Mortification of Sin

“Sin doth not only still abide in us, but is still acting , still labouring to bring forth the deeds of the flesh. When sin lets us alone we may let sin alone; but as sin is never less quiet than when it seems to be most quiet, and its waters are for the most part deep when they are still, so ought our contrivances against it to be vigorous at all times and in all conditions, even where there is least suspicion. Sin doth not only abide in us, but “the law of the members is still rebelling against the law of the mind,” Rom. vii. 23; and “the spirit that dwells in us lusteth to envy,” James iv. 5. It is always in continual work; “the flesh lusteth against the Spirit,” Gal. v. 17; lust is still tempting and conceiving sin, James i. 14; in every moral action it is always either inclining to evil, or hindering from that which is good, or disframing the spirit from communion with God. ~ The Mortification of Sin by John Owen”

“Be killing sin or it will be killing you.”

“Indwelling sin always abides whilst we are in this world; therefore it is always to be mortified.”

“Sin will be always acting, if we be not always mortifying, we are lost creatures.”

“Let not that man think he makes any progress in holiness who walks not over the bellies of his lusts.”

“A man may easier see without eyes, speak without a tongue, than truly mortify one sin without the Spirit.”

“To kill sin is the work of living men; where men are dead, sin is alive, and will live.”

“All other ways of mortification are vain, all helps leave us helpless; it must be done by the Spirit.”

“Let no man think to kill sin with few, easy, or gentle strokes.”

“To forsake sin, is to leave it without any thought reserved of returning to it again.”