John Owen on the Mortification of Sin

John Owen explains the mortification of sin in the last section of his book, The Holy Spirit: His Power and Gifts. The "mortification" or "putting to death" sin is a concept the appears frequently in the New Testament. The following passage in Romans is a prime example.

For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. (Romans 8:13-17, ESV)

John Owen is making the point that this process of mortification is hard work. It is a day by day intense process that will take a lifetime. He explains later in the book how the Holy Spirit is involved in the process, but in this section, Owen explains our involvement in this task will take our whole effort.

From hence it is evident, that the mortification of sin is a gradual work. We must be exercised in it ever day, and in ever duty. Sin will not die, unless it be constantly weakened. Spare it, and it will heal its wounds, and recover its strength. We must continually watch against the operations of this principle of sin: in out duties, in our calling, in conversations, in retirement, in our straits, in our enjoyments, and in all all that we do. If we are negligent on any occasion, we shall suffer by it; every mistake, every neglect is perilous.

It may be justly feared, that the nature of this duty is mistaken by many. Some look upon it as an easy task. But is it for nothing that the Holy Spirit expresses it by mortification, or killing? Certainly this intimates a violent contest. Every thing will do its utmost to preserve its life. Let no man think to kill sin with a few gently strokes. He, who has once smitten a serpent, if he follow not his blow till it be slain, may repent that ever he began the quarrel; and so will he who undertakes to deal with sin, if he pursue it not constantly to death; sin will revive, and the man must die. Again, the principle of sin is in us, and is called ourselves. It cannot be killed without a sense of pain. It is compared to cutting off right hands, and plucking out right eyes. Lusts, that pretend to be useful and pleasant to the flesh, will not be mortified without sensible violence. It is also a fatal mistake to make only some particular lusts, or actual sins, the object of this duty. Many persons will make head against particular sins, but in general with little success; sin gets ground upon them, and they groan under its power; and the reason is, because they mistake the business. Contests against particular sins, are only to comply with light and convictions. Mortification, with a design for holiness, respects the body of sin, the root and all its branches. The first will miscarry; the latter will succeed.(pp. 338-339)