Three Good Readings: “Respectable Sins”, “On Mortification…” & “Practical Atheism”
Today at Read With Me, I mentioned that John Owen’s “On the Mortification of Sin” has been updated and made easily accessible to 21st century Christians who, as a result of the Holy Spirit’s pressing toward Christ, long for holiness. Anyone interested in a further investigation into the the vile and radical nature of sin; reflection on the absolute necessity of Christ’s death and how a Christian may progress in sanctification will be interested in reading the newly updated version of that book. It is appropriately titled, “Overcoming Sin and Temptation” (orderd by clicking the book’s title) and is a must read for those serious about holiness. Of course, you can also read the original by clicking it’s title above.
Unsure if you need to read a book about overcoming sin and temptation? Then first read Stephen Charnock’s chapter on “Practial Atheism.” You can read it online here but exercise caution. Read it at a time when you can read the entire chapter in one sitting, alone and in a time and place that affords you privacy for tears, confession and repentance. This chapter will convince you that most Christians are practical atheists - believers in name but atheists in practice - and it will certainly convict you of that possibility in your own life. It will also yield a humble desire to seek a genuine Christian life that sincerely seeks after God. This particular chapter is on my ‘must read before you die’ list. Of course, the chapter is from Charnock’s classic “Existence and Attributes of God” (also from Amazon by clicking the book’s title); a once two-volume set now concisely placed in one volume. I’ve taught E&A at Heritage several times as a Life University course and it always draws a crowd of people who desire to know God.
In today’s message from John 4 you and I saw the absolute necessity of discussing sin in evangelism. Were it not for sin there would be no gospel message. It isn’t it amazing how our great God can get something so “really, really,” good (Romans 8:28) out of something so horrible. Through redemption we gain holiness and righteousness; something even Adam and Eve never enjoyed (innocence yes, but righteousnes is only by the blood of Christ and cannot be lost - - holiness is only by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit conforming us to the image of our Savior).
There can be no ‘good news’ if there is not a reason for the news to be ‘good’ - and it is good! As Jerry Bridges says in “Respectable Sins,” the gospel is really, really good news! As well, there would be no gospel message without the wonderful news about the cross. If sin was a disease a doctor could cure us, ignorance and a teacher would suffice, a deficiency and science could work wonders, unmet needs and the local psychologist would do just fine. But sin is sin, an offence against a righteous and holy God. The only cure is a Savior Who is both God and man, Jesus Christ.
Were not the right man on our side,
The man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he,
Lord Sabaoth is his name,
From age to age the same,
And he must win the battle.
He has overcome sin’s penalty by His death and we overcome sin’s power by His life. Let there then, be no room for any sin, respectable or not!
June 27th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Gday, - what in interesting and controversial topic! readings is a passion of mine and you’ve captured my thoughts to a T!