John Owen: Faith, Tragedy, and Christ-Centered Theology
Summary
John Owen, often referred to as the "Calvin of England," stands as one of Britain's most significant theologians. Born in 1616 in Stadham, Owen's early life was marked by an intense dedication to study, which eventually led to his ordination at the age of 19. Despite his academic prowess, Owen struggled with spiritual assurance until a transformative moment in 1642 when an unknown preacher's sermon on Matthew 8:26 brought him the assurance of salvation he desperately sought. This pivotal experience set the stage for his future theological contributions.
During the English Civil War, Owen aligned with the Puritan forces of Parliament, which led to his appointment as the Vicar of Fordham. There, he diligently worked to educate his congregation in evangelical faith, writing catechisms for both adults and children. His time in Fordham was personally fulfilling, marked by his marriage to Mary Rooke, though it was also a period of profound personal loss as he buried all but one of his eleven children.
Owen's career flourished as he became a prominent preacher, attracting large crowds and eventually serving as Vice Chancellor of Oxford University. His tenure at Oxford was transformative, turning the institution into a seminary for young scholars and preachers. However, his preference for fine clothes and his substantial income drew criticism, particularly from rivals at Cambridge.
The death of his patron, Oliver Cromwell, marked a turning point, as Owen's Congregationalist views fell out of favor with the rise of Presbyterianism. Despite being sidelined, Owen continued to write prolifically, producing significant theological works such as "Christologia," which emphasized the centrality of Christ in faith and theology. Owen argued that true faith is rooted in an appreciation of Christ's glory and love, aiming to transform the affections of his readers.
In his later years, Owen faced personal tragedies, including the death of his wife Mary and his only surviving daughter. He spent his final years in London, continuing to write and pastor until his death in 1683. Owen's legacy endures through his writings, which continue to inspire and challenge believers to center their lives on Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- John Owen's early life was marked by intense study and a struggle for spiritual assurance, which he found through a sermon on Matthew 8:26. This experience highlights the importance of seeking assurance in faith and the transformative power of encountering God's word. [03:14]
- Owen's alignment with the Puritan forces during the English Civil War and his subsequent appointment as Vicar of Fordham demonstrate the intersection of faith and politics. His commitment to educating his congregation underscores the role of pastoral leadership in nurturing faith communities. [04:29]
- Despite personal tragedies, including the loss of his children, Owen's writings reflect a deep joy in Christ and a commitment to theological education. His life exemplifies how personal suffering can coexist with a profound sense of divine purpose and joy. [05:55]
- Owen's tenure at Oxford University was transformative, turning it into a seminary for gospel education. His leadership illustrates the impact of integrating faith and education, raising a generation of scholars and preachers grounded in evangelical theology. [07:49]
- In "Christologia," Owen emphasizes the centrality of Christ in faith, arguing that true knowledge of God comes through Christ alone. This work challenges believers to focus their affections on Christ, transforming their lives by treasuring Him above all else. [15:22]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:29] - Introduction to John Owen
[01:06] - Early Life and Education
[01:45] - Spiritual Struggles and Transformation
[03:14] - Assurance of Salvation
[03:58] - The English Civil War and Owen's Role
[04:29] - Vicar of Fordham and Evangelical Education
[05:11] - Personal Tragedies and Joy in Christ
[06:31] - Rise to Prominence and Oxford University
[07:49] - Criticism and Leadership at Oxford
[08:32] - Post-Cromwell Challenges
[09:15] - The Savoy Declaration and Congregationalism
[10:30] - Retirement and Writing in Stadham
[11:49] - Later Years in London
[13:09] - Introduction to Christologia
[15:22] - Christ-Centered Theology and Affections
[18:17] - Old Testament Faith and Christ
[21:08] - Love for Christ and the Image of God
[22:40] - Invitation to Consider Christ's Glory
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: John Owen's Legacy and Christ-Centered Theology
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 8:26 - "He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the transformative moment in John Owen's life that assured him of his salvation, and how did it impact his future theological contributions? [03:14]
2. How did Owen's role as Vicar of Fordham reflect his commitment to evangelical education and pastoral leadership? [04:29]
3. Despite personal tragedies, how did Owen's writings reflect his joy in Christ and commitment to theological education? [05:55]
4. What was the significance of Owen's tenure at Oxford University, and how did it transform the institution? [07:49]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Owen's experience of finding assurance through a sermon on Matthew 8:26 illustrate the transformative power of encountering God's word? [03:14]
