The Mortification of Sin

In this abridgement of a classic work, the famous Puritan John Owen shows the need for Christians to engage in a life-long battle against the sinful tendencies that remain in them, despite their having been brought to faith and new life in Christ.

Owen is very insistent that believers cannot hope to succeed in this battle in their own strength. He sees clearly that the fight can be won only through faith in Christ, and in the power of the Spirit. Fighting sin with human strength will produce only self-righteousness, superstition and anxiety of conscience. But with faith in Christ, and with the power of the Spirit, victory is certain. The temptations in times like Owen’s and ours are obvious on every side; the remedy to them is clearly pointed out in this practical and helpful book.

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why the Flesh Must Be Mortified
3. The Work of the Spirit in Mortification
4. How Life and Comfort Depend on Mortification
5. What Mortification Is Not
6. What Mortification Is
7. Only Believers Can Mortify Sin
8. God Requires Universal Obedience
9. The Dangerous Symptoms of Sin
10. Seeing Sin for What It Is
11. A Tender Conscience and a Watchful Heart
12. Humility
13. Wait for the Verdict of God
14. The Work of Christ and the Power of the Spirit