The Works of John Owen

CHAPTER VII.

THE MEDIATION OF CHRIST.

The consideration of the oath of God deferred–The method first proposed somewhat

waived–The influence of the mediation of Christ into God's free and unchangeable

acceptance of believers proposed-Reasons of that proposal–Of the oblation of Christ

-Its influence into the saints' perseverance- All causes of separation between God

and believers taken away thereby— Moral and efficient causes thereby removed

The guilt of sin, how taken away by the death of Christ-Or the nature of redemp-

tion-Conscience of sin, how abolished by the sacrifice of Christ-Heb. x. 3, 4, 1);

Dan. ix. 24 opened-Rom. viii. 34, deliverance from all sin, how by the death of

Christ -The law innovated in respect of the elect—The vindictive justice of God

satisfied by the death of Christ - How that is done- Wherein satisfaction doth

consist; absolute, not conditional-The law, how fulfilled in the death of Christ-

The truth of God thereby accomplished; his distributive justice engaged-Observa-

tions for the clearing of the former assertions-Whether any one for whom Christ

died may die in sin-The necessity of faith and obedience–The reasons thereof-

The end of faith and holiness-The first argument for the proof of the former asser-

tions concerning the fruit and efficacy of the death of Christ, Heb. ix. 14– The second

-The third- The compact between the Father and Son about the work of media-

tion--The fourth-Good things bestowed on them for whom Christ died antecedently

to any thing spiritually good in them- The Spirit so bestowed, and faith itself—The

close of those arguments-Inferences from the foregoing discourse—The efficacy of

the death of Christ, and the necessity of faith and obedience, reconciled-Sundry

considerations unto that end proposed: 1. All spiritual mercies fruits of the death

of Christ; 2. All the fruits of Christ's death laid up in the hand of God's righteous.

ness; 3. T'he state of them for whom Christ died not actually changed by his death;

4. On what account believing is necessary-Christ secures the stability of the saints'

abiding with God - What is contrary thereunto; how by him removed – The world

overcome by Christ, as managed by Satan in an enmity to the saints- The complete

victory of Christ over the devil-The ways whereby he completes his conquest - The

rule of Satan in respect of sinners twofold: 1. Over them; 2. In them-'T'he title of

Satan to a rule over men judged and destroyed by Christ—The exercise of all power

taken from him—The works of Satan destroyed by Christ in and for his elect-The

Holy Spirit procured by the death of Christ – The giving of the Spirit

the great pro-
mise of the new covenant-This farther proved and confirmed–The perpetual resi.

dence of the Holy Spirit with believers proved by the threefold testimony of Father,

Son, and Spirit Isa. lix. 21, the testimony of the Father proposed and vindicated-

Our argument from hence farther cleared This promise absolute, not conditional-

No condition rationally to be affixed to it—The import of these words, “ As for me”

-To whom this promise is made-That farther cleared—Not to all Israel according

to the flesh-Mr G.'s objections answered- The testimony of the Son given to the

perpetual abiding of the Spirit with believers-John xiv. 16 opened–The promise

in those words equally belonging to all believers-Mr G.'s objections answered - No

promise of the Spirit abiding with believers on his principle allowed–The promise

given to the apostles personally, yet given also to the whole church-Promises made

to the church made to the individuals whereof it is constituted—The giving of this

promise to all believers farther argued from the scope of the place, and vindicated

from Mr G.'s exceptions— The third testimony, of the Holy Spirit himself, proposed

to consideration--His testimony in sealing particularly considered, 2 Cor. i. 22;
Eph. i. 13, iv. 30-of the nature and use of sealing amongst men—The end, aim, and

use, of the sealing of the Holy Ghost-Mr G.'s objections and exceptions to our argu-

ment from that sealing of the Spirit considered and removed – The same farther

carried on, etc.,

288

CHAPTER VIII.

THE INDWELLING OF THE SPIRIT.

