Distinctive Traits of the True Christian

This small book by Gardiner Spring was published in English in 1820 and initially consisted of a series of essays. It appears that Dr. Spring was inspired by an earlier book written by Jonathan Edwards in 1746 titled "Religious Affections."

Written in times of revival, this book was the fruit of the reflections of a pastor who looked beyond a profession of faith, a salvation prayer, or a spiritual experience. He realized that the path leading to union with God is not easy, and he understood with his contemporary, Jonathan Edwards, that "the righteous are scarcely saved" as Peter says in his first epistle, chapter four, verse eighteen. Believers must fight powerful enemies, and if God were not with us, we would soon be overcome and destroyed. But God takes us, cleanses us, strengthens us, and transforms us until we are equipped to enter heavenly glory. What does it mean to be a Christian? What are the spiritual signs that palpably show ourselves and others that we have been born of God? How can we be sure that we possess true spiritual life? These questions are of utmost importance, and each person must examine themselves.

Perhaps some readers will find the spiritual level the author requires of every professing Christian—as incontrovertible proof of possessing true spiritual life—too harsh and demanding, almost unattainable. As the attentive reader will have noticed, the aim here is not to exclude from salvation those who are not perfectly holy in all their conduct, but to establish a clear initial demarcation between true orientation towards the one God and the additional worship of idols, whatever they may be called.

Pages: 73
ISBN: 9781928980001