The Glory of Christ (1684) stands as John Owen's magnificent final work, completed just before his death, presenting a profound meditation on the person, work, and glory of Jesus Christ. This deeply theological yet devotional treatise explores how believers can grow in their appreciation and experience of Christ's glory, both in this life and in eternity.
We have updated this timeless classic into a modern, updated translation that is easy to read and understand!
At its heart, the work examines the various ways Christ's glory is in His divine nature, in His role as Mediator, in His incarnation, in His exaltation, and in His relationship with the Church. Owen carefully unfolds how believers can behold Christ's glory through faith, Scripture, and spiritual disciplines. The treatise is particularly notable for its emphasis on the practical and experiential aspects of contemplating Christ's glory, arguing that this vision transforms believers into Christ's image.
What distinguishes this work is Owen's remarkable ability to combine profound theological insight with warm devotional application. While maintaining scholarly depth, he consistently shows how theological truth should shape Christian experience and affection. His treatment is especially valuable for demonstrating how the contemplation of Christ's glory provides comfort in suffering, strength in temptation, and motivation for holiness.
The work systematically explores different aspects of Christ's glory, from His eternal existence as the Son of God to His incarnation, death, resurrection, and current reign. Owen particularly emphasizes how believers can develop their spiritual sight to better perceive Christ's glory, even while still limited by their earthly existence. His discussion of how this vision of glory prepares believers for heaven is especially moving, written as it was in his final days.
The influence of The Glory of Christ extends far beyond its immediate Puritan context, continuing to shape Protestant understanding of Christology and spiritual formation. Modern readers find in Owen's work not only theological richness but also practical guidance for growing in their knowledge and love of Christ.About the AuthorJohn Owen (1616-1683) was among the most significant Puritan theologians, serving as vice-chancellor of Oxford University and as a leading Independent minister. Writing this work while facing death, he brought both his vast theological learning and deep personal experience to bear on the subject of Christ's glory. His combination of intellectual rigor and spiritual warmth made him particularly effective in addressing both the mind and heart of his readers. Through this final work, his influence continues to guide believers in their contemplation and worship of Christ.
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)