Entrance into the digression concerning the indwelling of the Spirit-The manner of the

abode of the Spirit with them on whom he is bestowed_Grounds of the demonstra-

tions of the truth-The indwelling of the Spirit proved from the promises of it-

Express affirmations of the same truth-Ps. li. 11, Rom. viii. 9, opened --Verses 11,

15; 1 Cor. ii. 12; Gal. iv. 6, opened—2 Tim. i. 14—The Spirit in his indwelling, dis-

tinguished from all his graces-Evasions removed-Rom. v. 5 explained–The Holy

Ghost himself, not the grace of the Holy Ghost, there intended-Rom. viii. 11 opened

-Gal

. v. 22—A personality ascribed to the Spirit in his indwelling: 1. In personal

appellations, 1 John iv. 4; John xiv. 16, 17—2. Personal operations-Rom. viii. 11,

16, explained-3. Personal circumstances-The Spirit dwells in the saints as in á

temple, 1 Cor. iii. 16, vi. 19—The indwelling of the Spirit farther demonstrated from

the signal effects ascribed in the Scripture to his so doing; as, 1. Union with Christ

-Union with Christ, wherein it consisteth- Union with Christ by the indwelling

of the same Spirit in him and us—This proved from, (1.) Scriptural declarations of

it-2 Pet. i. 4, how we are made partakers of the divine nature-Union expressed

by eating the flesh and drinking the blood of Christ, John vi. 56 opened–The prayer

of our Saviour for the union of his disciples, John xvii. 21-The union of the persons

in the Trinity with themselves—(2.) Scriptural illustrations for the manifestation

of union-The union of head and members, what it is, and wherein it doth consist

-of the union between husband and wife, and our union with Christ represented

thereby-Of a tree and its branches-Life and quickening given by the indwelling

Spirit, in quickening, life, and suitable operations—2. Direction and guidance given

by the indwelling Spirit-Guidance or direction twofold-The several ways whereby

the Spirit gives guidance and direction unto them in whom he dwells—The first way,

by giving a new understanding, or a new spiritual light upon the understanding-

What light men may attain without the particular guidance of the Spirit-Saving
embracements of particular truths from the Spirit, 1 John ii. 20, 27- The way

whereby the Spirit leads believers into truth-Consequences of the want of this

guidance of the Spirit-3. The third thing received from the indwelling Spirit, sup-

portment—The way whereby the Spirit gives supportment: (1.) By bringing to

mind the things spoken by Christ for their consolation, John xiv. 16, 17, 26—(2.) By

renewing his graces in them as to strength- The benefits issuing and flowing from

thence-Restraint given by the indwelling Spirit, and how- The continuance of the

Spirit with believers for the renewal of grace proved-John iv. 14, that promise of

our Saviour at large opened–The water there promised is the Spirit-The state of

them on whom he is bestowed-Spiritual thirst twofold-Isa. lxv. 13; 1 Pet. ii. 2–

The reasons why men cannot thirst again who have once drunk of the Spirit ex-

plained-Mr G.'s exceptions considered and removed–The same work farther car-

ried on; as also the indwelling of the Spirit in believers farther demonstrated by

the inferences made from thence- The first: Our persons temples of the Holy Ghost,

to be disposed of in all ways of holiness-The second: Wisdom to try spirits-The

ways, means, and helps, whereby the saints discern between the voice of Christ and

the voice of Satan,

329

CHAPTER IX.

THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST.

The nature of it-Its aim, not only that believers continuing so may be saved, but that

they may be preserved in believing - This farther proved from the typical interces,

sion of the Judaical high priest — The tenor of Christ's intercession, as manifested

John xvii. 11, opened, and verses 12–15—The result of the argument from thence-

The saints' perseverance fully confirmed-Rom viii. 33, 34, at large explained-Mr

G.'s interpretation of the place in all the parts of it confuted—Vain supposals ground.

lessly interserted into the apostle's discourse-What Christ intercedes for for believers

farther manifested--The sum of what is assigned to the intercession of Christ by

Mr G.–How far it is all from yielding the least consolation to the saints manifested

-The reasons of the foregoing interpretation proposed and answered–The end as.

signed of the intercession of Christ answered –God works perseverance actually-A

supply of means that may not be effectual not to be ascribed thereunto-Farther

objections answered: Christ not the minister of sin by this doctrine--Supposals and

instances upon the former interpretation disproved and rejected-A brief account

of our doctrine concerning the intercession of Christ for believers, and of the true

end of the act of his mediation—The close of the argument, and of the first part of

this treatise,

365

CHAPTER X.

THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE DOCTRINE.