2. In what ways did Owen's alignment with the Puritan forces during the English Civil War demonstrate the intersection of faith and politics? [04:29]
3. How did Owen's personal suffering coexist with his profound sense of divine purpose and joy in Christ? [05:55]
4. What does Owen's emphasis on the centrality of Christ in "Christologia" suggest about the role of Christ in understanding true faith and theology? [15:22]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled with spiritual assurance. How did you seek assurance in your faith, and what role did scripture play in that process? [03:14]
2. Consider the intersection of faith and politics in your own life. How do you navigate situations where your faith and political views might conflict? [04:29]
3. Owen found joy in Christ despite personal tragedies. How can you cultivate a sense of joy and purpose in Christ during difficult times? [05:55]
4. Owen transformed Oxford into a seminary for gospel education. How can you contribute to the integration of faith and education in your community? [07:49]
5. "Christologia" challenges believers to focus their affections on Christ. What practical steps can you take to treasure Christ above all else in your daily life? [15:22]
6. Owen's writings aimed to transform the affections of his readers. How can you allow your affections and desires to be shaped by a deeper understanding of Christ's glory and love? [15:22]
7. Reflect on the role of Christ in your understanding of God. How does focusing on Christ enhance your knowledge and relationship with God? [17:33]
Devotional
Day 1: Assurance Through Encountering God's Word
John Owen's early life was marked by a relentless pursuit of spiritual assurance, which he finally found through a sermon on Matthew 8:26. This transformative moment underscores the profound impact that encountering God's word can have on an individual's faith journey. It highlights the importance of seeking assurance in faith, not through personal achievements or external validations, but through a deep and personal encounter with Scripture. This experience serves as a reminder that God's word is living and active, capable of transforming hearts and providing the assurance of salvation that many seek. [03:14]
Hebrews 4:12-13 (ESV): "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
Reflection: Think of a time when a specific Bible verse or passage spoke directly to your heart. How can you create space in your daily routine to encounter God's word more deeply and consistently?
Day 2: Faith and Politics Intersect
During the English Civil War, John Owen aligned with the Puritan forces, which led to his appointment as the Vicar of Fordham. This period in his life illustrates the complex relationship between faith and politics, as Owen used his position to educate his congregation in evangelical faith. His commitment to pastoral leadership and the nurturing of faith communities demonstrates the significant role that spiritual leaders can play in shaping both individual lives and broader societal values. Owen's life challenges us to consider how our faith can inform our engagement with the world around us, particularly in the realm of politics and community leadership. [04:29]
Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV): "But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare."
Reflection: How can you actively seek the welfare of your community or workplace through your faith? What steps can you take this week to engage with the world around you in a way that reflects your beliefs?
Day 3: Joy in Christ Amidst Suffering
Despite experiencing profound personal tragedies, including the loss of his children, John Owen's writings reflect a deep joy in Christ. His life exemplifies how personal suffering can coexist with a profound sense of divine purpose and joy. Owen's unwavering commitment to theological education and his ability to find joy in Christ amidst suffering serve as a powerful testament to the sustaining power of faith. This aspect of his life encourages believers to find their ultimate joy and purpose in Christ, even when faced with life's most challenging circumstances. [05:55]
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge or loss you have faced. How can you find joy in Christ and a sense of divine purpose in the midst of this situation?
Day 4: Transformative Leadership in Education
John Owen's tenure at Oxford University was marked by a transformative approach to education, turning the institution into a seminary for young scholars and preachers. His leadership illustrates the profound impact that integrating faith and education can have on raising a generation of scholars grounded in evangelical theology. Owen's vision for education challenges us to consider how we can incorporate our faith into our own learning and teaching environments, fostering a culture of spiritual growth and academic excellence. [07:49]
Proverbs 2:6-7 (ESV): "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity."
Reflection: In what ways can you integrate your faith into your learning or teaching environment? How can you contribute to creating a culture of spiritual growth and academic excellence in your community?
