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THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN. (Applying truths) : with illustrations
he was a Welsh epigrammatic Latin humanist and poet, so famous that he was called "the English Martial"; He is not to be confused with many other homonyms or characters of the same name, including his near-contemporary Puritan theologian John Owen.
- GenresChristian
135 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 23, 2024
I can't speak to the quality of the translation since I haven't read the original for comparison, but I loved the book itself. So much packed into a slim little volume.
January 26, 2024
So good, deep and powerful. Every great book on sin and repentance has clearly borrowed from Owen for their content.
July 28, 2025
“Be killing sin, or it will be killing you.”
“He that would kill the enemy must know where he is, what he is doing, and how he is to be opposed.
John Owen’s The Mortification of Sin is a timeless spiritual classic that every Christian—no matter their maturity level—should read, reflect on, and revisit throughout life. Though written in the 17th century, this short but weighty book cuts straight to the heart of what it means to live a holy life, walking in step with the Spirit and waging war against the sin that remains in every believer.
Owen’s central message is clear and urgent: Christians must not only confess sin but actively mortify (put to death) sin by the power of the Holy Spirit. Mortification is not optional. It is daily, deliberate, and deeply dependent on grace. This book doesn’t offer tips for self-improvement—it offers a biblical strategy for spiritual survival and flourishing.
Owen teaches that sin must be fought in all areas of life, not just the obvious or scandalous ones. He warns against the danger of focusing on one sin while allowing others—like pride, envy, or apathy—to quietly grow. He calls believers to an all-of-life holiness, one that resists sin at its roots and submits fully to the lordship of Christ.
This is one of Owen’s most urgent warnings. He says many Christians deceive themselves by saying, “It’s okay, I’ve repented,” and am covered by the Grace of Jesus. when in fact the sin hasn’t been dealt with. They give themselves peace too quickly—without true mortification or change.
A must-read for every Christian serious about their walk with Christ
“He that would kill the enemy must know where he is, what he is doing, and how he is to be opposed.
John Owen’s The Mortification of Sin is a timeless spiritual classic that every Christian—no matter their maturity level—should read, reflect on, and revisit throughout life. Though written in the 17th century, this short but weighty book cuts straight to the heart of what it means to live a holy life, walking in step with the Spirit and waging war against the sin that remains in every believer.
Owen’s central message is clear and urgent: Christians must not only confess sin but actively mortify (put to death) sin by the power of the Holy Spirit. Mortification is not optional. It is daily, deliberate, and deeply dependent on grace. This book doesn’t offer tips for self-improvement—it offers a biblical strategy for spiritual survival and flourishing.
Owen teaches that sin must be fought in all areas of life, not just the obvious or scandalous ones. He warns against the danger of focusing on one sin while allowing others—like pride, envy, or apathy—to quietly grow. He calls believers to an all-of-life holiness, one that resists sin at its roots and submits fully to the lordship of Christ.
This is one of Owen’s most urgent warnings. He says many Christians deceive themselves by saying, “It’s okay, I’ve repented,” and am covered by the Grace of Jesus. when in fact the sin hasn’t been dealt with. They give themselves peace too quickly—without true mortification or change.
A must-read for every Christian serious about their walk with Christ
December 23, 2024
This book is a must-read for any Christian seriously interested in pursuing the final and ultimate destruction of sin. Owen orchestrates a brilliant and dense attack plan for the battle against sin, examining the threat of sin, its cosmically-profound evil reality, and the truth one must align themselves with to properly dispose of it. This book truly made me reflect on the nature of sin personally--its constitution, its capabilities, its appearances, its effects, and my association with it. For instance, if I attempt to fight sin, is it more so because I fear the consequences and ire I'll receive from God, or is it a genuine love and adoration for Jesus that I would abhor to commit the sin?
"If you want to change the fruit, you have to change the tree." Do I focus on removing the and replacing the tree itself, or do I spend my days fretting over the ugly and diseased fruit? Failing to realize the tree will only continually propagate such fruits? This book has left me much to think on, and much to feel. Perhaps my favorite aspect of this book is how seriously Owen's voice sounds in regards to sin. He attacks the dilemma like a field commander, never failing to express how much danger you are in if you allow the enemy a single foothold (despite whatever appearance of innocence it may attempt to bear) in your life. Let this book help you take sin more gravely, for nothing is more like the grave than sin.
