The Mortification of Sin in Believers (Preface 1)

Josh May 19th, 2006

Series Introduction

Preface 1a

This last Lord’s Day I began re-reading John Owen’s The Mortification of Sin in Believers. Other than certain quotes, it’s as if I were reading a brand new book. As noted in my previous entry, this work has immense value in the life of the believer, both theological and practical. Thus, I hope to embark upon a series concerning the subject of mortification. Using Owen’s book, I would like to outline his thoughts and communicate how it is the believer should execute the practice of the mortification of sin.

In this particular entry, I would like to consider the first part of Owen’s preface:

I. The Reasons He Wrote and Published the Work

  1.  
      1. “the visible evidences of the frame of their hearts and spirits” as manifest in their:      2. “disability of dealing with temptations” due to their:

      3. “peace” with “the world” and

      4. “divisions…among themselves”

    2. A. “the present state and condition of the” common mass of professing Christians as exemplified in:      

In this first paragraph, Dr. Owen clearly states his reasoning as to the publishing of this work. It is not to flex his theologically adept biceps. Nor, is it to display his prowess and command of Biblical principles. Rather, it is with the most pastorally practical and spiritual reasons in mind that he takes on such a task. Much like our day, Owen was observing and seeing a pseudo-Christianity that much encompassed the minset of professing yet not possessing. What I mean is that he saw in most professing Christians a disconnect between their “faith” and the works which they did (or the lack thereof).

Due to the division amongst professing Christians, and these same people’s comfort and contentedness with the things of the world, there was an overtly evident and widescale surrender to temptations of all manner; thus, showing “the visible evidences of the frame of their hearts and spirits.”How could the knowingly lost people look at these “Christians” and see anything different if these professors of Christ’s salvation were participating in the same sinful revelries? None. Why? Because these professors of the Christian religion were not true possessors and partakers of Christ’s imputed righteousness. Their faith was no different than those of the demons who have faith and believe in God, and yet they tremble. For their “faith” is not a saving faith, but only one that heaps upon them further condemnation.

So be wary, you who profess Christ yet bear not fruit “worthy of repentance”, lest you sear your conscience with a false sense of security that only heaps upon you further condemnation before the Almighty God. Heed the words of Dr. Owen, as expounded by Scripture, that you may surely “examine yourselves, to see whether you be in the faith.”

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