John Owen's "The Mortification of Sin" is a classic work of Puritan theology that delves into the spiritual battle against sin. Owen masterfully explores the nature of sin, its pervasive influence, and the believer's ongoing struggle against it. He emphasizes the necessity of relying on the Holy Spirit for victory over sin, highlighting the importance of spiritual disciplines and the transformative power of God's grace. The book offers practical guidance and profound theological insights for Christians seeking to live a life of holiness and obedience to God. It's a timeless resource for understanding the Christian life as a spiritual warfare and the role of the Holy Spirit in overcoming sin. The book's enduring relevance lies in its clear articulation of the ongoing struggle between the flesh and the Spirit, a struggle that resonates deeply with believers across centuries.
In this book, John Owen explores the Christian's communion with God, focusing on the distinct relationships with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He argues that every Christian has communion with God, which is facilitated through love and faith with the Father, fellowship and grace with the Son, and comfort and sanctification with the Holy Spirit. The book, originally published in 1657, was controversial in its time but has since become a classic of Christian devotional thought, influencing the church to this day[2][3][5].
John Owen's "Complete Works" is a monumental collection of Puritan writings covering various theological and practical aspects of the Christian life. His works delve into the depths of human nature, exploring the complexities of sin and the transformative power of the gospel. Owen's insights on communion with God, mortification of sin, and the work of the Holy Spirit remain relevant and influential today. His writings offer profound reflections on spiritual disciplines, the fight against temptation, and the pursuit of holiness. The collection provides a rich resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of Puritan theology and its application to contemporary life.
In this episode, Kelly Kapic discusses John Owen's insights on battling sin and temptation and connects them to the issues Christians face today.
Kelly M. Kapic is a professor of theological studies at Covenant College and the co-editor of vol. 15 of The Complete Works of John Owen entitled 'Sin and Temptation' from Crossway.
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