The improvement of the doctrine of perseverance in reference to the obedience and con.

solation of the saints-Why its tendency to the promoting of their obedience is first

handled, before their consolation-Five previous observations concerning gospel

truths in general-1. That all are to be received with equal reverence--2. That the

end of them all is to work the soul into a conforunity to God; proved by several

scriptures, 2 Tim. iii. 16, 17; Tit. i. 1, etc.—3. Some truths have a more immediate

tendency hereunto than others have, 2 Cor. v. 14–4. Most weight is to be laid by

believers upon such-5. Men are not themselves to determine what truths bave most

in them of this tendency, etc.—Gospel obedience, what it is, and why so called-Its

nature-1. In the matter of it, which is all and only the will of God-2. In the form

of it, which is considered-(1.) In the principle setting it on work, faith—(2.) In the

manner of doing it, eyeing both precepts and promises—(3.) The end aimed at in it,

the glory of God as a rewarder, Heb. xi. 6; Rom. iv. 4-The principle in us whence

it proceeds, which is the new man, the Spirit, proved, Eph. iii. 16–19, etc.—What

kind of motives conduce most to the carrying on of this obedience, namely, such as

most cherish this new man, which they do most that discover most of the love of God

and his good-will in Christ-Such as these are alone useful to mortification and the

subduing of the contrary principle of flesh, which hinders our obedience, proved,

Tit ii. 11, 12; Rom. vi.-What persons the improvement of this doctrine concerns;

only true believers, who will not abuse it-How this doctrine of perseverance con-

duces so eminently to the carrying on of gospel obedience in the hearts of these true

believers---1. By removing discouragements-(1.) Perplexing fears, which impair

their faith; (2.) Hard thoughts of God, which weaken their love: without which

two, faith and love, no gospel obedience performed-2. Unspeakable obligations to

live to God hence put upon the souls of the saints-Ohjections concerning the abuse

of this truth to presumption and carelessness discussed, examined at large, and

removed–The mortification of the flesh, wherein it consists, how it is performed

The influence of the doctrine of the saints' perseverance thereinto-Dread and terror

of hell not the incans of mortification, at large proved by showing quite another means

of mortifying the flesh, namely, the Spirit of Christ, Rom. viii. 13; applying the cross

and death of Christ, chap. vi. 5, 6-3. This doctrine is useful to promote gospel obe-

dience, in that it tends directly to increase and strengthen faith and love both to-

wards God and towards our Lord Jesus Christ-How it strengthens their love to

God, namely, by discovering his love to them in three eminent properties of it,

freedom, constancy, fruitfulness-How it strengthens their love to Jesus Christ,

namely, by discovering his love to them in two eminent acts of it, his oblation and

his intercession-4. This doctrine conduces, etc., by giving gospel obedience its proper

place and due order-5. By closing in with the ends of gospel ordinances, particu.

larly the ministry, one eminent end whereof is to perfect the saints, Eph. iv. 12, 13,

which is done by discovering to them the whole will of God, both precepts on the

one hand, and promises, exhortations, threatenings, on the other - That of the pro-

mises more particularly and more largely insisted on,

379

CHAPTER XI.

ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE DOCTRINE CONSIDERED,

The entrance into an answer to Mr G.'s arguments against the doctrine of the saints'

perseverance-Mis sixth argument, about the usefulness of the doctrine under consi-

deration to the work of the ministry, proposel-His proof of the minor proposition

considered and answered-Many pretenders to promote godliness by false doctrines

-Mr G.'s common interest in this argument-His proofs of the usefulness of his

doctrine unto the promotion of godliness considered and answered–The consequence

of his arguing discovered–The doctrine by him opposed mistaken, ignorantly or

wilfully-Objections proposed by Mr G. to himself to be answered–The objection

as proposed disowned --Certainty of the love of God, in what sense a motive to obe-

dience—The doctrine of apostasy denies tho unchangeableness of God's love to

believers; placeth qualifications in the room of persons --How the doctrine of per-

severance promiseth the continuance of the love of God to believers-Certainty of

reward encouraging to regular action-Promises made to persons qualified, not sus-

pended upon those qualifications-Means appointed of God for the accomplishment

of a determined end certain-Means not always conditions-Mr G.'s strange infer-

ence concerning the Scripture considered - The word of God by him undervalued

and subjected to the judgment of vain men as to its truth and authority-The pre-

tended reason of the former proceeding discussed–The Scripture the sole judge of

what is to be ascribed to God, and believed concerning him-The doctrine of the

saints' perseverance falsely imposed on, and vindicated-Mr G.'s next objection

made to himself against his doctrine-Its unseasonableness as to the argument in

hand demonstrated-No assurance of the love of God, nor peace left the saints, by

the doctrine of apostasy-The ground of peace and assurance by it taken away-

Ground of Paul's consolation, 1 Cor. ix. 27 - The meaning of the word de dóziuas - An-

other plea against the doctrine attempted to be proved by Mr G.–That attempt

considered - Not the weakness of the flesh naturally, but the strength of lust spirit-

ually pretended-The cause of sin in the saints farther discussed–The power ascribed

by Mr G. to men for the strengthening and making willing the Spirit in them con-

sidered—The aptness of the saints to perform, what and whence-The opposition

they have in them thereunto-Gospel obedience, how easy-The conclusion-Answer

to chap. xiii. of his book proposed,

406

CHAPTER XII.

