"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity." (1 Corinthians 13:13)
In this section, Jonathan Edwards argues that the greatest evidence of true Christianity is not the possession of extraordinary spiritual gifts but the presence of saving grace. Miraculous abilities, eloquence, knowledge, prophecy, and successful ministry may exist even in those who are not truly converted, but saving grace always produces holiness and is inseparably connected with salvation. Edwards emphasizes that the Holy Spirit's primary work is to transform the believer's heart by creating genuine love for God and neighbor, making Christian love the chief evidence of regeneration. Because eternal life belongs to those who possess this inward grace rather than outward gifts, believers should seek holiness above extraordinary religious experiences. Ultimately, Edwards concludes that humanity's highest happiness is found in communion with God through holiness, for true joy consists not in power or giftedness but in a heart renewed by divine grace.​
lesson
1. Saving Grace Is Greater Than Spiritual Gifts
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The ordinary sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit is far more valuable than extraordinary gifts.
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Main Idea:
A person may possess miraculous gifts, prophecy, eloquence, knowledge, or ministry success and still be lost. Saving grace, however, is inseparably connected to salvation.​
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Matthew 7:22–23
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Luke 10:20
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1 Corinthians 13:1–3
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Theological Principle:
The evidence of salvation is not giftedness but holiness.
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2. Christian Love Is the Chief Evidence of Regeneration
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Love is the primary fruit of the Spirit's saving work in the believer.
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Main Idea:
The Holy Spirit produces a new disposition of love toward God and neighbor. This transformed affection reveals genuine conversion.
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Romans 5:5
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Galatians 5:22
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1 John 4:7–8
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Theological Principle:
True Christianity is fundamentally a matter of transformed affections.
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3. Eternal Life Is Connected to Grace, Not Gifts
​Salvation is promised to those who possess saving grace, not merely spiritual abilities.
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Main Idea:
Extraordinary gifts may accompany unbelief, but grace always accompanies eternal life.
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John 17:3
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Matthew 7:22–23
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Luke 10:20
Theological Principle:
Grace is the mark of election and union with Christ.
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4. Holiness Is the Essence of Human Happiness
Humanity's highest good is communion with God through holiness.
Main Idea:
People were created to know, love, and enjoy God. Therefore true happiness consists in holiness rather than power, success, or extraordinary experiences.
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Psalm 16:11
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Psalm 73:25–26
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Matthew 5:8
Theological Principle:
Holiness and happiness are inseparably united in God's design.
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How to apply this lesson
The practical response is to seek a transformed heart, grow in holiness and love, serve others selflessly, and find lasting assurance and joy in Christ rather than in personal abilities or religious achievements. Here are a couple of resources to apply Edwards' teaching.
Self-Examination Questionnaire:
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Do I place more confidence in what I do for Christ than in what Christ has done for me?
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When I disagree with others, do I respond with humility and patience?
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Is my heart characterized more by criticism or compassion?
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Do I rely on past religious experiences for assurance, or on present faith and obedience?
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When I experience disappointment, do I still find satisfaction in Christ?
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Reflection Scripture: Matthew 7:22–23
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Spiritual Application:
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Pursue Christlike Character Above Spiritual Ability
Focus more on growing in holiness, humility, and love than on developing talents, influence, or recognition within the church.
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Use Every Spiritual Gift to Build Up Others in Love
Whether teaching, serving, leading, encouraging, or giving, remember that every gift should strengthen the body of Christ and promote Christian love.
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Seek a Heart Transformation, Not Mere Religious Activity
Prioritize prayer, repentance, worship, and communion with God, recognizing that true Christianity begins in the heart before it appears in outward actions.
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Measure Spiritual Growth by Love and Holiness
Evaluate your spiritual maturity not by knowledge, accomplishments, or ministry success, but by your increasing love for God and your neighbor.
Quote
"For eternal life is a thing of infinite worth and value, and that must be an excellent blessing indeed that has this infallibly connected with it, and of infinitely more worth than any privilege whatsoever, which a man may possess, and yet after all go to hell. Happiness doth so essentially consist in knowing, loving, and serving God, and having the holy and divine temper of soul, and the lively exercises of it, that these things will make a man happy without anything else; but no other enjoyments or privileges whatsoever will make a man happy without this. The gift of prophecy, of miracles, of tongues, &c., God gave for this very end, to promote the propagation and establishment of the gospel in the world. And the end of the gospel is, to turn men from darkness to light, and from the power of sin and Satan to serve the living God, i.e. to make men holy. The end of all the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit is the conversion of sinners, and the building up of saints in that holiness which is the fruit of the ordinary influences of the Holy Ghost."¹
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Jonathan Edwards, Charity and Its Fruits: Christian Love as Manifested in the Heart and Life (New York: Anson D. F. Randolph & Company, 1852), 11-13
Connections
Saving Grace
(the Spirit's inward work)
â–¼
Produces a Heart of Love
(the evidence of regeneration)
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Assures Eternal Life
(not through gifts, but through grace)
â–¼
Results in Holiness
(the believer's greatest happiness)