Archive for the 'Book Reviews' Category

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.”

The Bruised Reed

Josh March 24th, 2006

The Bruised Reed
by Richard Sibbes

Concerning Richard Sibbes, Charles Spurgeon claimed “Sibbes never wastes the student’s time, he scatters pearls and diamonds with both hands.” With the same profundity and richness that typically characterizes Puritan works Sibbes, in The Bruised Reed, masterfully and beautifully deals with things like brokenness, humility, mercy, and grace all wrapped up in the greater subject of hardships, whether they be brought by persecution or one’s own sin. In a time where hedonism seems to reign supreme and commandeers the hearts of sinners and confused Christians alike, The Bruised Reed delivers a good dose of sobriety to those who would revel in their good circumstance.

Might it be if one is not under affliction of one sort or another that he has not been bruised, broken, or brought to the end of himself? And if not, has he, in his pride, been given over to his depraved mind, unable to hear the thunder of God’s voice which grants a man repentance? May it not be for you, me, or anyone! The wise Puritan writes, “This is such a one as our Saviour Christ terms ‘poor in spirit’ (Matt. 5:3), who sees his wants, and also sees himself indebted to divine justice…” and God lowers us “levelling all proud, high thoughts, and that we may understand ourselves to be what indeed we are by nature.” Let the sinner see his suffering as God’s kindness which leads to salvation. Let the saint see his suffering as the means by which God perfects grace in the heart of His servant, mortifying the flesh.

With simple language and Biblical saturation, Sibbes encourages the Christian to take comfort in tribulation while looking to victory, to show grace to the weak, and to believe in Christ’s goodness to us despite afflictions undergone. I heartily encourage any and all to read this fine work and now I leave you with some words of wisdom from Richard Sibbes.

“In pursuing his calling, Christ will not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax…he will not only not break nor quench, but he will cherish those with whom he deals.”

Lectures to My Students-Book Review

Josh November 24th, 2005

Lectures to My Students
by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

“Affectation of intellectual superiority and love of rhetorical splendour have prevented many from setting forth gospel truth in the easiest imaginable manner, namely, by analogies drawn from common events. Because they could not condescened to men of low estate hey have refrained from repeating incidents which would have accurately explained their meaning. Fearing to be thought vulgar, they have lost goldne opportunities. As well might David have refused to sling one of the smooth stones at Goliath’s brow because he found it in a common brook.” 

Thus, we catch a glimpse of the practical wisdom, which so easily dripped from the pen of Charles Spurgeon, in the preceding quote. It is but a small portion of the witty, yet solid, insights he gives in his work Lectures to My Students. Although this book is intended for those would be pastors and elders who are picking up the mantle of God’s preachers, there are great principles of biblical and practical truth which can be applied to any Christian’s life. On that basis alone I approvingly recommend this read to all.

Spurgeon’s mastery and command of the English language did not keep him from “setting forth gospel turth in the easiest imaginable manner.” In fact, with such an ability, he was one of the most avid communicators of his day, and even to this time. I’ve heard it said before that had Spurgeon’s voluminous writings been “non-religious” in nature, they would’ve been indeed used to exemplify the best of English language. Spurgeon has been affectionately called the Prince of Preachers, and rightly so, for his eloquence of speech was music to the ears of both the common man and well-to-do.

In Lectures to My Students, Spurgeon’s subject matter ranges anywhere from Vocal demonstration and care to “The Minister’s Self-Watch”. It would behoove anyone who “desires the office of an Elder” to get a copy of Spurgeon’s Lectures and make use of the matter found therein. Spurgeon was indeed a uniquely used individual of God. When it comes to preaching, he was definitely exceptional, not typical. Would it be that God would grant us more Preachers such as he!

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