Apostasy from the Gospel-Abrig:

[[ASIN:0851516092 Apostasy from the Gospel (Puritan Paperbacks: Treasures of John Owen for Today's Readers)] Reading the abridged edition of this book (recommended) by R.J.K. Law is quite helpful in sorting out the great Biblical truths that John Owen shares. Full of Scripture references and important definitions with distinctives allows this composition to be a crucial read in a church age when warnings and admonitions are tossed away as "legalism" or "just being too hard and lacking grace". Owen's long first chapter, "The Nature And Causes Of Apostasy", reveals four great privileges that do not accompany salvation (Heb. 6:4-6): 1) spiritual illumination; 2) tasting the heavenly gift; 3) partakers of the Holy Spirit; 4) and tasting the good Word of God. This section reveals the important distinctions between the sincere/insincere (read William Gurnall, The Christian In Complete Armor - Book 2). The author (Owen) cogently states, "Many are partakers of Him in spiritual gifts who are never partakers of Him in His saving graces." The falling away refers to a persistent rebellion and disobedience to God and His Word, declares the author. Owen further states that people have difficulties with the Gospel and even forsake it, because of a "rooted enmity in our minds to all spiritual things." (Rom. 8:7). Therefore, when evangelical truths are in Owen's words, "...pressed against the consciences of men...," this enmity rises in our hearts in rebellion and rejection against such truth. The aim of Biblical truth is to get the eyes of men off of themselves and their own righteousness, "for present peace and future glory." As eyes are trained on Christ and His righteousness, corrupt minds are renewed, "wills and desires of sinful men into the image and likeness of God." The practice of such empowers a life to wholehearted and holy obedience to God. The beckoning call to mankind of these truths is to renounce (2 Cor. 4:2): a) faith in our selves; b) our own self sufficiency; c) our self determination; d) our own self righteousness. When these dimensions are aroused by truth that "old enmity lurking in our hearts is immediately aroused like some venomous snake ready to strike at the whole Gospel" - therefore spiritual truths received only by the mind are first neglected and finally forsaken. As Owen closes this segment, he asserts that the danger of apostasy (falling away from the faith - not finishing the race) is always present; unless this enmity and love is for it is rooted out of our hearts. If not, people will forsake the gospel for other things and fall away in time of persecution. It is of this concern, Owen insists, we must focus our awareness that Biblical doctrine must understood by the mind, loved by the heart, and joyfully submitted to in our will. A must read and the abridged version is easier to read for those learning to track with Puritan writings. The reader will discover the various forms of apostasy delineated in Scripture w

This books examines what the Church today and in it's history has ignored "Apostasy", mainly those false doctrines, those who call themselves "christians" but by their fruit and results arent. As with every Owen work, exposition is clear and his knowledge of God's Word is incredibly shown. Although he was writing against the biggest apostasy of his time (which still lingers in ours) Roman Catholic Church, it's principles are applicable to the whole dispensation of the Church. Other good books I have find on this theme are The Truth War, John MacArthur which takes an historical as well as a modern view of the apostasies of our times. Also JC Ryle's 1800's classic "Warnings to the Churches". We often forget the many warnings our Lord gave against false teachers, doctrines, etc. they fill the whole of scripture. Our biggest discernment tool like JC Ryle once wrote is pure Bible study, diligence in searching Him in the Scriptures.