Temporary Faith

The constitution of spiritual life is such as is suitable to grow and increase to the end. Hereby it distinguishes itself from that faith with is temporary; for there is a temporary faith, which will both flourish for a season and bring forth some fruit; but it is not in its nature and constitution to abide, to grow and increase, but rather to decay and wither. It is described by our Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 13:20-21). Either some great temptation extinguishes it, or it decays insensibly, until the mind in which it was do manifest itself to be utterly barren. And, therefore, whoever is sensible of any spiritual decays, he is called to a severe trial and examination of himself, as to the nature of the principle of his profession and obedience; for such decays do rather argue a principle of temporary faith only, to which they are proper and natural, than that whose nature it is to thrive and grow to the end, on which those that have it shall, as it is the promise, still bring forth fruit, and , without their own great guilt, be freed from such decays. (John Owen, The Glory of Christ p254)

When I read the parable of the soils yesterday, I couldn't help but see the wisdom of Owen's application. There is temporary faith; and so spiritual decay is something that ought to alarm us, and thrust us to throw ourselves again on Jesus for mercy, lest we show that our faith was only temporary - and not saving.