The Death of Death in the Death of Christ

The Death of Death in the Death of Christ is a polemical work, designed to show, among other things, that the doctrine of universal redemption is unscriptural and destructive to the gospel. Those who see no need for doctrinal exactness and have no time for theological debates which show up divisions between evangelicals may well regret its reappearance. Some may find the very sound of Owen's thesis so shocking that they will refuse to read his book at all. It is to those who share this readiness that Owen's treatise is offered, in the belief that it will help us in one of the most urgent tasks facing evangelical Christendom today—the recovery of the gospel.

1. Opening
2. Note To The Earl Of Warwick
3. Book 1 Chapter 1
4. Chapter 2
5. Chapter 3
6. Chapter 4
7. Chapter 5
8. Chapter 6
9. Chapter 7
10. Chapter 8
11. Book 2 Chapter 1
12. Chapter 2
13. Chapter 3
14. Chapter 4
15. Chapter 5
16. Book 3 Chapter 1
17. Chapter 2
18. Chapter 3
19. Chapter 4
20. Chapter 5
21. Chapter 6
22. Chapter 7
23. Chapter 8
24. Chapter 9
25. Chapter 10
26. Chapter 11
27. Book 4 Chapter 1
28. Chapter 2
29. Chapter 3
30. Chapter 4
31. Chapter 5
32. Chapter 6
33. Chapter 7

John Owen

Puritan John Owen held prominent positions as the beloved English leader of the Nonconformist church, a respected theologian, and as academic administrator at the prestigious University of Oxford. Additionally, he temporarily served as a representative in parliament, representing the constituency of the University during the First Protectorate Parliament from 1654 to 1655.

While preaching and political activism were integral parts of his life, Owen is perhaps best known as a prolific author. He enjoyed warm friendships with numerous renowned writers of seventeenth-century England. Among his esteemed companions were notable figures such as John Milton, John Bunyan, and Lucy Hutchinson. Owen actively encouraged his publisher, Nathanial Ponder, to release Bunyan's well-known literary work, Pilgrim's Progress. Notably, Owen provided support to Lucy Hutchinson as she relocated to London, attending his sermons, and diligently translating substantial portions of his renowned work, Theologoumena Pantodapa—a translated version of which has been published under the title Biblical Theology. Owen's correspondence offers glimpses of his compassionate nature and pastoral care, particularly towards grieving mothers mourning the loss of their children.

Prior to Owen's profoundly personal insights, no theologian had ever written clearly about the dynamics of how Christians relate to each divine Person of the Trinity. Owen eloquently articulated the ultimate purpose of the gospel, which is to unveil the Father's boundless love. This love is exemplified through the sending of the Son as the redeemer of His people, who in turn are granted the indwelling of the Spirit, bestowed with spiritual gifts, and unified as a collective whole. Undoubtedly, one of Owen's most revered accomplishments is his work Communion with God.

It is little wonder that one contemporary author and preacher refers to John Owen as “the greatest theologian who has ever written in the English language.”