In closing his great work on the mortification of sin in believers, John Owen outlines the sin-destroying work that the Holy Spirit effects in the life of a Christian:
The Holy Spirit…
- clearly and fully convinces the heart of the evil and guilt and danger of the corruption, lust, or sin to be mortified (put to death).
- reveals unto us the fullness of Christ for our relief; which is the consideration that stays the heart from false ways and from despairing despondency (Col. 2:8).
- establishes the heart in expectation of relief from Christ; which is the great sovereign means of mortification (2 Cor. 1:21).
- brings the cross of Christ into our hearts with its sin-killing power; for by the Spirit are we baptized into the death of Christ (Rom. 6:3; 1 Cor. 12:13).
- is the author and finisher of our sanctification; gives new supplies and influences of grace for holiness and sanctification (Eph. 3:16–18).
—John Owen, The Mortification of Sin in Believers
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