The faith and experience of the saints in this world give in testimony unto this truth: that “there is forgiveness with God” — and we know that their testimony in this matter is true. Let us, then, ask of them what they believe, what they have found, what they have experienced, as to the forgiveness of sin.
In this month's Article of the Month, John Owen speaks to the necessity of a believer's confession to be attended by actual experience. We often speak of this phenomena as "Head knowledge vs. Heart Knowledge". It is possible to know intellectually what the Gospel teaches and to know all manner of facts concerning God, Christ, sin and salvation and biblical doctrine. But if those truths have no expression in one's life, then it is a fearful sign that there is no spiritual life within. Of course, this truth has been distorted in several ways, generally emphasizing far too much which leads to despondency, spiritual depression and morbid introspection. On the other hand, it has been more so de-emphasized so that a simple profession is deemed sufficient enough.
With his great mastery of the Scriptures, Owen plows a straight row showing that true teaching and balance which God has recorded for us in His infallible Word and presses it home to both comfort those who are in need and to warn and challenge those who see no need.
For those who desire to read this article now, go here:
Experiential Religion.
For later reading, on The Highway's homepage, click on the "Article of the Month" logo.
In His service and grace,
![[Linked Image]](http://www.the-highway.com/pilgrim/pil_sig2.gif)
![[Linked Image]](http://www.the-highway.com/Smileys/pencil.gif)