John Owen’s Complete Works (Volume 28: The Church, the Scriptures, and the Sacraments) is a comprehensive and erudite study of some of the most basic tenets of Reformed church polity and theology of the sacraments. This book, which is a part of Crossway’s series on Owen’s collected works, offers the readers a detailed understanding of the theological and practical issues related to the nature of the church, the authority of the scripture, and the right dispensation of the sacraments. Owen’s detailed explanation and logical reasoning are indicative of his adherence to biblical and confessional approach to these vital truths.

The volume is divided into three main parts, each of which is devoted to a particular aspect of Owen’s theological production. The first section deals with the characteristics and signs of the true church. Here, Owen carefully outlines the scriptural understanding of the church and then shows how various heresies have developed over the course of history. He stresses the need for discipline in the church, the sanctity of worship, and the need to maintain biblical standards in the church’s operations. The second part is devoted to the doctrine of Scripture, in which Owen expounds the inerrancy and sufficiency of the Holy Scripture. He also discusses the problems arising from various heresies and emphasizes the sufficiency of the Scripture as the only standard of faith and practice. The last part deals with the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s supper, explaining the meaning of these sacraments, how they should be administered, and the blessings that believers receive when these sacraments are rightly performed.

John Owen is considered one of the greatest Puritan theologians; he was a writer and a pastor who left a great legacy in the Reformed tradition. Owen was born in 1616 and he was a chaplain in the English Civil War, a preacher to the Parliament and the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. He has written extensively on soteriology, ecclesiology, pneumatology and many others. Owen’s academic training and his pastoral experience give him a solid ground to speak and write as an expert in theology especially in the reformed tradition.

The material of this volume is not only theologically dense but also highly applicable to the existence of the church. Owen’s analysis of the church’s nature and marks gives a clear and scriptural understanding of what it means to be part of the true church. His emphasis on the inerrancy of the Bible is a timely word to the church today where many are being enticed to compromise the Word of God. In addition, Owen’s handling of the sacraments reveals their significance in the life of the believer, not as a mere formality, but as a way in which God communicates with and sustains His people.

The use of the Bible in the book is perfect, as Owen supports all his statements with references to the Scripture. He often uses biblical references to back his arguments and spends a lot of time explaining the implications of certain passages. For this reason, the book is a rich source of information for those who want to study these doctrines from the Bible. Owen’s focus on the text of Scripture guarantees that his conclusions are not rooted in human reasoning but in the Word of God.

In particular, this volume is a useful resource for pastors. It offers a strong theological framework for comprehending the character of the church, the place of the Bible, and the importance of the sacraments. Owen’s comprehensive approach to these subjects can help pastors in catechizing their people, sermon preparation, and answering theological issues that may come up in ministry. The book’s focus on the purity of worship and the right handling of the sacraments is especially helpful for pastors who want to ensure the sanctity of the church’s activities.

It will also be of great benefit to laymen. Despite the fact that the language and the concepts used in the book may be rather complex at times, the book is filled with valuable information that can help a person gain a better understanding of the church and the sacraments. For those who are willing to devote time and effort to reading this volume, it can greatly enhance their spiritual lives and help them better understand the church’s part in God’s plan of salvation.

The physical quality of the book is good, the binding is strong and the cover design is appropriate for the subject matter of the book. The volume is a part of a series and is designed to fit the other volumes in the series and therefore is a good addition to any theological library. The structure is logical and the text is divided into sections with headings and subheadings to facilitate the understanding of the material.

When read alongside other Reformed documents like Calvin’s Institutes or the Westminster Standards, Owen’s volume can be helpful for getting a broader view of Reformed ecclesiology and sacramentology. The depth of Owen’s analysis is helpful in supplementing the general surveys offered by other theologians, and this book is a useful addition to the library of anyone studying these doctrines in detail.

Therefore, John Owen’s Complete Works (Volume 28: The Church, the Scriptures, and the Sacraments) is a valuable tool for anyone studying Reformed theology. The extensive focus on the church, Scripture, and the sacraments, along with Owen’s dedication to the authority of Scripture, makes it a work that remains relevant for the church today.

I would like to state that I was provided with John Owen’s Complete Works (Volume 28: The Church, the Scriptures, and the Sacraments) by Crossway for the purpose of an honest review and I have not been paid for this review.

In conclusion, John Owen’s Complete Works (Volume 28: The Church, the Scriptures, and the Sacraments) is an essential resource for anyone interested in Reformed theology. Its detailed treatment of the church, Scripture, and the sacraments, combined with Owen’s commitment to biblical authority, makes it a timeless work that continues to speak to the church today.

“I received John Owen’s Complete Works (Volume 28: The Church, the Scriptures, and the Sacraments) by Crossway for the purpose of an unbiased review. I have not received any compensation for providing a positive review. My opinions are entirely my own and reflect my sincere evaluation of the book.”

Book Details:

Publisher: Crossway

Title: John Owen’s Complete Works (Volume 28: The Church, the Scriptures, and the Sacraments)

Author: John Owen