Living as if Heaven and Hell Are Real
By Rooted Africa (
Resolution 30
Resolved, to strive to my utmost to act as I would do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and the horrors of hell.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved to live every day with such intensity and holiness as if he had already glimpsed the joys of heaven and the terrors of hell. He wanted his daily conduct shaped by eternal reality, not by temporary comforts. This resolution is a powerful call to eternal perspective. Edwards refused to let the visible world dull his sense of the invisible. He wanted to live with the urgency and purity of someone who had seen both the reward and the judgment.
Why This Matters Today
We easily forget eternity. Daily routines, distractions, and small compromises slowly erode our sense of urgency. Many Christians live as if heaven and hell are distant ideas rather than present realities. Edwards challenges us to let the weight of eternity press upon every decision — our words, our entertainment, our work, our relationships, and our private thoughts.As 2 Corinthians 4:18 says: “We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
Applying Resolution 30 Practically
Before any decision: Ask, “If I had already seen heaven and hell, how would I act right now?”
In daily life: Let the reality of eternal joy and eternal loss shape your priorities, speech, and habits.
In temptation: Remember that momentary pleasure cannot compare with eternal reward or eternal regret.
Habit: Begin each day reminding yourself of heaven’s happiness and hell’s horror to fuel holy living. This resolution keeps eternity real and active in the present.
Reflection Questions
If I had already seen heaven and hell, what would change in how I spend my time today?
Which area of my life is most dulled by forgetting eternal realities? How can I cultivate a stronger eternal perspective in my daily walk?Edwards reviewed his resolutions weekly to keep eternity fresh in his mind. Regular reflection guards against spiritual drift. Resolution 30 calls us to live with holy urgency — as people who know both the glory of heaven and the tragedy of hell.How would your life look different if you lived every day as if you had already seen heaven and hell? Share in the comments or on X (
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-edwardsRooted in truth, growing in grace.
@kateyakli
)Jonathan Edwards had resolved never to allow any pleasure that hindered his spiritual progress (Resolution 29) and never to speak or act against God’s glory (Resolution 28). Now he raised the stakes by bringing eternity into every moment.Resolution 30
Resolved, to strive to my utmost to act as I would do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and the horrors of hell.
In simple terms: Edwards resolved to live every day with such intensity and holiness as if he had already glimpsed the joys of heaven and the terrors of hell. He wanted his daily conduct shaped by eternal reality, not by temporary comforts. This resolution is a powerful call to eternal perspective. Edwards refused to let the visible world dull his sense of the invisible. He wanted to live with the urgency and purity of someone who had seen both the reward and the judgment.
Why This Matters Today
We easily forget eternity. Daily routines, distractions, and small compromises slowly erode our sense of urgency. Many Christians live as if heaven and hell are distant ideas rather than present realities. Edwards challenges us to let the weight of eternity press upon every decision — our words, our entertainment, our work, our relationships, and our private thoughts.As 2 Corinthians 4:18 says: “We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
Applying Resolution 30 Practically
Before any decision: Ask, “If I had already seen heaven and hell, how would I act right now?”
In daily life: Let the reality of eternal joy and eternal loss shape your priorities, speech, and habits.
In temptation: Remember that momentary pleasure cannot compare with eternal reward or eternal regret.
Habit: Begin each day reminding yourself of heaven’s happiness and hell’s horror to fuel holy living. This resolution keeps eternity real and active in the present.
Reflection Questions
If I had already seen heaven and hell, what would change in how I spend my time today?
Which area of my life is most dulled by forgetting eternal realities? How can I cultivate a stronger eternal perspective in my daily walk?Edwards reviewed his resolutions weekly to keep eternity fresh in his mind. Regular reflection guards against spiritual drift. Resolution 30 calls us to live with holy urgency — as people who know both the glory of heaven and the tragedy of hell.How would your life look different if you lived every day as if you had already seen heaven and hell? Share in the comments or on X (
@kateyakli
).We continue tomorrow with Resolution 31: Resolved, never to say anything at all against any person, except when it is necessary for the glory of God, or the good of my neighbour, or my own good.This is Day 30 in our daily series on Jonathan Edwards’ 70 Resolutions.References for Further ReadingFull 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-edwardsRooted in truth, growing in grace.
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