An Exposition of Hebrews 6:4-6
John Owen's "The Nature and Causes of Apostasy from the Gospel" is a comprehensive and profound treatise that meticulously dissects the multifaceted concept of apostasy within the Christian faith. Owen, with theological precision, navigates through the dense and often treacherous theological landscape, presenting a discourse rich in doctrinal substance and existential relevance.
The book is methodically structured into thirteen chapters, each addressing a distinct facet of apostasy. Starting with an exposition of Hebrews 6:4-6, Owen sets the stage by laying out the foundational biblical understanding of apostasy. This is not just a theoretical exposition but a deeply rooted exegetical endeavor, aiming to align the readers' comprehension with the scriptural essence of falling away from the faith.
In subsequent chapters, Owen explores the various manifestations and causes of apostasy. He dissects partial apostasy from the gospel, pointing out, among other things, the pretenses of the church of Rome against the charge. The treatise progresses to analyze apostasy from the mystery, truth, or doctrine of the gospel, exploring the intrinsic proneness of persons and communities to drift away from the foundational truths of their faith.
A significant portion of the book is dedicated to identifying and discussing the multifarious reasons and causes of apostasy. Owen highlights spiritual darkness and ignorance as prime facilitators of a departure from faith. He doesn't shy away from pointing out the subtler, yet equally perilous, causes such as pride, vanity of mind, sloth, negligence, and the alluring love of the world. Each cause is not just listed but dissected, providing the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the intricate web that leads believers astray.
In a poignant exploration of the deterioration of holiness, Owen discusses the gradual apostasy from the holiness of the gospel and its significant implications. He doesn't just stop at theoretical exposition but also addresses the practical causes and occasions of this decay, offering a profound insight into the spiritual erosion that plagues individuals and communities alike.
The discourse takes a critical turn when it addresses apostasy from evangelical worship, highlighting a shift not just in belief but also in the very way individuals and communities engage with and express their faith.
In the concluding chapters, Owen doesn't leave the reader in a state of despair but offers inferences from the foregoing discourses, alerting the present generation to the dangers that lurk and the subtle ways in which apostasy can permeate one's faith. He rounds off the treatise with practical directions to avoid the power of a prevailing apostasy, providing not just a diagnosis but also a prescription for preserving the integrity of one's faith in the face of pervasive spiritual decay.
Theologically, Owen's work is a treasure trove of insights. It challenges the superficial understanding of faith and calls for a profound introspection of one's spiritual state. It underscores the necessity of a vigilant and well-informed faith, one that is deeply rooted in the scriptural truth and immune to the seductive allure of temporal vanities. Owen's discourse serves as a clarion call to the contemporary church, urging it to examine the undercurrents of apostasy that threaten to erode the very foundations of the Christian faith. It's a compelling reminder of the enduring relevance of vigilant faith and doctrinal purity in an era where the lines between truth and error are increasingly blurred.
To the Reader.
Chapter 1 - The nature of apostasy from the gospel declared, in an exposition of Hebrews 6:4-6.
Chapter 2 - Partial apostasy from the gospel - Pretences of the church of Rome against the charge of this evil examined and rejected.
Chapter 3 - Apostasy from the mystery, truth, or doctrine of the gospel - Proneness of persons and churches thereunto - Proved by all sorts of instances.
Chapter 4 - The reason and causes of apostasy from the truth or doctrine of the gospel, and the inclination of all sorts of persons thereunto in all ages, inquired into and declared - Uncured enmity in the minds of many against spiritual things, and the effects of it is a wicked conversation, the first cause of apostasy.
Chapter 5 - Darkness and ignorance another cause of apostasy.
Chapter 6 - Pride and vanity of mind, sloth and negligence, love of the world, causes of apostasy - The work of Satan and judgments of God in this matter.
Chapter 7 - Instances of a peculiar defection from the truth of the gospel; with the reasons of it.
Chapter 8 - Apostasy from the holiness of the gospel; the occasion and cause of it - Of that which is gradual, on the pretence of somewhat else in its room.
Chapter 9 - Apostasy nto profaneness and sensuality of lif - The causes and occasions of it - Defect in public teachers and guides in religion.
Chapter 10 - Other causes and occasions of the decay of holiness.
Chapter 11 - Apostasy from evangelical worship.
Chapter 12 - Inferences from the foregoing discourses - The present danger of all sorts of persons, in the prevalency of apostasy from the truth and decays in the practice of evagelical holiness.
Chapter 13 - Directions to avoid the power of a prevailing apostasy.