The Thoughts of Ryan-C

QOTD: More on Mortification

// January 14th, 2010 // No Comments » // Jesus Stuff, John Owen, Life, Puritans, grace, mortification, reformed, sin, theology

Seeking mortification of sin just to quiet the soul and find relief from the torment of the conscience, all the while neglecting to deal with the root cause of sin, is a result of self-love. Men are diverted from coming to God this way. This is one of the most common deceptions in which men ruin their souls. They seek to apply themselves victory over the troubling sin, but do not allow their conviction to lead them to the gospel.

-John Owen, Mortification of Sin

QOTD: Trying to Mortify on Our Own

// January 12th, 2010 // No Comments » // Jesus Stuff, John Owen, Puritans, mortification, reformed, sin, theology

When men are troubled with the guilt of a sin that has prevailed over them, they promise themselves and God that they will sin thus no more, but they seek to accomplish their own victory. They watch over themselves and pray for a short season until the pain of conviction waxes cold and the sense of sin wears off. Mortification then also goes out the door, and sin returns to its former domination. These ways are not sufficient. There is no self-endeavor that can accomplish mortification. Almighty energy is necessary for its accomplishment.

-John Owen, Mortification of Sin

QOTD

// May 23rd, 2009 // No Comments » // Church, Jesus Stuff, John Owen, Life, Quote of the Day, reformed

It is by beholding the glory of Christ by faith that we are spiritually edified and built up in this world, for as we behold his glory, the life and power of faith grow stronger and stronger. It is by faith that we grow to love Christ. So if we desire strong faith and powerful love, which give us rest, peace and satisfaction, we must seek them diligently beholding the glory of Christ by faith. In this duty I desire to live and to die.

On Christ’s glory I would fix all my thoughts and desires, and the more I see of the glory of Christ, the more the painted beauties of this world will wither in my eyes and I will be more and more crucified to this world. It will become to me like something dead and putrid, impossible for me to enjoy.

-John Owen, The Glory of Christ

And on that note, be sure to look for my post on Christian Meditation this monday.