The Mortification of Sin (Puritan Paperbacks)

The Lord exhorts His children to be holy as He is holy.There is a correlation between holiness and usefulness in God's kingdom.John Owen and the Puritans realized how important this was and that is why they preached and wrote extensively on various aspects of sanctification so frequently. John Owen was an eminent English theologian and his treatises on sin and temptation are among the most valuable of his practical works.An evidence of that are the many works of his that continue to be in print(and have great usefulness in the lives of many)centuries after his death. A major part of sanctification is 'keeping the heart'and the Word of God exorts believers to be diligent in that work.A Biblical understanding of 'the nature and power of indwelling sin',what mortification of sin is and the nature,power and dangers of temptation(so that we can effectually watch against temptation)are all elements of 'keeping the heart'. Pastor Owen not only dissects with great precision how sin and temptation overcome Christians(at times)but offers sage counsel on how to Biblically combat it.Two of the primary spiritual duties to overcome sin are meditating on God's Word and prayer.Prayer helps to sensitize the soul against sin and thus helps to produce a loathing for sin. It would be difficult to find a better Biblical definition of 'the heart'than Owen gives "in Scripture the heart is variously used as a synonym-sometimes for the mind and understanding,sometimes for the will,sometimes for the conscience and sometimes for the whole soul.Generally,it denotes the whole soul of man and all the faculties of it." For any of God's people needing help in dealing with sin,John Owen knew His Lord intimately,he was well acquainted with God's ways and with human nature in general.To those who have the slightest doubt of the authors understanding of fallen human nature,one pregnant qoute should silence even the greatest skeptic "the only reason why an unregenerate man is not under perpetual pursuit of some lust is because he is distracted by so many more of them.But the general bent is well recognized,for it is the disposition toward self pleasing.Men are said to have their hearts set upon evil to make provisions for the flesh."(Romans 13:14). The desire to live for and please ouselves as our chief end(as opposed to the advancement of the glory and Kingdom of God)is perhaps the root of all sin. John Owen's Sin and Temptation is among the finest books on sanctification that has ever been in print.Any Christian who desires to be more godly(under God's blessing)would be greatly aided by this powerful Biblical treatise.

Our biggest struggle in serving Jesus is dying to self and allowing the Holy Spirit within us gujide our thoughts and actions, which is when lifes real adventure begins. John Owen wrote this in the mid 1500's with a clarity and depth of understanding seldom found today. Short, clear, easy to understand. Blessings, Will

If you want a different, in depth study, of the sin that we all have within us and how to get rid of it, this is the book for you (other than the Bible). Life is a daily battle that the enemy wants control of but this little book is packed full of armor!!! This is a great book and makes a great gift too.

When I first started reading this book, I had a profound sense of disappointment over the abridgment of this work by John Owen. It was as if it did not remain consistent with his writing style. But, maybe I was the one at fault for looking down over the modification and idolizing Owen's highly technical writing. For that, I do apologize. Having said all that, the message and content of the book is not diminished whatsoever. Richard Rushing did an excellent job maintaining the gist of the book. It still cuts to the sinful state of our hearts, convicts us of our sin and sinful attitudes, and exhorts us on what we must do as believers to mortify sin and grow in Christ. It is my conviction that Owen would have approved of the updated language so that his readers would grow and continue to be sanctified in Christ. After all, he was known for actually sitting in on a few sermons that John Bunyan preached and appreciating Bunyan's simple yet poignant sermon deliveries. Thus, I STRONGLY recommend this book to every Christian.

A must read for Christian who struggle with indwelling sin. It is an easy read thanks to it being an abridged version, and is sound in its teaching.

This is one of only 2 books that I can think of that has made me bring forth the water works. Especially chapter 12 on Humility. The Mortification of Sin is a cut straight to the heart. It forced me to consider the hypocritical nature of my preaching one thing and practicing another. It is not a self help book or even a how to book. The answer is to look to God. It is a complimentary book to Communion with God, and once you begin reading this book you will understand why. Owen hits why we sin, what happens when we sin, and our part in ridding our life of it.

Very excellent book on personal holiness. Just know that it’s abridged so the original was actually longer.

Highly recommended... I tried to read the original Mortification of Sin and it was an extremely challenging read. The abridged and updated Puritan Paperback is certainly more accessible. This book has been challenging me as a young man to seek to weaken and destroy my sin by pursuing Christ and serving Him with all my might. It is probably one of the most important messages a young man can read. Highly recommended for any born again Christian distraught over their battle with sin, or even with self-righteous individuals who think they have been born again!

John Owen what else?

Excellent

Yes indeed this is excellent and challenging treatment of biblical truth.

Absolutely motivating and encouraging and convicting book for Christian faith.

This book is the MUST read book for every Christian(next to BIBLE).