John Owen (17th Century): The 17th century Puritan John Owen was one of the greatest theologians that the church has ever known. His Works, which are contained in sixteen volumes and his seven volume commentary on Hebrews are without equal. However, recognizing the infinite greatness of the gospel that he sought so passionately to expound, he felt obligated to write the following in his work “Biblical Theology”: “It has been my professed intent and stated purpose—almost my one and only purpose in this work—to set forward the theology of Christ. This is not just the teaching of the gospel but the disposition of mind which alone can embrace it, and that goal has been ever present before my eyes from the start of this volume… I personally do not claim to have attained to any great peak in the study of heavenly wisdom, or to be able to do more than stammer pitifully when I come to discuss or teach of such high matters. Here we are on ground where, at best, we can hope to see in part. Here is subject matter which the entire breadth of human intellect could never grasp; that is, until we cease to see through a glass darkly, and come to know even as we are known as we enjoy God without limit (I Corinthians 13:12). There is little need of our denying our deep ignorance and shame of sloth when the same Apostle, in that epistle, admits that ‘If any man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know’ (I Corinthians 8:2).” (John Owen, Biblical Theology, p.591) Paul Washer is founder of the HeartCry Missionary Society. Visit heartcrymissionary.com for more information, updates, and resources!
Paul is the founder of HeartCry Missionary Society and currently serves as its missions director. He also ministered as a missionary in Peru for ten years. He has preached hundreds of sermons and has authored a dozen published works. Paul lives in Radford, Virginia, with his wife Charo and their four children: Ian, Evan, Rowan, and Bronwyn.
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