PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
The Works of John Owen — Volume 6
John Owen · 348,200 words · 344 reading sections
Section 181
1. There is provision made in it against all and every sin that woidd disannul the covenant, and make a final separation between. God and a soul that hath been once taken into the bond thereof This provision is ahsohde. God hath taken upon himself the making of this good, and the establishing this law of the covenant, …
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Ver.1,2.] THE GRACE SUPPLIED IN THE COVENANT. 341 on any degree of them, such as their abounding imports. But it is that they shall not fall into their old sins, from which they were purged, verse 9, — such conscience -wasting and defiling sins as they hved in, in the time and state of their iinregeneracy. Thus, thoug…
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Yen 1,2.] the power of indwelling sin. SIS 2. Some lusts or branches of original coiTuption do obtain in some persons stidi advantages, eitber from nature, custom, employment, society, or tbe like circumstances, tbat tbey become Wee the Canaan- ites that had iron chariots; it is a very difficult thing to subdue them. …
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Ver.1/2.] AGGRAVATIONS OF SINS. 345 into depths, and made tliem ciy out for deliverance. Let us con- sider some of them : — 1. Miscarriages under signal enjoyments of love and kindness from God are of this sort. When God hath given unto any one ex- pressive manifestations of his love, convinced him of it, made him sa…
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5. Great opportunities for service neglected and great gifts not improved are oftentimes the occasion of plunging the soul into great depths. Gifts are given to trade withal for God. Opportunities are the market-days for that trade. To napkin up the one and to let slip the other will end in trouble and disconsolation. …
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3. Much to the same pui-pose may be s})bken about that signal provision that is made against such sins as these in the covenant of grace, as hath been already declared; but I shall. not fiu'ther carry on this discourse. And this may suffice as to the state and condition of the soul in this psahn represented. We have s…
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Ver.1,2.] FALSE WAYS OF EELIEF. 851 take for relief. From tlie foundation of the world, the minds of far the greatest part of mankind have been exercised in it. As was their light or darkness, such was the course they took. Among those who were ignorant of God, this inquiry brought forth all that diabolical superstiti…
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2. Herein it is intense, earnest, and urgent; which was the second thing observed. It is no time now to be slothful. The soul's all, its greatest concernments are at the stake. Dull, cold, formal, customary applications to God will not serve the turn. Ordinary actings of faith, love, fervency; usual seasons, oi^portuni…
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Ver. 1, 2.] EARNESTNESS IN APPLYING TO GOD. S55 (1.) The greatest of men's conceyniments may well put them ou this earnestness. Men do not use to deal with dull and slothful spirits about their greatest concerns. David tells us that he was more concerned in the " light of God's countenance" than the men of the world c…
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Ofttimes in it the whole work, as to the soul's apprehension, is gone over afresh. This the soul knows to have been a work of dread, terror, and trouble, and trembles in itself at its new trials. And, — [3.] The Holy Ghost gives unto poor souls a fresh sense of their deep concernments, on purpose that it may be a mean…
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{2dly.) Constancy also flows from intenseness. Such a soul will not give over imtil it obtain what it aims at and looks for; as we shall see in our process in opening this psalm. And this is in general the deportment of a gracious soid in the condition here represented unto us. As poor creatures love their peace, as t…
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The psalmist thc\i addressing himself to deal with God about sin, Ver.o.] PEOPOSITIONS FROM THE VERSE. 361 lays down in the first place, in the general, how things must go, not with himself only, but with all the world, upon the sujoposition he had fixed : " This is not my case only; but it is so with all mankind, ev…
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Of some of those I shall farther treat, according as the handling of them couducoth to the purpose in hand. That which I shall begin Avithal is that which was first laid down, about the effects of serious thoughts concerning God's marking sin according to the tenor of the law; which, as I said, is tlie hrst thing that…
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Among the saints themselves I could produce instances to mani- fest that they have found it to be thus. The cases of Job, David, Heman are known. I shall only consider it in Christ himself From himself he had no occasion of any discouraging thought, being holy, harmless, undefiled. He fulfilled all righteousness, did h…
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3. It may be the rule of the laiu v/hereby the sinner is to be tried is not so strict, but that, in the case of such sins as he is guilty of, it may admit of a favourable interpretation; or that the good that he hath done may be laid in the balance against his evil, and so some relief be obtained that way. But the matt…
