 

“You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44).

So what does living out Resolution 19 actually look like?  Before you act, pause and ask: “If the trumpet sounded in 60 minutes, would I regret this?”  When you’re alone, refuse anything you’d be afraid to have exposed at Christ’s return—hidden habits, secret bitterness, dishonesty, whatever it is.  With your priorities, choose what really lasts. Invest in Scripture, prayer, people, sharing the gospel.  And when temptation hits, remind yourself: “This could be my last hour.”

Some questions to chew on: 
What would I drop instantly if I knew Christ was on his way? 
What would I rush to do before time ran out? 
What parts of my life need repentance or a serious reset in light of this?

Edwards checked himself every week, reviewing his resolutions so he’d stay alert and ready. That kind of regular reflection keeps us from drifting. Resolution 19 pulls us into a life that’s watchful, urgent, and unafraid—always ready for the sound of the trumpet.

If you really thought the last trumpet would blast in an hour, what would you change? Think about it, and if you want, share your thoughts in the comments or on X (@kateyakli).

Tomorrow, we’ll look at Resolution 20.  

This is Day 19 of our daily walk through Jonathan Edwards’ 70 Resolutions.