Christ the Efficient Cause of Faith and Sanctification | John Owen

Reformed Thinking · Oct 4, 2026 · 47m

Deep Dive into The Death of Death in the Death of Christ by John Owen - Of Sanctification, and of the Cause of Faith, and the Procurement thereof by the Death of Christ

John Owen argues that the death of Christ serves as the exclusive and effective cause of sanctification and faith for a specific group of people. By comparing Old Testament sacrifices to the work of Jesus, he asserts that just as ancient types purified a particular nation, Christ’s sacrifice spiritually cleanses only those for whom it was intended. He maintains that since faith is a gift purchased by Christ's blood and not all…