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What is the frame of the soul in general that is excited by grace, and resolves in the strength thereof to attempt a recovery out of tlie depths of sin-entanglements, hath been declared. We have also showed what entertainments, in general, such a soul had need to ex- pect, yea, ordinarily shall be sttre to meet withal.…
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S. It is lyractical. It is not seated only in the speculative part of the mind, hovering in general notions, but it dwells in the practi- cal understanding, which effectually influenceth the will and affec- tions,— such an apprehension as from which sorrow and humiliation are inseparable. The acts of the practical unde…
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S72 AN EXPOSITION UPON PSALM cxxx. [Yer. 3. even drowns it in tears of sorrow. And then the bitterness also of the sufferings of Christ are brought to mind : " They look on him whom they have pierced, and mourn," Zecli. xil 1 0. They remember his gall and wormwood, his cry and tears, his agony and sweat, his desertion…
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374 AN EXPOSITION UPOX PSALM CXXX. [Vcr.S. expresseth this frame in the performance of his duty : Ps. xxxii. 5, " I acknowledged my sin unto thee^ and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions." His mouth is now open, and his heart enlarged, and he multiplies one expression upon another to…
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876 AN EXPOSITION UPON PSALM CXXX. [Ver.3. a thorough engagement unto the performance of these duties is the great cause why so few come clear off from their entanglement all their days. Men heal their wounds slightly ; and, therefore, after a new, painful festering, they are brought into the same condition of restles…
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373 AN EXPOSITION UrON PSALM cxxx. [Yer.S. instances. Delight and exj)ectations are the grounds of our abiding with God. Both these are weakened by a conquering, prevaihng sense of sin, without some relief from the discovery of forgiveness, though at a distance. And, therefore, our perplexed soul stays not here, but p…
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Thus far, then, have we accompanied the soul in its depths. It is now looking out for forgiveness; which, what it is, and how we come to have an interest in it, the principal matter in this discourse in- tended, is nextly to be considered. VERSE FOURTH. The words explained, and the design or scope of the psalmist in …
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The following words, " Therefore thou shalt be feared," or " That thou mayest be feared," though in the original free from all ambi- guity, yet are so signally varied by interpreters, that it may not be amiss to take notice of it in our passage. The Targum hath it, " That thou mayest be seen." This answers not the wor…
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Having in and from his great depths, verse 1, addressed himself with fervent, redoubled cries, yea, outcries to God, and to him alone, for relief, verses 1, 2; having also acknowledged his iniquities, and considered them according to the tenor of the law, verse 3 ; he con- fesseth himself to be lost and undone for ever…
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This also is stated, Isa. xxxiii. 14, " The sinners in Zion are afraid; feai'fulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among lis shall dwell with the devouring fire ? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?" The persons spoken of are sinners, great sinners, and hypocrites. Conviction of sin and the desert …
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To have this done is a great work; for, — First, The constant voice of conscience lies against it. Con- science, if not seared, inexorably condemneth and pronounceth wrath and anger upon the soul that hath the least guilt cleaving to it. Now, it hath this advantage, it lieth close to the soul, and by importunity and l…
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Secondly, The law lies against this discovery. The law is a beam of the holiness of God himself What it speaks unto us, it speaks in the name and authority of God ; and I shall briefly show concerning it these tAvo things: — 1. That this is the voice of the laiu, — namely, that there is no forgiveness for a sinner. 2. …
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though the authority and credit of a witness may go very far in a doubtful matter, when there is a concurrence of more witnesses it strengthens the testimony; but nothing is so prevalent to beget be- lief as when the tilings themselves that are spoken are just and good, not liable to any reasonable exception. And so is…
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And this is the first ground ; from whence it appears that a real, solid discovery of forgiveness is indeed a great work; many difficulties and hinderances lie in the way of its accomplishment. Ver. 4.] FALSE pkesumptionS of forgiveness. 393 False presumptions of forgiveness discovered — Differences between them and …
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Some relief men find by it in the common course of their conver- sation, in the duties of worship which they do perform, as also in their troubles and distresses, whether internal and of conscience, or external and of providence, so that they resolve to retain it. And this is that which I shall briefly speak unto, and…
