Owen: testing faith

Sunday, December 26, 2021
    Feast of Stephen, Deacon, First Martyr
Meditation:
    When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
    —Hebrews 6:13-15 (NIV)
Quotation:
    Some relate ... that the eagle tries the eyes of her young by turning them to the sun; which if they cannot look steadily on, she rejects them as spurious. We may truly try our faith by immediate intuitions of the Sun of Righteousness. Direct faith to act itself immediately and directly on the incarnation of Christ and His mediation; and if it be not the right kind and race it will turn its eyes aside to anything else.
    ... John Owen (1616-1683), A Discourse Concerning Holy Spirit, bk. VI-IX [1674], in Works of John Owen, v. IV, London: Johnson & Hunter, 1852, p. 323 (see the book)
    See also Heb. 6:13-15; Ps. 66:10-12; Isa. 48:10; Jas. 1:2-4,12; 1 Pet. 1:7; 4:12-13
Quiet time reflection:
    Increase my faith, Lord, so that it will stand the test. CQOD    Blog    email    RSS
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