Evangelical Humiliation

One of the most important evidences of genuine conversion is what Jonathan Edwards called evangelical humiliation.  This is trustworthy proof of salvation because it cannot be easily counterfeited.  What Edwards meant by evangelical humiliation is that those who are truly born again realize they were utterly insufficient to save themselves, and that all of the glory in their salvation belongs to God.  As a result, true Christians will have a disposition to humble themselves and exalt God alone.  This is absolutely essential in conversion.  God’s way of redeeming people through the gospel is designed to produce this humility in the hearts of those who know they are saved by grace alone (Romans 3:27; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31).  Genuine Christians will be characterized by a profound sense of their own sinfulness and a great appreciation of the mercy of God’s forgiveness.  As a result, they will gladly accept reproof from others and will be quick to forgive offenses.  There is reason to question the sincerity of those professing Christians who always bristle when someone points out a fault, or who hold grudges, being unwilling to forgive.