Day 5: Christ-Centered Theology and Affections
In "Christologia," John Owen emphasizes the centrality of Christ in faith, arguing that true knowledge of God comes through Christ alone. This work challenges believers to focus their affections on Christ, transforming their lives by treasuring Him above all else. Owen's theology invites us to examine the affections of our hearts and to consider how we can cultivate a deeper love for Christ in our daily lives. By centering our lives on Christ, we can experience a transformation that aligns our desires with His will and purpose. [15:22]
Colossians 3:1-3 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: What are the current affections of your heart? How can you intentionally focus your affections on Christ this week, allowing Him to transform your desires and priorities?
Quotes
All this time, Owen was sinking deeper and deeper into depression. Now, he'd spent his life in Puritan circles and was deeply conscious of his sin but he didn't know the assurance of salvation that some preached. In 1642 then, in the midst of this dark period for him, he moved to London and he went to go and hear one of the renowned preachers of the day, Edmund Calamy at St. Mary's Church Aldermanbury. [00:02:17]
This unknown preacher took as his text Matthew 8:26 -- "why are ye fearful, oh ye of little faith?" That was just the text Owen needed and with that message, Owen felt, that he even though he was of little faith, felt an immediate assurance he had been born again of the Spirit and was a child of God. [00:03:27]
And so on top of his ordinary duties, what Owen did is he wrote two Catechisms, a lists of questions and answers; one for adults, one for children and he used them to instruct and educate his people in the evangelical faith. What with the time he still had left for writing -- there was a bit of time left for him to write -- those Fordham years were some of Owen's happiest ever. [00:05:11]
And so just as we look at some of the reveling in Christ, the delight in God, the worshiping of God's glory and goodness, it was written all in a context of very real life and very real suffering. He's not a man, even though he's an academic, with his head on the clouds divorced from reality. [00:06:10]
In 1646, he was asked to preach to Parliament and in Coggeshall, they liked having him. They are starting to enjoy evangelical preaching. And he began to attract about two thousand people; that's a big number for a small village in a fairly cut-off part of the world. Two thousand would crowd into the church to hear him every Sunday then, we've heard, Oliver Cromwell heard him. [00:06:44]
And we've seen briefly how he used those years in the 1650's to transform Oxford and he really did transform Oxford into a seminary to raise up a generation of young scholars and preachers educated in the gospel. And they were also golden years in his time in Oxford. Oxford was transformed. It's very, very different to how things had been when he was a student. [00:07:26]
He managed to produce his monumental Latin treatise, Theologoumena Pantodapa, which was a monumental treatise in Latin. It's been translated into English under the title Biblical Theology which doesn't really capture what it's about. It was -- a better translation would be something like 'Theological Statements of all sorts' and it was really a grand -- Owen love grand projects. [00:10:40]
So his work in the Holy Spirit, his work on justification, the work on Christology (Christologia) was written in those London years. We're about to look at that. In 1675, Mary, who'd been his wife for just a little over thirty years now, died. We don't have a record of how Owen reacted to this so we don't know. Within 18 months, he was remarried to Dorothy Doyle. [00:11:56]
Owen wanted to argue this that true faith is always faith in Christ but, I said that was the formal reason why he wrote because there's a more broader pastoral reason. He didn't just want to argue the point "True faith is faith in Christ," he wanted actually to build faith in Christ in his readers because true faith, he believed, could only come about when someone appreciate it apprehended Christ in his glory and love. [00:14:14]
And so in Christologia, Owen set out to fix his reader's eyes on Christ that he might roll the truths about Christ around the minds of his readers that their affection might be warmed to him. He's very deliberate. He's specifically reaching through the minds of his readers specifically to their affections, it's not quite the same thing as simply as emotions; he's reaching for their desires, their motivations. [00:15:13]
Owen was really picking that point up to say you could have a notional knowledge of the scriptures and still those scriptures aren't taking you to Christ who reveals God to you in which case you don't have the true knowledge of God. And Owen goes on to pile up proofs that it's only through Christ that God confers any benefit to us and Owen is so strong on this. [00:18:11]
And Owen answers and here I think is some of his genius on display. He answers, "The very reason why we are called to so love Christ is because the Father loves him." And he said "All love in creation was introduced from this fountain (the Father's love for the Son) and all love that you see in creation was introduced to give a shadow and resemblance of that love that the Father has for the Son.' [00:21:03]
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