A53715:112
Of the Mortification of Sin in Believers
Of the mortification of sin in believers: the 1. Necessity, 2. Nature, and 3. Means of it. With a resolution of sundry cases of conscience thereunto belonging. By John Owen, D.D. a servant of Jesus Christ in the work of the Gospel.
London: printed for Nathanael Ponder, 1668
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
2. Give general Directions for such things, as without which it will be utterly impossible for any one to get any Sin truly and spiritually Mortified.
2. Give general Directions for such things, as without which it will be utterly impossible for any one to get any Sin truely and spiritually Mortified.
3. Draw out the Particulars whereby this is to be done; in the whole carrying on this Consideration, that it is not of the Doctrine of Mortification in general, but only in reference to the particular Case before proposed, that I am treating.
1. To Mortify a Sin, is not utterly to kill, root it out, and destroy it, that it should have no more hold at all, nor residence in our hearts. It is true, this is that which is aimed at, but this is not in this Life to be accomplished. There is no man that truly sets himself to mortify any Si•, but he aims at, ⟨p. 45⟩intends, desires its utter destruction; that it should leave neither Root nor Fruit in the Heart or Life. He would so kill it, that it should never move or stir any more; cry or call, seduce or tempt to Eternity. Its not being, is the thing aimed at. Now though doubtless there may by the Spirit and Grace of Christ, a wonderful success, and Eminency of victory against any sin be attained; so that a man may have almost constant triumph over it; yet an utter killing and destruction of it, that it should not be, is not in this Life to be expected. This Paul assures us of, Phil. 3.12