Signs of the Spirit – Sam Storms

Have you ever wondered: What is the essence of true Christianity? What constitutes the essence of a life that is pleasing to God? Are there criteria by which we can distinguish between true Christians and those who only seem to be? Have you ever known someone who seemed so godly, but later abandoned everything they once held dear? Have you ever had the fearful thought that such a thing could happen to a loved one (or even you)? Have you ever struggled with assurance of salvation, or are you dealing with a friend who is?
Jonathan Edwards, perhaps the greatest theologian in American history, wrote a book called Religious Affections to address these sorts of issues. It is a fantastic book. Though Edwards will repay diligent effort, parts of this book are intellectually daunting, difficult to read, and more difficult to understand. Some of his language is arcane, and a number of his sentences are as long as paragraphs.
That is why, sadly, many have tried to read Religious Affections, only to put it down in frustration and confusion. Others fear picking it up. Still others have never heard of it, but if they tried to read it, might soon give up.
But Jonathan Edwards is too important to miss out on! And the questions Edwards tackles in this book are as important in our day as they were in his. That’s why I am very excited about Sam Storms’ new translation of this classic work entitled Signs of the Spirit: An Interpretation of Jonathan Edwards’s “Religious Affections”.
Some people look down on translations, as if the book must have been “dumbed down.” That is not the case here. Signs of the Spirit is the ideal place to start for any who want to catch the vision of God that Edwards loved and proclaimed. It is will enlighten your mind and warm your heart. Dr. Storms (a former visiting associate professor of theology at Wheaton College) is clear, articulate, and very readable. I pray this book will deepen and expand the influence of Jonathan Edwards in our day. I highly recommend it to you.
Endorsements
“Jonathan Edwards’ Religious Affections remains one of the most discerning works of spiritual psychology published in the last several centuries. Dr. Samuel Storms’ unpacking of this significant work reveals once again for a new generation why the old Puritan so much deserves the most careful study today.”
Mark A. Noll, Francis A. McAnaney Professor of History, University of Notre Dame
“Storms’ repackaging of this spiritual classic meets a serious need. His essay on Edwards’ personal spirituality, introducing the Personal Narrative, is almost worth the price of the book. Then his running commentary, interspersed with direct selections from the Narrative, are exceedingly helpful.”
Gerald R. McDermott, Professor of Religion, Roanoke College
“After nearly 300 years, these gems of Edwards’ continue to sparkle. Sam Storms has done a superb job interpreting them for twenty-first-century followers of Jesus. His vivid paraphrases are easy to read and always edifying.”
Douglas A. Sweeney, Associate Professor of Church History, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
“These texts of Jonathan Edwards have nourished the church for nearly three centuries. In Sam Storms’ capable hands they’ll now speak clearly, plainly, and powerfully to the church today and for generations to come. If you’ve ever wanted to tackle Edwards but have shied away, you no longer have an excuse.”
Stephen J. Nichols, author of Heaven on Earth: Capturing Jonathan Edwards’s Vision of Living in Between
Check out the Table of Contents and browse the book for free.