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(3.) The one which we reject loorketh no love to God, no delight in him, no reverence of him, but rather a contempt and commonness of spirit in dealing with him. There are none in the world that deal worse with God than those who have an ungrounded persuasion of forgiveness. And if they do fear him, or love him, or obe…
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The true nature of gospel forgiveness — Its relation to the goodness, grace, and will of God; to the blood of Christ; to the promise of the gospel — The considerations of faith about it. The difficulties that lie in the way of faith's discovery of forgive- ness, whence it appears to be a matter of greater weight and i…
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And this also (which is our design in hand) will make it appear that this discovery of forgiveness whereof we speak is indeed no com- mon thing, — is a great discovery. Let men come, with a sense of the guilt of sin, to have deep and serious thoughts of God, they will find it no such easy and light matter to have their…
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VOL. VL 26 402 AN EXPOSITION UPON PSALM cxxx. [Ver.4. 2. This is not alL This eternal ocean, that is infinitely satisfied with its own fulness and perfection, doth not naturally yield forth streams for our refreshment. Mercy and pardon do not come forth from God as light doth from the sun or water from the sea, by a …
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404 AN EXPOSITION UPON PSALM CXXX, [Ver.4. thing to have the heart of Christ revealed unto us. When beh overs deal about pardon, their faith exercises itself about this, that God, with whom the soul hath to do, hath sent the Lord Christ to die for this end, that it may be freely given out. General notions of impu- nit…
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1. Pardon is purchased and procured by it. Our redemption is our forgiveness, as the cause contains the effect. No soul is par- doned but with respect unto the blood of Christ as the procuring cause of that pardon. Hence he is said to have " washed us in his blood," Rev. i. 5 ; " by himself to have purged our sins," He…
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Thirdly, There is in forgiveness free condonation, discharge, or pardon, according to the tenor of the gospel; and this may be con- sidered two ways: — 1. As it lies in the j^romtse itself; and so it is God's gracious declara- tion of pardon to sinners, in and by the blood of Christ, his covenant to that end and purpo…
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(3.) Faith dealing about forgiveness doth commonly eye, in a par- ticular manner, its relation to the mediation and blood of Christ. So the apostle directs, 1 John ii. 1, 2, " If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous : and he is the propitiation for our sins." If any one hath sinn…
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The greatest part of the world of convinced persons have forsaken forgiveness on this account; masses, penances, merits, have appeared more eligible. Yea, men who have no other desire but to be for- given do choose to close with any thing rather than forgiveness. If men do escape these rocks, and resolve that nothing b…
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(1.) It is the duty of every believer to labour after an assurance of a personal interest in forgiveness, and to be diligent in the cherishing and preservation of it when it is attained. The apostle exhorts us all unto it, Heb. x. 22, " Let us draw near in full assur- ance of faith ;" that is, of our acceptance with Go…
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(1.) Faith is called, and is, a cleaving unto the Lord: Deut. iv. 4, "Ye that did cleave," or adhere, "unto the Lord;" that is, who did believe. Josh, xxiii. 8, " Cleave," or adhere, " unto the Lord your God." The same word is used also in the New Testament : Acts xi. 23, " He exhorted them all, that with purjDose of h…
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The church in the Lamentations gives a sad account of her state and condition in this matter; for she maketh that hard conclusion against herself, chap. iii. 18, "My strength and my hope is perished from the Lord Also when I cry and shout, he shutteth out my prayer," verse 8. So far is she from a comfortable persuasi…
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3. It supports unto luaiting in the use of all means for the attain- ment of a sense of forgiveness, and so hath its effect in the whole course of our obedience. " There is forgiveness with thee, that thou inayest be feared." To fear the Lord, is an expression comprehensive of his whole worship and all our duty. " This…
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3. It gives some life in and encouragement unto duty. And that, first, unto duty as duty. Eyeing God by faith, in such a fulness of grace, the soul cannot but be encouraged to meet him in every way of duty, and to lay hold upon him thereby; — every way leading to him, as leading to him, must be well liked and approved …
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(2.) This discovery of forgiveness in God, with the effects of it before mentioned, will produce a resolution of waiting on God for X>eace and consolation in his own time and way. " He that believeth shall not make haste," Isa, xxviii. 16. Not make haste, to what? Not Ver. 4.] EFFECTS OF FORGIVENESS DISCOVERED, 423 t…
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[3.] It fits the soul, by giving a right understanding of it, of its nature, its causes, and effects. At the first the soul goes no farther but to look after impunity, or freedom from punishment, any Avay. "What shall I do to be saved?" is the utmost it aims at. "Who shall deliver me? how shall I escape?" And it would …
