Gospel Life

by John Owen

'The humble walk of believers is the great delight of God's soul, the one thing that he has in this world to delight him.' There are some questions common to all seekers after - How can I know I truly have faith? - What does it look like to be conformed to Jesus? - How does God see me? In Gospel Life, a compilation of thirteen sermons from the zenith of his preaching career, John Owen answers these questions with great compassion for the Christian who longs for growth and assurance. He draws on a wide range of Scripture to display the character of the Saviour, the acceptance of the Father, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. Finally, Owen addresses the death and eternal hope of the believer, offering encouragement to all who love Christ. The text of this edition has been updated for the modern reader. A companion volume, Gospel Ministry, expounds the calling of Christian ministers, and exhorts congregations to loving and prayerful church life.

Genres: Theology

256 pages, Paperback

Published March 27, 2023

About the author

John Owen was an English theologian and "was without doubt not only the greatest theologian of the English Puritan movement but also one of the greatest European Reformed theologians of his day, and quite possibly possessed the finest theological mind that England ever produced" ("Owen, John", in Biographical Dictionary of Evangelicals, p. 494)

Reviews

[Mattie Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blessed sermons…
“God alone is wise. We imagine that it would bring more glory to God and more advantage to us if things were otherwise. This is where our hearts must rest when ready to complain: that his understanding is unreachable; he sees all things in all their causes, effects and circumstances, to their utmost reach, tendencies and consequences. We walk in the shade, not knowing anything of what is before us. The day will come when we shall see every event in its context amongst all others, and infinite wisdom displayed in them all. We will understand that all things were done in the right proportion of number, weight and measure; that nothing could have been disposed differently without the abridgment of the glory of God and the good of his church.” - Owen

[Collin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

13 edifying sermons. Owen excellently shows Christ in the Scriptures and makes God more glorious through his preaching. Thankful for this work!

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can Christians live out their faith? In Gospel Life, John Owen gives Christians biblical truth for growth and assurance in their walk with God. The book begins by defining faith, and Owen pays particular attention to acceptance. While demons can assent, they do not accept.


Walk Humbly with God

I was most moved to see Owen give truths about God himself as the object of our faith in order to strengthen it. His name, his nature, as well as his actions and dealings with us are explored.

After showing how love binds everything together, Owen examines what it means to walk humbly with God. I was most challenged to see that reverence, obedience, and joy are elements of a proper walk with God — as well as submission to his grace and Providence. Our walk with God should be of great concern, for it gives him glory.


Rest on the Rock of Christ

The book ends with a reminder to rest on the rock of Christ, and a call to die to yourself daily. Interestingly, Owen tells his readers to not be surprised by death. It is a bold way to end the book, but a triumphant one — because for the Christian, our death leads to eternal and everlasting life with Christ.

With an updated text for the modern reader, this book speaks loud and clear today. Encouraging and hopeful, this classic work by Owen will help you truly live out the Gospel.


I received a media copy of Gospel Life and this is my honest review.

[Matthew Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Food for my soul