Communion with god Quote by John Owen
““When a man fighteth against his sin only with arguments from the issue or the punishment due unto it, this is a sign that sin hath taken great possession of the will, and that in the heart there is a superfluity of naughtiness. Such a man as opposes nothing to the seduction of sin and lust in his heart but fear of shame among men or hell from God, is sufficiently resolved to do the sin if there were no punishment attending it; which, what it differs from living in the practice of sin, I know not. Those who are Christ’s, and are acted in their obedience upon gospel principles, have the death of Christ, the love of God, the detestable nature of sin, the preciousness of communion with God, a deep-grounded abhorrency of sin as sin, to oppose to any seduction of sin, to all the workings, strivings, fightings of lust in their hearts. So did Joseph. “How shall I do this great evil,” saith he, “and sin against the Lord ?” my good and gracious God.””
About This Quote
Source Treatise: The Nature of Sin and the Christian Life, 1656
Sin dominates the will when fear of punishment is the only deterrent; true believers develop a deep aversion to sin, rooted in love for God and Christ's sacrifice.
In simple terms: Sin is resisted by love, not fear.
Cultivate love for God.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal prayer
- confession
- community accountability
- scriptural study
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates your resistance to sin?
- How does love for God shape your choices?
Fear alone may not sustain lasting change.