Accomplish Quote by Jonathan Edwards
“What self-righteous persons take to themselves, is the same work that Christ was engaged in when He was in His agony and bloody sweat, and when He died on the cross, which was the greatest thing that ever the eyes of angels beheld. Christ could accomplish other parts of this work without cost; but this part cost Him His life, as well as innumerable pains and labors. Yet this is the part which self-righteous persons go about to accomplish for themselves.”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: "The Great Evangelical Work", 1741
Self‑righteous people try to achieve the same suffering and sacrifice that Christ endured, seeking personal glory instead of humility.
In simple terms: People pursue Christ‑like suffering for selfish reasons.
Key Takeaway
Seek humility, not self‑glorification.
Themes
humility
spirituality
self‑righteousness
sacrifice
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
theological
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal ambition
- religious practice
- moral decision making
Key Concepts
theodicy
ego
redemption
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we equate suffering with virtue?
- How can we honor Christ’s sacrifice without selfish motives?
A Different Perspective
Christ’s sacrifice was voluntary and redemptive, not a template for personal gain.
![“But it is doubtless true, and evident from [the] Scriptures, that the essence of all true religion lies in holy love; and that in this divine affection, and an habitual disposition to it, and that light which is the foundation of it, and those things which are the fruits of it, consists the whole…” quote by Jonathan Edwards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2fd/jonathan-edwards-770_affection_but-it-is-doubtless-true-and-evident-fro_82879.jpg)
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
