The Mortification of Sin

The Mortification of Sin
by John Owen

1. Would you Recommend this Book?
Absolutely, this is a classic.

2. What is the Main Point?
The main point is that Christians MUST put sin to death in their lives, both initially and
continually, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Sin is never eradicated in this life, but its power
can and should be weakened as we grow in holiness and follow Christ, and this is not optional.

3. Which Parts should I read if I’m short on Time?
Read the introduction and the first 5 chapters.

4. Why does this book Matter?
We have grown so fearful of legalism in the modern Western church, that we are uncomfortable
saying things like, “If you live according to the flesh, you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to
death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Owen helps us with this, helping us to distinguish the
call to obedience from legalism and giving great zeal in the primary battle that we all have to
fight in our lives, the battle against our own flesh and sin.

5. Is this Book an “Easy-Read?” (Include Length)
Not particularly, you can get versions with more modern English which are a bit easier.

6. Who is this Author and what did you think of their writing?
Owen was a Puritan and reformed theologian and one of the most prominent theologians and
prolific writers of the past 500 years. As is the puritan pattern, his writing is beautiful and
profound, but can take a little getting used to.

7. What is One Key Take-Away or Application for my life?
Your battle against sin isn’t flippant or less important because we are saved by grace, it is life or
death.

8. What was One point of Disagreement?

As a modern man, I could have liked more about why the demand to kill sin is not incongruent
with the gospel of grace.

9. What are any other things that stood out to You?
It is from this book that the famous quote, “Be killing sin, or sin will be killing you,” comes; I think
about this constantly.

10. Have you read any books similar to this one that you would recommend one
to read first to help with this one?
Kevin Deyoung’s Hole in our Holiness would be a great book to read before this one, as well as
John Bunyan’s classic Pilgrim’s Progress which was written about the same time and would
help get used to the prose with an easier narrative style.