John Owen on the Christian Life
| Weight | 1.16 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.8 × 5.75 × 1 in |
| ISBN | 9780851515038 |
| Binding | Clothbound |
| Topic | General Theology, Spiritual Growth, Pastoral Theology/Pastoral Helps |
| Original Pub Date | 1987 |
| Banner Pub Date | Dec 1, 1987 |
| Page Count | 360 |
| Scripture | Whole Bible |
| Format | Book |
Book Description
John Owen has long been recognized by evangelicals as one of the greatest of all English-speaking theological classics. Like Augustine, whom he so admired, Owen’s thinking touched both the depths of sin and the heights of grace. Many of his readers have come away from reading him on such themes as temptation, or indwelling sin, feeling that Owen knew them through and through.
The truth is that Owen had come-by intensive and constant study of both Scripture and the human heart- to know both himself and God. It was out of this rich experience that he preached and wrote on the loftiest themes of Christian theology.
Because of this background, Owen’s teaching was always pastoral in its concern. His aim, said his assistant David Clarkson, was ‘to promote holiness’. Consequently his work has survived through the centuries and is now more widely recognized and appreciated than it has been for many years. His writings address the fundamental issues Christians face in every age: How can I live the Christian life? How am I to deal with sin and temptation? How can I find assurance, and live for the honour of Jesus Christ?
John Owen on the Christian Life expounds Owen’s teaching on these and related themes. The first book-length study of any aspect of Owen’s thought, it also stands on its own as a study in pastoral theology. Ministers, Christian leaders, readers of Owen, and those who are daunted by the sheer voluminousness of his writings will find this book an ideal companion.
Review
Table of Contents Expand ↓
| INTRODUCTION | xi | |
| 1. | JOHN OWEN AND HIS CHRISTIAN LIFE | |
| i. The Beginnings of His Ministry | 3 | |
| ii. The Congregationalist | 4 | |
| iii. A Wider Sphere of Influence | 6 | |
| iv. Dean and Vice-Chancellor | 9 | |
| v. The Congregational Leader | 15 | |
| 2. | THE PLAN OF SALVATION | 23 |
| 1. The Doctrine of the Covenant | 23 | |
| i. The Covenant of Works | 25 | |
| ii. The Covenant of Grace | 27 | |
| iii. The Covenant of Redemption | 28 | |
| iv. The Covenant at Sinai | 30 | |
| 2. Union with Christ | 35 | |
| 3. | GRACE REIGNS THROUGH RIGHTEOUSNESS | 41 |
| i. The Effects of Sin | 43 | |
| ii. Regeneration | 45 | |
| iii. The Use of the Law | 53 | |
| iv. The Structure of sanctification | 60 | |
| v. The Progress of Sanctification | 62 | |
| (1) Negatively Considered | 67 | |
| (2) Positively Considered | 69 | |
| vi. Restoration of the Image of God | 72 | |
| vii. The Christian’s Duty: | 74 | |
| (1) To Honour Christ | 76 | |
| (2) To Mortify Sin | 79 | |
| 4. | FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD | 83 |
| i. Communion with the Father | 85 | |
| ii. Communion with the Son | 87 | |
| iii. Communion with the Holy Spirit | 103 | |
| 5, | 5. THE ASSURANCE OF SALVATION | 111 |
| i. The Assurance of Forgiveness | 112 | |
| ii. Practical Rules for Assurance | 121 | |
| iii. Hindrances to Assurance | 125 | |
| iv. The Seal of the Spirit | 130 | |
| 6. | CONFLICT WITH SIN | 141 |
| i. Sin’s Dominion Ended | 141 | |
| ii. Sin’s Presence Continued | 147 | |
| iii. Temptations Abound | 159 | |
| iv. Mortification Required | 164 | |
| 7. | THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE SAINTS | 175 |
| 1. The Nature and Government of the Church | 177 | |
| i. The Lord’s Congregation | 179 | |
| ii. Order in the Church | 186 | |
| iii. Office in the Church | 187 | |
| iv. Unity of the Church | 193 | |
| 2. The Individual in the Church | 195 | |
| i. Valid Church Life | 195 | |
| ii. The Charge of Schism | 199 | |
| iii. Church Membership | 201 | |
| iv. Discipline | 205 | |
| 8. | SCRIPTURE AND MINISTRY | 209 |
| 1. Scripture | 210 | |
| i. Inspiration | 211 | |
| ii. Authority | 213 | |
| iii. Preservation | 215 | |
| iv. Attestation | 218 | |
| v. Understanding | 222 | |
| vi. Influence | 226 | |
| 2. Ministry | 228 | |
| i. Gifts and Graces | 229 | |
| ii. Extraordinary Gifts | 232 | |
| iii. Ordinary Gifts | 236 | |
| 9. | SACRAMENTS AND PRAYER | 239 |
| 1. Sacraments | 239 | |
| i. Baptism: Initiation into Covenant Life | 243 | |
| ii. Lord's Supper: Covenant Seal | 248 | |
| 2. Prayer | 253 | |
| i. A Covenant Privilege | 255 | |
| (1) The Matter of Prayer | 256 | |
| (2) The Manner of Prayer | 257 | |
| ii. A Scriptural Duty | 258 | |
| 10. | APOSTASY AND ITS PREVENTION | 263 |
| 1. The Danger of Apostasy | 263 | |
| i. Apostasy from Gospel Doctrine | 269 | |
| ii. Apostasy from Gospel Holiness | 274 | |
| iii. Apostasy from Gospel Worship | 277 | |
| 2. Spiritual Mindedness the Preservative | 281 | |
| i. The Objects of Spiritual Thoughts | 283 | |
| ii. The Nature of Spiritual Mindedness | 288 | |
| iii. The Development of Spiritual Mindedness | 291 | |
| 11. | PERSEVERANCE AND THE GOAL | 297 |
| 1. Perseverance | 297 | |
| 2. The Goal | 305 | |
| i. Christian Character | 306 | |
| ii. Eternal Glory | 313 | |
| 12. | POSTSCRIPT | 319 |
| GENERAL INDEX | 321 | |
| SCRIPTURE INDEX | 331 |
Brian Wickersham –
This is a wonderful book providing a in-depth review of the vast writings and the theological gems expounded by the incomparable John Owen.