The Mortification of Sin

by John Owen

The body then is the corruption and depravity of our nature of which our physical body is to a great extent the seat and the means by which sin expresses itself.

Putting to death is the killing of the indwelling sin remaining in our mortal bodies so that it doesn’t have life or power to bring forth the deeds of the body.

But the work of this sin-opposing power is not complete at the time of our conversion because of the indwelling sin that remains in us. It needs to be carried on towards perfection our entire lives.

“Killing sin is the work of the Holy Spirit. By Him alone is it to be done and by no other power will it ever be done.” Trying to kill sin and behave morally through personal strength and efforts using personal tools and techniques is the foundation of all the false religion in the world.

So be killing sin. All the time. Make it your priority every day. Always be doing it as long as you are alive in this world. Don’t take even one day off from it. Always remember: Be killing your sin or your sin will be killing you.

Anyone who isn’t feeling himself opposed and oppressed by sin, and who isn’t doing everything possible to kill it, is someone who is at peace with sin, not dying to it.

Every unkilled sin will certainly do two things: a) it will weaken the soul and take away its strength, and b) it will darken the soul and take away its peace and comfort.