A Brief Book Summary from Books At a Glance
by Steve West
Editor’s Note: Most of our readers will already be at least somewhat acquainted with John Owen (1616-1683), “the prince of Puritans,” but it is not likely that many have read him extensively. His works are not only voluminous – they are tightly packed and deeply considered. Owen is neither quick nor light reading!
Today we continue our year-long series of summaries of Owen’s famous works. We trust these will be of help in introducing and/or increasing your acquaintance with this giant Puritan theologian.
Summary, Part 5
A Treatise of the Dominion of Sin and Grace
Chapter I
Psalm 19:12 tells us that nobody can understand all of their sin, but Verse 13 tells us that there are known, presumptuous sins, and we need to pray that they not have dominion over us. No believer will be sinlessly perfect in this life, but there is a way of walking in integrity and holiness before God where sin does not have dominion over us. As Paul says, “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” It is presupposed that sin still dwells in us, but it does not need to be our master. Sin holds sway in various degrees in different believers, yet it is always fighting for supremacy. It fights against us by force and by deceit. If sin has dominion then we are lost forever, but if it has been dethroned and does not rule us, then even though it is present, we are saved and in a state of grace. . . .
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