With only one more chapter left in this treatise after this one, the end is getting exciting. This chapter speaks of the strength of indwelling sin in its manifestation in unbelievers. It is easy to say that this is where one may truly see its strength. There is no Spirit combating the law of sin, only a severely seared conscience. Remember, before we may grow proud, that this enemy dwells within us as well! Believers, you will never truly mortify your sin until Jesus Christ saves your soul on that day. Pray, fight; watch, so that you may fight the good fight!
Owen begins the treatise, and builds as well, upon the premise that,
Every creature of God has in its creation a law of operation implanted in it...
The power in the law of sin is unveiled in its ability to cause men to have no regard to even the basic things of life. Some things, Owen argues, are just basic to creation generally, even animals. Things like "nourishing their young, to live quietly with them of the same kind and race with them, to seek and follow after that which is good for them in that state and condition wherein they are created, ect." We do not need a vivid imagination to see where Owen is going with this. However, Owen reminds the reader that within man there is a moral responsibility that is not found in the rest of creation. Man alone has the ability and opportunity to enjoy God and yield to him in conscious obedience. Because of this, man is held morally responsible as well. Owen explains,
But he must do it also in subjection to God, and obey Him therein, and do it unto his glory, the law of moral obedience passing over all his whole being and all his operations.
Not only do men have an inbred instinct of certain things, they have an inbred law as well. As we will see, the law of sin causes men to cast these things aside.
Would you not think it strange if you saw cats and dogs destroy their offspring as they were being born? Now, I know that there are times when animals do this sort of thing. I know that male lions will kill male cubs to destroy future competition. I have seen some dogs kill pups only a few hours after being born. However, it is in the nature of animals to have a tender care for their offspring. God places this within creation so the animal will exist. How strange it is then that today we see too many people selfishly decide that a baby is not worth the responsibility. How strong is the power of the law of sin that human beings, who have children, would kill their offspring without any regard for the helpless babies? Certain known civilizations often sacrificed children to false gods. This, my friends, is one example of how the law of sin can cast off that thing naturally implanted in a human being from nature. Owen explains,
that inbred traitor, sin, [is the thing that can] stop the course of nature, when all the sails of it, that carry it forward, are so filled as they are in that of affections to children, but also drive it backwards with such a violence and force as to cause men so to deal with their own children as a good man would not be hired with any reward to deal with his dog.
Not only this, for it is more than apparent today that sin dominates our culture, but the law of sin also has the ability to cast off all consideration of the Gospel. Think about this for a moment. We are all aware of those times when our conscience screams at us we are in the wrong. Our conscience even rightly informs our intuition of the judgment that is due because of our violation of law. Does the Gospel not remedy this dreadful thought? However, how many do we know who have believed considering all the people in the world? True believers in Christ are few indeed. This seems irrational, nevertheless, this is the enemy we have to deal with.
Consider how great the Gospel is:
1. The Gospel is the most reasonable thing that can be proposed to the understanding of man! Man was created to bring glory to God and Him alone. It is man who has failed to do so; and it is his fault alone. However, God offers free pardon through the Gospel so that we may live to our utmost purpose and escape the burning wrath of the infinite God.
2. The Gospel is the most profitable invitation!
3. The Gospel is the most pleasant thing that a man can received. Owen comments, "Surely it is a pleasant thing to be brought out of darkness into light, out of a dungeon unto a throne, from captivity and slavery to Satan and cursed lusts, to the glorious liberty of the children of God."
4. The Gospel is necessary. Do not be deceived. Jesus Christ is your only hope for eternal life. History is full of examples how nothing will fill the empty void in your soul. You are not missing sex, alcohol, entertainment, a relationship; you are missing Jesus Christ. He is the only One who can remedy your ailing soul! Owen continues,
Tell men ten thousand times that this is wisdom, yea, riches, that all their profit lies in it, that they will assuredly and eternally perish, and that , it may be, within a few hours, if they receive not the Gospel...They will rather perish in their lusts than accept mercy!
How indwelling sin blinds the eyes of the heart from seeing this precious, multi-faceted jewel of the Gospel. All of life is contained therein, yet, it is rejected at the cost of 30-second pleasure.
How unreasonable is this! God offers sinners eternal life and it is rejected! Owen continues,
To leave God for the devil, after a man has made some trial of him and his service, heaven for hell, after a man has had some cheering, refreshing thought of it, the fellowship of the saints for an ale-house or a brothel-house, after a man has been admitted unto their communion, and tasted of the pleasantness of it; to leave walking in pure, clear, straight paths, to wallow in mire, draughts and filth.
Believers look at the nations and see these things! Upon this thought, remember the grace and mercy that God has shown you by giving you repentance. The law of sin's grasp on sinners’ heart is so strong that despite the beauties of the Gospel, it will leave them all for the ugliness of sin! You too were like this, but God in His mercy has caused your heart to live! May this cause you to tremble and be in constant thankfulness as you pray to your Father. Be thankful that your heart can say that you would rather have Jesus Christ than anything this world can offer!
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