Author Stephen J. Nichols
Publisher P&R
ISBN 0-87552-791-4
This started life as the author’s Ph D dissertation and although it has obviously been adjusted somewhat in order to make it more available to a wider reading public, it does seem to retain something of the stiffness of its original purpose. That said, it is an interesting read as it deals with the ministry of the Holy Spirit as found in the apologetics of Jonathan Edwards. Some will both know of Edwards and maybe have read some of his writings. What a remarkable man he was. His orderly theological and philosophical mind along with his understanding and love for God and pastoral heart were evident in his writings. Clearly Stephen Nichols is a student of Edwards and concentrates his analysis of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit as revealed in some of the sermons Edwards preached. There are plenty of quotes from Calvin as well as Edwards. Their concern for the glory of God and the way they show that without the Holy Spirit being active with the word preached the blind and dead heart of mankind is incapable of coming to a saving knowledge God in Christ Jesus is evident in their writings. Persevering with this book will convince the reader of the skillful and reasoned argumentation of both Calvin and Edwards. How we need such God drenched preachers and writers today. In a time when many who profess to be ‘charismatic Christians’ and full of the Holy Spirit there is need to overturn the “leave your mind at the door and surrender to the Spirit” notion and consider the right use of reason coupled with confidence in the Holy Spirit as He brings revelation to the person that truly surrenders to God. Jonathan Edwards always emphasized the Holy Spirit over reason; this becomes increasingly clear as we follow this author in his analysis. This is good Reformed doctrine and brings edification to the diligent reader. Edwards on knowing, sensing, the place of testimony and the sermon in the ministry of the Holy Spirit are the quite lengthy chapters of this book.
