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Mortification can seem like a somber hard truth that really has no life in it. But the opposite is true. It is essential to Christianity and the very life of Jesus Christ flows in us as this holy practice is done in our lives. Here is the forward I wrote:
In our modern church age there are a multitude of books being written on every topic imaginable. The sheer volume of this amassed information is almost overwhelming for any modern follower of Christ. Sadly it is not just the volume of these books, but the quality which has been the major problem.
Anyone these days can have their book published and this allows for messages of least-need to be universally available. What the old Puritans could say in one paragraph, modern writers try and say in an entire book! In most cases, my leading from the Lord has been to read volumes from the 15-20th centuries, and rarely have I spent time and energy reading modern volumes.
It was A.W. Tozer that gave the good advice that for every modern book we read, we should peruse 10 older ones.
So when it comes to giving a commendation to modern works I am slow and hesitant at best. Yet when asked to write a short foreword to this book on “Understanding Mortification” my answer was a resounding and immediate, “Yes!”
One of the missing jewels of modern Evangelicalism is the doctrine of mortification.
Addressing the element of mortification as a particular aspect of spiritual warfare is not only helpful, it is crucial. To even be aware of the fact that we are in a spiritual war with ‘principalities and powers’ (Ephesians 6:12) is half the victory in itself.
The author, Paul West, sheds light on topics such as legalism, temptations, depression, victory over sin, and many other subjects of importance to the Christian walk. Written in the same spirit as the classic treatise, “The Christian in Complete Armor” by William Gurnall, this book offers answers for many struggling young Christian minds on the subject of mortification. If one has not heard of this old volume by Gurnall, it is a whopping 1000 pages of puritanical instruction on how to prevail in our warfare with our enemy, Satan.
“Understanding Mortification” I believe, could be a modern primer to this larger work, and will be helpful to many who are struggling in their Christian walk and who have a desire to be in victory.
Jesus Christ is the source of all life, and this is the same for this subject. Christian victory and the putting to death of the flesh (2 Corinthians 7:1) must be centered upon the very person of Jesus Christ and His power. This will keep us from legalism, self-effort and trying to obtain victory over the flesh with the flesh. Such battles can never be won.
Paul West keeps us on the clear path to victory by the New Covenant promises given in Christ Jesus and His life in the believer. May this volume be a balm to many a weary soul on their pilgrim journey to the heavenly city. The fight may be fierce at times, so let us wage warfare with valiant hearts full of the enabling power of God’s Holy Spirit. God is for us (Romans 8:31), the Holy Angels are for us (Hebrews 1:14), and saints of all ages have gone on before us (Hebrews 12:1). Let us take courage and follow in their way till the end. |
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