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Evidences of the Faith of the Elect

John Owen

John Owen (1616-1683) was an important theologian, minister, and advocate of the congregational form of church government in England. Educated at Oxford, he was a confessed Puritan, seeking reform in the established Church as a parish minister (1643-51). At first a presbyterian, he became an "Independent" congregationalist, or "Nonconformist", and rose in influence with the parliamentary rebellion of Cromwell, being appointed vice-chancellor of Oxford. After 1660, he continued to write and lead in support of nonconformity with the English Church as a congregational minister in London.

A fourfold examination of faith and the evidence of its reality in believers.

This treatise, titled "Gospel Grounds and Evidences of the Faith of God's Elect", was published in 1695, twelve years after Owen's death. "It is an inquiry...into the evidences on which the elect of God, in any process of self-scrutiny, may ascertain the reality of their own faith." Four evidences are discussed - a "fourfold development or operation" in the hearts of believers:

    1. Acceptance of God's way of salvation for sinners
    2. Acceptance of the will of God in regard to holiness and obedience
    3. Guarding of the mind and exercise of worship
    4. Genuine repentance and penitential feeling

    Throughout there is keen observation of human nature and psychology, in this treatise which has been called "an admirable manual for self-examination."

Church History

Puritan