Sunday, February 07, 2010

The Old Foundation

"The unconverted mind still remains on it's old foundation of self-sufficiency and self-determination, satisfied that all is under the control of its own free will.

But when these truths are brought home to their hearts, urging them to renounce faith in themselves, their own self-sufficiency, self-determination and self-righteousness and be renewed in Christ, then that old enmity lurking in their hearts is immediately aroused like some venomous snake ready to strike at the whole gospel. All the lust of the mind and the flesh; all the deceitful desires of the old nature; all the powers of sin and all carnal and unmortified desires rise up to resist these truths...

Evangelical truths are easily received on Arminian terms where that rooted enmity is allowed to retain control over all its decisions, and to be self-sufficient. But when these truths urge man's utter inability to repent and believe without the grace of God first working in them, then that enmity pleads free will, and resists with all its might the sovereignty of God in the salvation of men." —John Owen (1616-1683)

Quote taken from the "Apostasy from the Gospel" by John Owen, Puritan Paperbacks-The Banner of Truth Trust; 1992 p. 54-55

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Very powerful and true.God does all for His Glory !