Final answer:
The statement that Edwards viewed his sin as "an abyss infinitely deeper than hell" is false. Edwards's sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" focused on the universal peril of sinners before a wrathful God rather than on his personal sins.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Jonathan Edwards viewed his sin as "an abyss infinitely deeper than hell" is inaccurate. Jonathan Edwards, a prominent preacher in Northampton, Massachusetts during the 18th century, is best known for his compelling sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." In this sermon, Edwards employed vivid and intense language to depict the horrors of hell, aiming to evoke a profound religious response from his congregation.
Contrary to the statement, Edwards did not explicitly express a personal sentiment that his own sins were comparable to an abyss infinitely deeper than hell. The focus of his sermon was on the general peril faced by all sinners and the imminent wrath of God that could be unleashed upon them. Edwards sought to instill a sense of urgency and fear, with the intention of prompting repentance and a renewed commitment to religious faith among his listeners.
The sermon underscored the fragility of human existence and the dependence of sinners on God's mercy to avoid the impending wrath. While Edwards did employ vivid imagery and intense language to convey the severity of sin and its consequences, the emphasis was on the broader collective of sinners rather than a personal reflection on the depth of his own transgressions.
In summary, the claim that Jonathan Edwards viewed his sin as "an abyss infinitely deeper than hell" is not supported by the content of his renowned sermon, as it primarily focused on the general state of sinners and the urgency of seeking redemption.