Mortification from a self-strength, carried on by ways of self-invention, unto the end of a self-righteousness, is the soul and substance of all false religion in the world.–John Owen, Overcoming Sin and Temptation (Wheaton: Crossway, 2006), 47.

In this wonderfully crafted, multi-faceted treatment of the killing of sin in believers, Owen accurately describes what the mortification of sin is and what it is not, striking a fatal blow to all false religion.

False Religion consists of:

1. Self-strength – the error of Pelagius
2. Self-invention – denying the work and need of the Holy Spirit to work His good pleasure. Confer the words of Augustine: “Grant what Thou commandest, and command what Thou dost desire.” Ironically enough, this is the very statement of Augustine’s that Pelagius took exception with because it does not affirm self-strength.
3. Self-righteousness – we are made wholly righteous because of Christ’s righteousness, not and never our own.

The mortification of sin in false religions focuses on self. Mortification of sin in the Christian religion focuses on God as the strength, the inventor (means) and the end.