'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — June 9

The blood of Christ purges us from our sin, and no truth belonging to the mystery of the gospel is more plainly asserted: 'He has freed us from our sins by his blood' (Rev. 1:5). And, everyone who has an actual interest in the blood of Christ has a real purification from the future defilements of sin also. The Holy Spirit communicates the purifying virtue of the blood of Christ unto our souls and consciences, whereby we are freed from shame, and have boldness towards God. His blood has a double consideration: not only atonement and reconciliation, but also purging and sanctification. He offered himself not just to make atonement, but also to sanctify us by the sprinkling of his blood. It is by faith we receive the purifying virtue and influences of the blood of Christ. Faith is the grace whereby we constantly cleave unto him. If the woman who touched his garment in faith obtained virtue from him to heal her issue of blood, shall not those who cleave unto him continually derive virtue from him for the healing of their ongoing spiritual defilements? By faith the lusts and corruptions which might defile us are mortified, subdued, and gradually worked out of our minds. All actual defilements spring from the remainder of defiling lusts working in us. Faith seeks to subdue these by obtaining fresh supplies of the Spirit and grace from Jesus Christ. Faith considers two motives to stir up our utmost diligence to prevent the defilements of sin. First, it seeks to participate in the excellent promises of God. Considering these brings a strong encouragement to the souls of believers to seek after universal purity and holiness (2 Cor. 7:1). Secondly, faith considers the future enjoyments of God in glory, which cannot be ours without our being purified from sin (Heb. 12:14).

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
John Owen, Works, III:438-447
Banner of Truth has granted permission for the use of this material.