God's Grand Design: The Theological Vision of Jonathan Edwards

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“Edwards’s larger purpose was to raise his congregation’s vision from its apparently mundane and petty daily concerns to find their affections engaged by the cosmic purpose that God has in his work of redemption. And God’s grand design in the work of redemption was nothing less than his own glory.” (source)

“Redemption is the grand design of God; creation is but the stage on which that drama plays.^{2” (source)}

“‘It is evident, by both Scripture and reason, that God is infinitely, eternally, unchangeably, and independently glorious and happy: that he stands in no need of, cannot be profited by, or receive anything from the creature.” (source)

“In other words, God’s own happiness is at the very center of who God is” (source)

“Roses and thorns signify ‘that all temporal sweets are mixed with bitter,’ but even more that ‘the crown of glory’ can come only ‘by bearing Christ’s cross by a life of mortification, self-denial, and labor, and bearing all things for Christ.’” (source)