"If you want to change the fruit, you have to change the tree." Do I focus on removing the and replacing the tree itself, or do I spend my days fretting over the ugly and diseased fruit? Failing to realize the tree will only continually propagate such fruits? This book has left me much to think on, and much to feel. Perhaps my favorite aspect of this book is how seriously Owen's voice sounds in regards to sin. He attacks the dilemma like a field commander, never failing to express how much danger you are in if you allow the enemy a single foothold (despite whatever appearance of innocence it may attempt to bear) in your life. Let this book help you take sin more gravely, for nothing is more like the grave than sin.
October 11, 2025
I haven't read the original. This translation is very readable, and all omissions or reorganization of chapters seemed logical by the translator's explanation in the introduction.
It could have benefited from another round of editing, but any mistakes were minor typos that didn't impact the overall credibility of the work. I'm probably the only person they'll ever bother.
Very excellent text; I think more Christians should read it, and this translation certainly makes it more accessible to those of us who are not fluent in old English.
I will be re-reading
It could have benefited from another round of editing, but any mistakes were minor typos that didn't impact the overall credibility of the work. I'm probably the only person they'll ever bother.
Very excellent text; I think more Christians should read it, and this translation certainly makes it more accessible to those of us who are not fluent in old English.
I will be re-reading
July 26, 2023
Didn’t realize that this is essentially “The Message” version of the book when I bought it.
July 7, 2024
“Woe is me, for I am ruined!
Because I am a man of unclean lips,
And I live among a people of unclean lips;
For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.”
Because I am a man of unclean lips,
And I live among a people of unclean lips;
For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.”
July 21, 2025
Required reading.
April 27, 2025
Amazing translation from Aaron Renn to help me understand the beautiful work of John Owen in learning how to kill sin in our lives. I’ll definitely have to revisit this book throughout my life, it’s definitely a classic. Here are some of my key takeaways:
Central verse - Romans 8:13:
“…but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the flesh, you will live”
1. The Holy Spirit is the only way to truly mortify sin in our lives (for both our external actions and our internal desires)
• Physical techniques/methods fail to address our evil desires within our heart
2. “Be actively killing sin, or sin will actively be killing you”
• We can never grow comfortable in our battle against sin. While sin may appear to be tempting at a slow rate, it is deceptive like the enemy, always seeking to devour and destroy us as Christians when we least expect it
3. Understand what your triggers are, and fully grasp the consequences of your sin
• The enemy comes to only steal, kill, and destroy; think of satan’s deception of Adam and Eve and the great sorrow and pain it caused
• Know your temptations and weaknesses
4. Look unto the cross of Jesus Christ
• Understand the power and sacrificial love that He poured out for you, and walk in humble repentance knowing this great sacrifice
Central verse - Romans 8:13:
“…but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the flesh, you will live”
1. The Holy Spirit is the only way to truly mortify sin in our lives (for both our external actions and our internal desires)
• Physical techniques/methods fail to address our evil desires within our heart
2. “Be actively killing sin, or sin will actively be killing you”
• We can never grow comfortable in our battle against sin. While sin may appear to be tempting at a slow rate, it is deceptive like the enemy, always seeking to devour and destroy us as Christians when we least expect it
3. Understand what your triggers are, and fully grasp the consequences of your sin
• The enemy comes to only steal, kill, and destroy; think of satan’s deception of Adam and Eve and the great sorrow and pain it caused
• Know your temptations and weaknesses
4. Look unto the cross of Jesus Christ
• Understand the power and sacrificial love that He poured out for you, and walk in humble repentance knowing this great sacrifice
June 12, 2025
John Owen makes some critically important points on the course and maturation of a Christian life, specifically in relation to how we treat our sin.
Any follower of Jesus who has come face to face with a seemingly immovable sin, this is for you. Any follower of Jesus looking to grow their reserve of grace for sinners, this is for you.
I think any person could read this book and understand the depth of difference between Christianity and the other religions of the world when it comes to growing into better people.
Though it isn’t long, it is really dense and repetitive at times. I had a few questions here and there, but, all in all, the message is invaluable.
He uses lots and LOTS of scripture to paint this picture; this is something I ALWAYS appreciate.
Any follower of Jesus who has come face to face with a seemingly immovable sin, this is for you. Any follower of Jesus looking to grow their reserve of grace for sinners, this is for you.
I think any person could read this book and understand the depth of difference between Christianity and the other religions of the world when it comes to growing into better people.
Though it isn’t long, it is really dense and repetitive at times. I had a few questions here and there, but, all in all, the message is invaluable.
He uses lots and LOTS of scripture to paint this picture; this is something I ALWAYS appreciate.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews