Considering what sin does and somewhat how it advances as an enemy, Owen says he can now begin his "principle intention." Within this chapter are some very odd sayings, and sayings that might surely cause us to give up the work of mortifying sin if we do not have a true knowledge of the strength of the enemy. But, Owen looks to the eschatological hope when we will be saved. It is great to see Owen laying the foundation that the New Testament lies out as the "already-not yet" nature of our salvation.
Just think about your life. What sin or lust or distemper are you perplexed with (if you are not perplexed by any, I am not speaking to you, because you do not understand the power of sin. I would even say you don’t understand salvation)? What actions are you to take concerning this sin? What if, though this sin is plaguing you, you are still able to have strength and peace in your communion with God? This in fact is a very dangerous position. I fear that I have been in this position far too often. Owen will deal with these questions in the ensuing chapters.
This chapter deals with "what it is to mortify any sin both negatively and positively [next chapter]." Owen gives 5 ways to when a sin is not mortified:
1. "To mortify a sin is not utterly to kill, root it out, and destroy it, that it should have no more hold at all nor residence in our hearts." Now, this comes as a surprise. This is our desire is it not? Owen answers positively, but this would lead us to ultimate despair. Owen qualifies,
There is no man that truly sets himself to mortify any sin, but he aims at, intends, and desires its utter destruction, that it should leave neither root nor fruit in the heart or life.
These words should come as life. Listen, you are to strive for this end, but you cannot think that this will come to full fruition in this life. This is what your Spirit groans for. This is what our Spirit longs for. This is the day when everything will be placed under Jesus' feet and there will be no more tears (Revelation 21:1-4). This is the day when actual mortification will take place. I recently had a conversation with a close friend and this subject came up (every subject comes up when we talk). This topic always comes as a fresh reminder to The Great Day of the Lord. This always comes as a liberating topic and so encouraging for those who possess the Spirit of God. Your Spirit is not yearning for temporal things ultimately; it is yearning for the eternal things. It longs for the day when you are face-to-face with your great Savior and no longer need faith; for your faith will be sight. Everything will be made new. This gives us hope for tomorrow and strength for today to proclaim the Gospel. If actual mortification were possible and then we find we cannot actually do this work what a world of trouble we would find ourselves in.
Owen also gives insight here in his other work contained in the Sin and Temptation volume entitled "Remainders of Indwelling Sin in Believers." The conqueror is not the one who actual mortifies sin; but the one who dies fighting dies the victor. Do not suppose you will completely mortify sin in this time. But Jesus Christ will rise and make you victorious on That Day and cleanse you from sin and take you away from Sin. Glory Be To God!
2. Mortification of sin is not simply the disguising your sin before others and acting as though it is not really there. That goes without saying does it not? Listen, your heart in this state is better at being crafty and at hiding your sin. This is "another heart and not a new heart." Do not think your skill in hiding sin from others is actual mortification.
3. Mortification is not simply an "improvement" of a quiet, shy like nature. There are many people who are not loud, natural leaders, Peters (to use a biblical example), but are still as wretched as Peter when he denied Christ three times.
4. Mortification is not simply diverting sin. Owen reminds us of the story of Simon the Magician (Acts 8:9-25). This is a very interesting story indeed. Owen comments,
He left his sorceries; but his covetousness and ambition, that set him on work, remained still, and would have been acting another way.
Read the story and you will see that Peter tells him that "he was in the gall of bitterness" and condemned him for wanting the gifts of healing. Do not think that a particular sin is mortified when it still finds other avenues to satisfy its lusts!
5. Mortification has not taken place when there are "occasional conquests" of a certain sin. There are two seasons how this happens:
1. There are times when our mind and spirit is disturbed and it stirs the man to action. He is filled with how abhorrent this or that sin is. This will lead the man to abhor a particular lust because his conscience has not been seared at this point. Owen illustrates,
The whole man, spiritual and natural, being now awakened, sin shrinks in its head, appears not, but lies as dead before him: as when one that hath drawn nigh to an army in the night and hath killed a principle person,--instantly the guards awake, men are roused up, and strict inquiry is made after the enemy, who, in the meantime, is hiding himself.
Do not think this is mortification. Your heart is so deep that an indwelling lust will find a place to hide. Since it is a "law of sin" and is inbred, it knows your heart very well and knows the best hiding places. It will attack having a better position. Be Aware!
2. Sometimes in "some judgment, calamity, or pressing affliction; the heat is then take up with thoughts and contrivances of lying from the present troubles, fears and sin." This is where we promise our soul that this or that sin will never have victory over us. What always happens? It prevails upon our soul and we are cast into deeper guilt and depression because we have went back on our word. This is not mortification. Only the Spirit can guide us in true mortification.
Consider these words friends. How formidable is our foe. Study your soul concerning these things and find out whether this or that sin is truly mortified. However, remember, this work will not be completed until you receive the promise of salvation from Jesus Christ (Titus 1:1-2). The Spirit is the guarantee in your soul that one day all opposition will be taken away and you will be free from the presence of sin. Praise be to God!
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