Communion with God

Communion with God details the practical aspects of a Christian's relationship with each person of the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The text breaks down the unique ways believers can interact with and experience God in His three persons. Owen presents systematic arguments for how Christians can cultivate fellowship with God through specific spiritual practices and biblical meditation. His work maps out both the theological foundations and real-world applications of divine communion. The book progresses through distinct sections examining love, grace, consolation and other aspects of relationship with each member of the Trinity. Owen draws heavily from scripture while maintaining accessibility for readers seeking to deepen their spiritual lives. This 17th century Puritan classic remains relevant for modern readers exploring the intersection of doctrine and devotion. The text's emphasis on experiential faith within orthodox boundaries offers a framework for understanding intimate relationship with God.

Readers praise Owen's deep theological insights into relationship with God, though many find the writing dense and difficult. Multiple reviews note the book requires slow, careful reading due to Owen's verbose 17th century style. What readers liked: - Biblical depth and doctrinal precision - Practical applications for spiritual growth - Clear explanation of communion with each person of the Trinity - Balance of intellectual and devotional content What readers disliked: - Complex sentence structure - Outdated language and phrasing - Length and repetition - Requires multiple readings to grasp concepts Ratings: Goodreads: 4.5/5 (243 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (168 ratings) Sample review: "Owen takes time to unfold but rewards patient reading. His insights into fellowship with Father, Son and Spirit transformed my prayer life." - Goodreads reviewer Another notes: "The archaic English made this a challenge, but the rich theology was worth the effort." - Amazon reviewer

The Glory of Christ by John Owen This meditation on the person of Christ explores His divine nature and the believer's relationship with Him through scriptural exposition and theological reflection.

Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards The text examines true spiritual experience and the marks of genuine faith through systematic analysis of biblical doctrine and human psychology.

The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer This work presents the attributes of God and their implications for Christian worship through biblical examination and theological discourse.

The Doctrine of Sanctification by James Pettigrew Boyce The book outlines the process of Christian growth and fellowship with God through theological exposition and practical application of scripture.

The Love of God by Bernard of Clairvaux This medieval treatise explores the nature of divine love and its manifestation in the believer's life through contemplative reflection and biblical analysis.

🔹 John Owen wrote "Communion with God" in 1657 while serving as Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University, during a time when Puritans faced significant persecution in England. 🔹 The book explores the distinct ways believers commune with each Person of the Trinity - enjoying love from the Father, grace from the Son, and comfort from the Holy Spirit. 🔹 Despite its profound theological depth, Owen originally wrote this work as a series of sermons for ordinary church members, not scholars or clergy. 🔹 The ideas in "Communion with God" significantly influenced later writers like J.I. Packer, who credited the book with shaping his understanding of Christian spirituality and the Trinity. 🔹 Though Owen was known for complex writing, this particular work was later simplified and modernized by R.J.K. Law in 1991, making it more accessible to contemporary readers while preserving its core message.