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(1.) It is selfish. The great design of faith is to " give glory to God," Rom. iv. 20. The end of God's giving out forgiveness is the " praise of his glorious grace," Eph. i. 6. But let a soul in this frame have peace in itself, it is very little solicitous about giving glory unto God. He cries like Rachel, " Give me c…
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2. There are the free acts of his will and power, or his free, eter- nal purposes, with the temporal dispensations that flow from them. Now, of this sort is the forgiveness that we are inquiring after. It is not a property of the nature of God, but an act of his will and a work of his grace. Although it hath its rise a…
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430 AN EXPOSITION UPON PSALM CXXX. [Ver. 4<. dence, the apostle proves the Lcing- and the properties of God ; yea, he lets them know with whom he had to do, that God designed by his works so far to reveal himself unto them as the true and living God, the maker and governor of all things, as that they ought to have inq…
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2. That the discovery of forgiveness in God, being a matter of so great difficulty, is a thing precious and excellent, as being the foundation of all our communion with God here, and of all unde- ceiving expectation of our enjoyment of him hereafter. It is a pure gospel truth, that hath neither shadow, footstep, nor in…
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2. Man, who had sinned, subscribed in his heart and conscience xmto the righteoiis sentence of the law. He knew what he had de- served, and looked for nothing but the immediate execution of the sentence of death upon him. Hence he meditates not a defence, expects no pardon, stays not for a trial, but flies and hides, a…
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2. Neither is the time of their institution mentioned. Some of the Papists dispute (as there are a generation of philosophical dis- puters amongst them, by whom their tottering cause is supported) that there should have been sacrifices in paradise, if a man had not sinned. But as, in all their opinions, our first inqui…
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III. God's appointment of repentance unto sinners doth re- veal that there is forgiveness in himself. I say, the prescription of repentance is a revelation of forgiveness. After the angels had sinned, God never once called them to repentance. He would not deceive them, but let them know what they were to look for at hi…
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2. To presc7'ihe repentance as a duty unto sinners, without a foundation of pardon and forgiveness in himself is inconsistent with the tvisdoni, holiness, goodness, faithfulness, and all other glorious excellencies and p)&^fGCtions of the nature of God; for, — (1.) The apostle lays this as the great foundation of all …
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Yer.4.] evidence OF forgiveness with GOD. 41'1 are just and equal, Ezek. xviii. 25. And should there be any failure in it, they could not be so. Every soul, then, that is under a call to repentance, whether out of his natural condition or fi'om any back- sliding into folly after conversion, hath a sufficient foundatio…
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3. We multiply these evidences, because they are multitudes that are concerned in them. All that do believe, and all that do not be- lieve, are so, — those that do believe, that they may be established; and those that do not believe, that they may be encouraged so to do. Ver.4.] EVIDENCE OF FORGIVENESS WITH GOD. 443 …
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Here, then, "we are compassed about Avith a cloud of Avitnesscs;" for, — L It is most certain that they were all siJinej's. They Avcrc all so by nature; for therein there is no difference betAvcen any of the children of men. And personally they Avere sinners also. They confessed so of themselves, and some of the sins …
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We take it for a good token and evidence of a virtuous healing Avater, when, without fraud or pretence, we see the crutches of cured cripples and impotent persons hung about it as a memorial of its efficacy. And it is a great demonstration of the skill and ability of a physician, when many come to a sick person and tel…
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2. God hath not taken this course. He hath continued the race of mankind for a long season on the earth ; he hath watched over them with his providence, and exercised exceeding patience, forbearance, and long-suffering toAvards them. Thus the apostle Paul at large discourseth on. Acts xiv. 15-17, xvii. 24-30, as also K…
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I answer, that this must be more fully spoken unto when we come to remove that great objection against this whole truth which was mentioned before, taken from God's dealing with the sinning angels, whom he spared not. At present two or three observations will re- move it out of our way ; for, — (1.) The case is not th…
959 wordsSource & rights
Public-domain historical edition (1850–1870); OCR text from Internet Archive. OCR may contain scanning/transcription errors. Verify quotations against page images when precision matters.
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Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.