Gospel Life

by John Owen

'The humble walk of believers is the great delight of God's soul, the one thing that he has in this world to delight him.' There are some questions common to all seekers after - How can I know I truly have faith? - What does it look like to be conformed to Jesus? - How does God see me? In Gospel Life, a compilation of thirteen sermons from the zenith of his preaching career, John Owen answers these questions with great compassion for the Christian who longs for growth and assurance. He draws on a wide range of Scripture to display the character of the Saviour, the acceptance of the Father, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. Finally, Owen addresses the death and eternal hope of the believer, offering encouragement to all who love Christ. The text of this edition has been updated for the modern reader. A companion volume, Gospel Ministry, expounds the calling of Christian ministers, and exhorts congregations to loving and prayerful church life.

Genres: Theology

256 pages, Paperback

Published March 27, 2023

About the author

John Owen was an English theologian and "was without doubt not only the greatest theologian of the English Puritan movement but also one of the greatest European Reformed theologians of his day, and quite possibly possessed the finest theological mind that England ever produced" ("Owen, John", in Biographical Dictionary of Evangelicals, p. 494)

Reviews

[Collin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

13 edifying sermons. Owen excellently shows Christ in the Scriptures and makes God more glorious through his preaching. Thankful for this work!

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can Christians live out their faith? In Gospel Life, John Owen gives Christians biblical truth for growth and assurance in their walk with God. The book begins by defining faith, and Owen pays particular attention to acceptance. While demons can assent, they do not accept.


Walk Humbly with God

I was most moved to see Owen give truths about God himself as the object of our faith in order to strengthen it. His name, his nature, as well as his actions and dealings with us are explored.

After showing how love binds everything together, Owen examines what it means to walk humbly with God. I was most challenged to see that reverence, obedience, and joy are elements of a proper walk with God — as well as submission to his grace and Providence. Our walk with God should be of great concern, for it gives him glory.


Rest on the Rock of Christ

The book ends with a reminder to rest on the rock of Christ, and a call to die to yourself daily. Interestingly, Owen tells his readers to not be surprised by death. It is a bold way to end the book, but a triumphant one — because for the Christian, our death leads to eternal and everlasting life with Christ.

With an updated text for the modern reader, this book speaks loud and clear today. Encouraging and hopeful, this classic work by Owen will help you truly live out the Gospel.


I received a media copy of Gospel Life and this is my honest review.

[Conor Wrigley · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the greatest books on Christian life I have ever read! Deeply theological but practical and easy to read. I started reading it but started using it as more of a devotional and praying about what I read after I finished each sermon. Highly recommend this book!

[Matthew Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Food for my soul