Beholding the Beauty of Christ is the Key to Believing the Truth About Christ

Beloved Kinney,

On vacation this past week, I had the privilege of reading through much of Religious
Affections by Jonathan Edwards. It’s a book that helps the reader discern what happens
to a person in his heart when he gets saved—he has new affections for the glory of God
in Christ.

One line in the book struck me. Edwards said, “…the beauty of divine things tends to
convince the mind of the truth of the gospel” (pg. 122) In other words, when a person’s
heart is captivated by the beauty of Jesus, THEN they are convinced of the truth of
Jesus, not the other way around. Edwards continues, “For as soon as the eyes are
opened to behold its beauties, the gospel is all seen immediately to be true.”
I remember my dad telling me many years ago about my grandpa, who was not a
Christian, that, though he was a VERY smart man, he simply could not seem to grasp
the truths of the gospel. I didn’t quite understand why. Now I know. He wasn’t captivated
by its beauty.

So I ask you, are you captivated by the beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ? I’m not
asking if you know the truth of the gospel. I’m asking if your heart is wrapped up in its
beauty. You can look at a piece of art in such a way that leads you to explain its
intricacies and the meaning behind it OR you can be so enamored with its beauty that it
leaves you speechless.

Is your heart dull towards Christ? Pray. Pray hard. Pray that the Holy Spirit would
awaken your full heart to see beauty, not just truthful facts. And when you see the
beauty of the truth, you’ll be far more convinced of the truth than ever.

Love,
Pastor Josh