Jonathan Edwards on the Boldness to Stand For Jesus

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It is only normal for Christians to have a lack of boldness so it is God by His grace that provides the boldness.  Proverbs 28:1 says, "The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion."  Since Christians have been given the righteousness of Christ the Lion of Judah then there is that boldness that comes along with that imputed righteousness.  While Christians do have their fears so they must need to really pray to God for that boldness to proclaim the Gospel.

What causes the Christians to be so bold?  It is not themselves but the righteousness they have in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Apart from Christ, Christians have no power against sin on their own nor do they have that power to overcome their fears.  That was an important lesson Peter learned when he denied the Lord Jesus Christ thrice during the night of the arrest.  He was afraid apart from the grace of God but after he learned to stand by God's grace, he was given that boldness to proclaim to Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Christians would forsake all rather than Christ and to offend all rather than offend Him is because of this new nature in them.  Titus 2:11-14 says that the grace of God leads from sinfulness to living righteously and soberly in this fallen world.  They might be afraid for now but God always finds a way to put Christians in prayer, make them pray for that boldness to stand up for Him.