The Works of John Owen

‘Of the many issues with which God’s people humbly wrestle, among the most critical is the atonement made by Jesus Christ. This lies at the heart of our Christian confidence and comfort. We are not the first to consider this, and we do well to consider the wisdom of those who have gone before us. We are, therefore, truly fortunate to have Owen’s writings on the death of Christ. Bracketed by two shorter works—the former (Owen’s first published work) dealing more generally with Arminianism, and the latter addressing the confusion of Richard Baxter on the atonement—is Owen’s magisterial treatment of the death of death in the death of Christ. It stands as one of the most careful and comprehensive assessments of the saving intent of Almighty God.

Owen makes clear that God the Father had a definite purpose in sending his Son; that God the Son had a definite purpose in dying, and has a definite purpose in interceding; and, that God the Spirit has a definite purpose in applying the blood of the now-risen Son of God to sinners. This definite, divine purpose does not and cannot fail—the Saviour achieved all that he set out to achieve. Owen asserts without reserve the wonderful specificity and finality of Christ’s atoning work, not undermining the fulness and freeness of the gospel offer to sinners. Whether we need doctrinal instruction and correction or practical invigoration and illumination, Owen’s God-exalting survey of this topic will stir our souls.’

– Jeremy Walker, Pastor, Maidenbower Baptist Church, Crawley, UK.