John Owen on the Christian Life (Sinclair B. Ferguson)

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 honor 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.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION x

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 13

vi. Last days 17

2. THE PLAN OF SALVATION 20

1. The Doctrine of the Covenant 20

i. The Covenant of Works 22

ii. The Covenant of Grace 24

iii. The Covenant of Redemption 25

iv. The Covenant at Sinai 27

2. Union with Christ 32

 3. GRACE REIGNS THROUGH RIGHTEOUSNESS 37

i. The Effects of sin 39

ii. Regeneration 41

iii. The Use of the law 48

iv. The Structure of sanction 54

v. The Progress of sanctification 56

(1) Negatively considered 61

(2) Positively considered 63

vi. Restoration of the image of God 65

vii. The Christian’s duty: 67

(1) To honor Christ 69

(2) To mortify sin 71

 4. FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD 74

i. Communion with the Father 76

ii. Communion with the Son 77

iii. Communion with the Holy Spirit 92

THE ASSURANCE OF SALVATION 99

i. The assurance of forgiveness 100

ii. Practical rules for assurance 108

iii. Hindrances to assurance 112

iv. The seal of the Spirit 116

 5. CONFLICT WITH SIN 125

i. Sin’s dominion ended 125

ii. Sin’s presence continued 130

iii. Temptations abound 141

iv. Mortification required 145

6. THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE SAINTS 154

1. The Nature and Government of the Church 156

i. The Lord’s congregation 158

ii. Order in the church 164

iii. Ministry in the church 165

iv. Unity of the church 170

2. The Individual in the Church 172

i. Valid church life 172

ii. The charge of schism 175

iii. Church membership 178

iv. Discipline 181

 7. SCRIPTURE AND MINISTRY 184

1. Scripture 185

i. Inspiration 186

ii. Authority 188

iii. Preservation 190

iv. Attestation 192

v. Understanding 196

vi. Influence 199

2. Ministry 201

i. Gifts and graces 202

ii. Extraordinary gifts 204

iii. Ordinary gifts 208

 8. SACRAMENTS AND PRAYER 211

1. Sacraments 211

i. Baptism: initiation into covenant life 215

ii. Lord’s Supper: covenant seal 220

2. Prayer 224

i. A covenant privilege 225

(1) The matter of prayer 226

(2) The manner of prayer 227

ii. A scriptural duty 228

 9. APOSTASY AND ITS PREVENTION 232

1. The Danger of Apostasy 232

i. Apostasy from gospel doctrine 238

ii. Apostasy from gospel holiness 242

iii. Apostasy from gospel worship 244

2. Spiritual Mindedness the Preservative 248

i. The objects of spiritual thoughts 250

ii. The nature of spiritual mindedness 254

iii. The development of spiritual mindedness 257

 10. PERSEVERANCE AND THE GOAL 262

1. Perseverance 262

2. The Goal 269

i. Christian character 269

ii. Eternal glory 275

 11. POSTSCRIPT 281

INDEX 1 (Names and Subjects) 283

INDEX 2 (Biblical References) 291

Product Details

Title: John Owen on the Christian Life 

Author: Sinclair B. Ferguson

Publisher: Banner of Truth

Pages: 316

Binding: Cloth-bound

Size: 22.3 x 14.6 x 2.5 cm

ISBN: 9780851515038