John Owen is rightly considered one of the preeminent theologians in church history. His influence looms large especially over those who hold to Reformed and historical Protestant evangelical theology. From his books on sanctification, to the Holy Spirit, his commentary on Hebrews and more—John Owen’s life and influence has not waned since his death, but only continues to grow. Most people who have read him consider him to be one of the deepest theologians in the history of the Church. In a day and age when such teaching is by and large missing—Owen reminds us that God’s people do want the deep things of God. The deep truths of God take us into the heart and mind of God and help us better know our God and worship Him all the more. This is why I’m thankful for books like The Trinitarian Devotion of John Owen by Dr. Sinclair Ferguson.
In this book Dr. Ferguson takes us into one very important aspect of Owen’s thought—his Trinitarian vision for the Christian life and ministry. The book opens in chapter one with an introduction to John Owen the pastor and theologian—a look at his life and ministry. Chapter two explores Owen’s thought on the Holy Spirit. Chapter three explores Owen’s perspective on communion with the Father while chapter four explores communion with the Son, and chapter five looks at communion with the Holy Spirit. The book concludes by exploring how the Trinity enjoys intratrinitarian joy and fellowship with one another.
The Trinitarian Devotion of John Owen is a very helpful biography on the life and thought of Owen. Owen’s influence continues to grow among serious minded lay people, seminary students and pastors because he takes God’s people into the deep things of God. Owen’s gigantic vision of the glory of Christ and other subjects has had a massive influence on my own thought, life, and ministry. I encourage you to check out this new biography and believe it will be useful to those new to Owen’s life and thought; as well as those who are seasoned in Owen’s life and life. I highly recommend this biography on Owen, and pray it will help readers to understand the influence Owen’s life and thought continues to have today on the Church.
Title: The Trinitarian Devotion of John Owen
Author: Sinclair Ferguson
Publisher: Reformation Trust (2014)
I received this book for free from Reformation Trust for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.