The following title, The Mortification of Sin Abridged and Simplified by John Owen, is available through Monarchism in PDF, EPUB, and MOBI formats. The necessity, nature, and means of the mortification of sin with the resolution of sundry cases of conscience thereunto belonging. Preface I want to briefly explain why I agreed to publish this work. My main concern is the current spiritual condition of many who profess faith. Too often they struggle to resist temptation and remain steadfast in their walk with Christ. Many are caught between the comforts of this world and the divisions within the church, leaving them vulnerable. If this work serves only to awaken others to take seriously the call to examine their hearts and pursue holiness, I will consider it worthwhile. Additionally, I have observed dangerous errors from some who claim to teach how to overcome sin. Unfamiliar with the gospel's power and the work of Christ, they promote a form of self-driven discipline that burdens the soul rather than bringing true freedom. Their teachings do not align with scripture in either method or result, leading to legalism, self-righteousness, and troubled consciences. What I offer here is weak in comparison to the riches of the gospel. Yet, I trust it is in harmony with this truth and the experience of those who walk with God. If not this work, then something like it is desperately needed in our time to guide believers toward true gospel-driven mortification of sin, the daily putting to death of sinful desires and the power of the Spirit. This is essential for peace with God and for spiritual growth. On a personal note, I'd previously preached on this subject with encouraging results, and several godly individuals urged me to put these teachings into writing. Their requests reminded me of a long-standing commitment to provide a treatise on communion with God, a work I have delayed but not forgotten. While this present book does not fulfill that promise, I hope it may serve as an offering in the meantime. Furthermore, in recent years, I have engaged in many public debates over doctrinal matters. This, however, is something different, a work not born of controversy but of pastoral concern for the holiness of God's people. My deepest desire in this and all my labors is to see believers grow in sanctification and holiness, so that their lives may glorify God and adorn the gospel of Jesus Christ. If this little work can be of any help, even to the weakest of Christ's sheep, then I will count it as an answer to prayer. May the Lord bless it for his glory. John Owen CHAPTER ONE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WHOLE ENSUING DISCOURSE LAID IN ROMANS 8 VERSE 13 TO PROVIDE CLEAR GUIDANCE ON THE WORK OF MORTIFICATION AND BELIEVERS I WILL BASE MY DISCUSSION ON ROMANS 8 VERSE 13 IF BY THE SPIRIT YOU PUT TO DEATH THE DEEDS OF THE BODY YOU WILL LIVE This verse presents a profound gospel truth. The Apostle Paul, having explained justification by faith and the blessings of those who receive it, Romans 8 1-3. now urges believers toward holiness and assurance in Christ. One of his key arguments is a contrast between the effects of sin and holiness. If you live according to the flesh you will die, but rather than expound on what it means to live after the flesh and die, I will focus on the latter part of the verse which highlights the necessity of mortifying sin. In this verse, we find five key points. Number one, a duty commanded. Put to death the deeds of the body. Number two, the people addressed. You, believers in Christ. Number three, a promise given. You will live. Number four, the means of accomplishing it by the Spirit. Number five, the certainty of the connection. This promise is not uncertain but rather a divine assurance of mortification leads to life. The connection between mortification and life. The conditional phrase, if you, does not imply uncertainty about the believer's final salvation since Paul has already declared that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. Romans 8 verse 1. Rather, it expresses a sure relationship between mortification and spiritual life. It is like telling a sick man, if you take this medicine, you will recover. The healing power is not in a man, but in a prescribed remedy. The connection between mortification and life is not that of cause and effect. It's if our efforts earned eternal life. Eternal life is a gift of God through Jesus Christ. Romans 6 verse 23. Instead, mortification is a God-ordained means by which we pursue the life He has promised. Believers are called to actively engage in this work knowing that the power to do so comes from the Spirit. Who is called to mortify sin? This command is directed specifically to believers, those who are no longer under condemnation. who live by the Spirit, and who have been made alive in Christ. Mortification is not a duty for the unbeliever who lacks the power of the Spirit. Many throughout history have attempted to mortify sin in their own strength, seeking righteousness apart from Christ. Such efforts are the foundation of all false religion. True mortification must be pursued in dependence on the Spirit, not human effort. the role of the Holy Spirit. The principal agent in mortification is the Holy Spirit. If, by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, many attempt to subdue sin by their own strength, following human traditions or self-imposed discipline, but only the Spirit can bring true mortification, any effort not rooted in Him will ultimately fail. Paul has already identified this spirit. It's the spirit of Christ, Romans 8, verse 9. The spirit who gives life, verse 11. And the spirit of adoption, verse 15. Only he can break the power of sin and enable believers to grow in holiness. What is mortification? Mortification means putting sin to death, removing its strength, its influence, and its ability to act. Sin is depicted as the old man in Romans 6 verse 6, a corrupt and rebellious presence in the believer. Though it has been defeated by Christ, it still seeks to exert power. Mortification is the believer's ongoing work of weakening sin's influence so that it does not rule over them. Paul calls believers to put to death the deeds of the body, meaning not only sinful actions but also the inner corruptions that produce them. Even sins that never reach outward expression must be mortified at the root. The Promise Life in Christ The promise attached to this studious life, you will live. This life is contrasted with the death warned about earlier. If you live according to the flesh, you will die. This warning speaks of eternal destruction, but the promise of life extends both to eternal glory and the experience of spiritual vitality now. While believers already possess new life in Christ, its power, comfort, and joy depend on mortification. As Paul says elsewhere, no, we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord, 1 Thessalonians 3 verse 8. In other words, a vibrant and joyful Christian life is directly tied to the ongoing battle against sin. Conclusion The great truth of this passage is clear. Even the most mature believers must continually mortify sin. Mortification must be done in the power of the Holy Spirit, not human effort. This work is essential to spiritual vitality and assurance. The promise of eternal life is sure for those who walk in obedience to this call. Let this be our daily aim, that we would put sin to death, so that we may truly live.