What Mortification of Sin is Not

by | Apr 26, 2007 | Christian Living

From John Owen, Chapter 5 in Of the Moritification in Believers. This morning – “What Mortification of Sin is Not.” 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 (69). Mortification Is Not the Dissimulation of Sin [outwardly forsaking a sin without any internal heart change – not that his heart has forsaken the sin, he has merely become more cunning in hiding it from the public view – that’s my commentary on this point from Owen] (70). The mortification of sin consists not in the improvement of a quiet, sedate nature (70). [My comment: some have naturally quiet and outwardly humble personalities. Mere natural improvements on one’s already quiet personality is not mortification of sin] A sin is not mortified when it is only diverted (71). Occasional conquests of sin do not amount to a mortifying of it...

Sin, Life and Vigor

by | Apr 25, 2007 | Christian Living

Owen in Of the Mortification of Sin in Believers Strength and comfort, and power and peace, in our walking with God, are the things of our desires. Were any of us asked seriously what it is that troubles us, we must refer it to one of these heads (63). In the ordinary walking with God, and in an ordinary course of his dealing with us, the vigor and comfort of our spiritual lives depend much on our mortification . . . (64) As sin weakens, so it darkens the soul. It is a cloud, a thick cloud, that spreads itself over the face of the soul, and intercepts all the beams of God’s love and favor. It takes away all sense of the privilege of our adoption; and if the soul begins to gather up thoughts of consolation, sin quickly scatters them . . . (65) The heart is like the sluggard’s field – so overgrown with weeds that you can scarce see the good corn. Such a man may search for faith, love, and zeal, and scarce be able to find any; and if he does discover that these graces are there yet alive and sincere, yet they are so weak, so clogged with lusts, that they are of very little use; they remain, indeed, but are ready to die. But now let the heart be cleansed by mortification, the weeds of lust constantly and daily rooted up (as they spring daily, nature being their proper soil), let room be made for grace to thrive and flourish – how will every grace act its part, and be ready...