What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
— Romans 6:21
That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
— Romans 8:4-6
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
— Romans 8:2
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
— Ephesians 4:30
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
— Matthew 19:28
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
— 1 Peter 1:22
The Preface and the Foundation of the Whole Ensuing Discourse Laid in Romans 8:13, by John Owen. The following contains the Abridged and Simplified Preface and Chapter One of his work, “On the Mortification of Sin the Necessity, Nature, and Means of It: With a Resolution of Various Cases of Conscience Belonging to It.
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
— Romans 8:13
Preface
I want to briefly explain why I agreed to publish this work. My main concern is the current spiritual condition of many who profess faith. Too often, they struggle to resist temptation and remain steadfast in their walk with Christ. Many are caught between the comforts of this world and the divisions within the church, leaving them vulnerable. If this work serves only to awaken others to take seriously the call to examine their hearts and pursue holiness, I will consider it worthwhile.
Additionally, I have observed dangerous errors from some who claim to teach how to overcome sin. Unfamiliar with the gospel’s power and the work of Christ, they promote a form of self-driven discipline that burdens the soul rather than bringing true freedom. Their teachings do not align with Scripture in either method or result, leading to legalism, self-righteousness, and troubled consciences.
What I offer here is weak in comparison to the riches of the gospel, yet I trust it is in harmony with its truth and the experience of those who walk with God. If not this work, then something like it is desperately needed in our time to guide believers toward true gospel-driven mortification of sin—the daily putting to death of sinful desires in the power of the Spirit. This is essential for peace with God and for spiritual growth.
On a personal note, I had previously preached on this subject with encouraging results, and several godly individuals urged me to put these teachings into writing. Their requests reminded me of a long- standing commitment to provide a treatise on communion with God —a work I have delayed but not forgotten. While this present book does not fulfill that promise, I hope it may serve as an offering in the meantime.
Furthermore, in recent years, I have engaged in many public debates over doctrinal matters. This, however, is something different—a work not born of controversy, but of pastoral concern for the holiness of God’s people.
My deepest desire in this and all my labors is to see believers grow in sanctification and holiness, so that their lives may glorify God and adorn the gospel of Jesus Christ. If this little work can be of any help, even to the weakest of Christ’s sheep, then I will count it as an answer to prayer.
May the Lord bless it for His glory.
John Owen
Chapter One
The Foundation of the Whole Ensuing Discourse Laid in Romans 8:13
To provide clear guidance on the work of mortification in believers, I will base my discussion on Romans 8:13:
“If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
This verse presents a profound gospel truth. The Apostle Paul, having explained justification by faith and the blessings of those who receive it (Romans 8:1-3), now urges believers toward holiness and assurance in Christ. One of his key arguments is the contrast between the effects of sin and holiness: “If you live according to the flesh, you will die.” But rather than expound on what it means to “live after the flesh” and “die,” I will focus on the latter part of the verse, which highlights the necessity of mortifying sin.
In this verse, we find five key points:
1. A Duty Commanded – “Put to death the deeds of the body.” 2. The People Addressed – “You” (believers in Christ).
A Promise Given – “You will live.”
The Means of Accomplishing It – “By the Spirit.”
The Certainty of the Connection – This promise is not uncertain, but rather a divine assurance that mortification leads to life.
The Connection Between Mortification and Life
The conditional phrase “if you” does not imply uncertainty about the believer’s final salvation, since Paul has already declared, “There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Rather, it expresses the sure relationship between mortification and spiritual life. It is like telling a sick man, “If you take this medicine, you will recover.” The healing power is not in the man but in the prescribed remedy.
The connection between mortification and life is not that of cause and effect, as if our efforts earned eternal life. Eternal life is “the gift of God through Jesus Christ” (Romans 6:23). Instead, mortification is the God-ordained means by which we pursue the life He has promised. Believers are called to actively engage in this work, knowing that the power to do so comes from the Spirit.
Who Is Called to Mortify Sin?
This command is directed specifically to believers—those who are no longer under condemnation, who live by the Spirit, and who have been made alive in Christ. Mortification is not a duty for the unbeliever, who lacks the power of the Spirit. Many throughout history have attempted to mortify sin in their own strength, seeking righteousness apart from Christ. Such efforts are the foundation of all false religion. True mortification must be pursued in dependence on the Spirit, not human effort.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
The principal agent in mortification is the Holy Spirit: “If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body.” Many attempt to subdue sin by their own strength, following human traditions or self-imposed discipline, but only the Spirit can bring true mortification. Any effort not rooted in Him will ultimately fail.
Paul has already identified this Spirit as “the Spirit of Christ” (Romans 8:9), “the Spirit who gives life” (v. 11), and “the Spirit of adoption” (v. 15). Only He can break the power of sin and enable believers to grow in holiness.
What Is Mortification?
Mortification means putting sin to death—removing its strength, its influence, and its ability to act. Sin is depicted as “the old man” (Romans 6:6), a corrupt and rebellious presence in the believer. Though it has been defeated by Christ, it still seeks to exert power. Mortification is the believer’s ongoing work of weakening sin’s influence so that it does not rule over them.
Paul calls believers to put to death “the deeds of the body,” meaning not only sinful actions but also the inner corruptions that produce them. Even sins that never reach outward expression must be mortified at the root.
The Promise: Life in Christ
The promise attached to this duty is life: “You will live.” This life is contrasted with the death warned about earlier: “If you live according to the flesh, you will die.” This warning speaks of eternal destruction, but the promise of life extends both to eternal glory and the experience of spiritual vitality now.
While believers already possess new life in Christ, its power, comfort, and joy depend on mortification. As Paul says elsewhere, “Now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord” (1 Thess. 3:8). In other words, a vibrant and joyful Christian life is directly tied to the ongoing battle against sin.
Conclusion
The great truth of this passage is clear:
Even the most mature believers must continually mortify sin. Mortification must be done in the power of the Holy Spirit, not human effort.
This work is essential to spiritual vitality and assurance.
The promise of eternal life is sure for those who walk in obedience to this call.
Let this be our daily aim—that we would put sin to death so that we may truly live.
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