True evangelical mortification

The truth is, what between placing mortification in a rigid, stubborn frame of spirit - which is for the most part earthly, legal, censorious, partial, consistent with wrath, envy, malice, pride - on the one hand, and pretenses of liberty, grace, and I know not what, on the other, true evangelical mortification is almost lost among us . . .
(John Owen: Overcoming Sin and Temptation, p55)

Mortification is an archaic word that means to put to death. Yet sadly, I think, the teaching of mortification is no less common now than the use of the word. We tend to the two extremes that Owen here describes: legalism and licentiousness. Now, as then, "true evangelical mortification is almost lost among us."

Thankfully, Owen is a wise guide in how to make war on sin in a way that is truly evangelical, that is to say, "belonging to the good news." I look forward to passing on his wisdom along the way.