Jonathan Edwards urged believers to “take the Scriptures as their guide.” Pointing them to the First Epistle of John, he outlined five essential principles of genuine revival.
Esteem for Christ rather than esteem for self.
“No man, speaking by the Spirit of God will show an ill or mean esteem of Christ.” –Jonathan Edwards
Eternal perspective rather than earthly vanities.
“The influence of the Spirit of God is yet more abundantly manifest, if persons have their hearts drawn off from the world and weaned from the objects of their worldly lusts.” –Jonathan Edwards
Expositional preaching rather than enthusiastic feelings.
“We see it common in enthusiasts, that they depreciate this written rule and set up the light within or some other rule above it.” –Jonathan Edwards
Essential Christian doctrine rather than whimsical notions about God.
“Whatever spirit removes our darkness, and brings us to the light, undeceives us, and, by convincing us of the truth, doth us a kindness.” –Jonathan Edwards
Ego-effacing love rather than self-gratifying love.
“Indeed there is a counterfeit love, that often appears among those who are led by a spirit of delusion. There is commonly in the wildest enthusiasts, a kind of union and affection, arising from self-love.” –Jonathan Edwards