OBJECTIONS TO THE DOCTRINE REFUTED.

Mr G.'s entrance and preface to his arguments from the apostasy of the saints considered

-The weakness of his first argument--The import of it-Answer to that first argu-

ment-Doctrine may pretend to give God the glory of being no accepter of persons,

and yet be false-Justification by works of that rank and order -Acceptation of

persons, what, and wherein it consisteth-No place for it with God-Contrary to

distributive justice -- The doctrine of the saints' perseverance charged with render.

ing God an accepter of persons unjustly-What it says looking this way-The sum

of the charge against it considered and removed-Mr G.'s second argument, and the

weight by him hung thereon—The original of this argument-By whom somewhat

insisted on-The argument itself in his words proposed-Of the use and end of the

ministry-Whether weakened by the doctrine of perseverance-Entrance into an

answer to that argument-The foundation laid of it false, and why-It falsely im-

poseth on the doctrine of perseverance sundry things by it disclaimed–The first

considered— The iniquity of those impositions farther discovered–The true state of

the difference as to this argument declared–The argument rectified-The re-enforce-

ment of the minor attempted and considered–The manner of God's operations with

and in patural and voluntary agents compared-EHicacy of grace and liberty in man

consistent-An objection to himself framed by Mr G.--That objection rectified-

Perseverance, how absolutely and simply necessary;" how not -The removal of

the pretended objection farther insisted on by Mr G. - That discourse discussed,

and manifested to be weak and sophistical—The consistency of exhortations and

promises farther cleared-The manner of the operation of grace in and upon the
wills of men considered - The inconsistency of exhortations with the efficacy of grace

disputed by Mr G.–That discourse removed, and the use of exhortations farther

cleared-Obedience to them twofold, habitual, actual-Of the physical operation of

grace and means of the word–Their compliance and use-How the one and the

other affect the will-Inclination to persevere, when wrought in believers-Of the

manner of God's operation on the wills of men-Mr G.'s discourse and judgment

considered-Effects follow, as to their kind, their next causes—The same act of the

will physical and moral upon several accounts—Those accounts considered-God,

by the real efficacy of the Spirit, produceth in us acts of the will morally good

That confirmed from Scripture-Conclusion from thence-Of the terms “physical,”

"moral," and “necessary,” and their use in things of the nature under considera-

tion-Moral causes of physical effects - The concurrence of physical and moral causes

for producing the same effect-The efficacy of grace and exhortations—“Physical"

and necessary," how distinguished—“Moral” and “not necessary" confounded by

Mr G.-Mr G.'s farther progress considered—What operation of God on the will of

man he allows-All physical operation by him excluded-Mr G.'s sense of the dif-

ference between the working of God and a minister on the will, that it is but gra-

dual; considered and removed-All working of God on the will by him confined to

persuasion-Persuasion gives no strength or ability to the person persuaded-AU

immediate actings of God to good in men by Mr G. utterly excluded-Wherein

God's persuading men doth consist, according to Mr G.-1 Cor. iii. 9 considered-Of
the concurrence of divers agents to the production of the same effect—The sum of
the seventh section of chap. xiii.- The will, how necessitated, how free-In what
sense Mr G. allows God's persuasions to be irresistible–The dealings of God and

men ill compared-Paul's exhortation to the use of means, when the end was cer.

tain, Acts xxvii. 21--36, considered-God deals with men as men, exhorting them;

and as corrupted men, assisting them-Of promises of temporal things, whether ali

conditional-What condition in the promise made to Paul, Acts xxvii. 24–Farther

of that promise; its infallibility and means of accomplishment-The same considera-

tions farther prosecuted-Of promises of perseverance and exhortations to perform

in conjunction - Mr G.'s opposition hereunto-Promises and exhortations in con.

junction - 1 Cor. x. 12, 13 discussed-An absolute promise of perseverance therein

evinced-Phil

. ii. 12, 13, to the same purpose, considered - Mr G.'s interpretation of

that place proposed, removed-Heb. vi. 4-6, 9, to the same purpose insisted on-Of the

consistency of threatenings with the promises of perseverance, Mr G.'s opposition