Question

in paragraph six of \sinners in the hands of an angry god,\ what does edwards suggest about spiritual reform?

he suggests that church and state should be separated.
he suggests that not all people who sin suffer eternal damnation.
he suggests that good works alone will not save a person from damnation.
he suggests that individuals have no opportunity to be saved from damnation.

Explanation:

⚡ Using what you learned: inferential comprehension and textual evidence

Step 1: Analyze the context of the sermon

In Jonathan Edwards' famous sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," he addresses the congregation regarding their spiritual state. In paragraph six, Edwards specifically addresses those who have reformed their lives, are moral, keep up a form of religion in their families and closets, and attend church regularly.

Step 2: Evaluate Edwards' message on self-reform

Edwards argues that despite these outward changes—such as praying, being moral, and reforming one's behavior (often referred to as "good works" or "spiritual reform")—these actions alone are completely insufficient to save a person from the wrath of God. He emphasizes that without a true, inward spiritual rebirth (being "born again" by the grace of God), outward moral reform cannot keep a person out of hell.

Step 3: Match with the given options

• Option 1: "He suggests that church and state should be separated." (Incorrect; this is a political concept not discussed in this theological context.)
• Option 2: "He suggests that not all people who sin suffer eternal damnation." (Incorrect; Edwards emphasizes that all unregenerate sinners face damnation.)
• Option 3: "He suggests that good works alone will not save a person from damnation." (Correct; this directly matches his argument that outward moral reform and religious duties cannot save a soul without divine grace.)
• Option 4: "He suggests that individuals have no opportunity to be saved from damnation." (Incorrect; the ultimate goal of his sermon is to urge people to seek true salvation through Christ.)

Answer:

He suggests that good works alone will not save a person from damnation.