View

145

On the Mortification of Sin in Believers

John Owen

John Owen (1616-1683) was an important theologian, minister, and advocate of the congregational form of church government in England. Educated at Oxford, he was a confessed Puritan, seeking reform in the established Church as a parish minister (1643-51). At first a presbyterian, he became an "Independent" congregationalist, or "Nonconformist", and rose in influence with the parliamentary rebellion of Cromwell, being appointed vice-chancellor of Oxford. After 1660, he continued to write and lead in support of nonconformity with the English Church as a congregational minister in London.

A penetrating discussion of the scriptural exhortation to "put to death" the deeds of the flesh.

This treatise, written in 1656, is effectively an expanded commentary on the 8th chapter of Romans (particularly verse 3) and the exhortation to mortify (or put to death) the deeds of the flesh. The subtitle of this writings is "...the Necessity, Nature and Means of it: With a Resolution of Sundry Cases of Conscience Thereunto Belonging". The analysis is extensive, touching upon practical ethical and psychological concerns while continually grounded in passages of Scripture. The final chapter treats of the work itself – of putting sin to death, claiming that all previous discussion is preparatory for the essential work – which is of the heart, by faith in Christ.

Church History

Puritan