The Abuse of Spiritual Gifts or Carnal Peace? (Owen)

In chapter 8 of "A Discourse of Spiritual Gifts" John Owen mentioned the fact that the Holy Spirit does indeed give spiritual gifts to every believer. And it is every believer's duty to utilize his or her spiritual gifts to bless others. Owen then noted how many in his day had neglected the duty of…

God’s Promise to Preserve His People (Owen)

In his treatise On Temptation, John Owen spent much time expositing the Bible's teaching on temptation. Specifically, Owen referred to Mt. 26:41 & Rev. 3:10. At one point, Owen discussed God's promise to preserve his people - the promise John mentions in Rev. 3:10. Here are Owen's remarks: Now, in every promise there are three…

Justifying Faith: Receiving Christ (Owen)

When the Westminster Confession explains justifying faith, it uses the term "receiving."  Here's chapter XI.2: "Faith, thus receiving and resting on Christ and his righteousness, is the alone instrument of justification..." (emphasis mine).  The Heidelberg Catechism also uses this word in answer 30: "For either Jesus is not a complete Savior, or they who by…

Preaching and Application (Owen)

Solid Christian [biblical!] preaching always has application.  Seminary lectures and perhaps Sunday School lessons might not always have application, but a good sermon must.  John Owen makes this point in his commentary on Hebrews as he notes that and how chapter 12 is tightly connected to chapter 11.  (Note: the word “use” below is a…

Increasing Our Spiritual Gifts (John Owen)

Owen, vol. 4 God gives his people spiritual gifts so his people can bless others and bring him glory. Peter tells us to use our gifts to serve one another (1 Pet. 4:10). But the Christian might ask a question: How do we receive spiritual gifts or how do the spiritual gifts we have grow…