much less can men not professing the Christian religion be saved in any other way whatsoever, be they ever so diligent to frame their lives according to the light of nature, and the law of that religion they do' profess; and to assert and maintain that they may, is very pernicious, and to be detested.* CHAP. XI.-Of Justification. I. THOSE whom God effectually calleth he also freely justifieth;" sins, and by accounting and accepting their persons as righteous: not for any thing wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ's sake alone: not by imputing faith itself, the act of believing, or any other evangelical obedience, to them as their righteousness; but by imputing the obedience and satisfaction of Christ unto them, they receiving and with him. John viii. 24. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in for if ye believe not that your sins; I am he, ye shall die in your sins. Acts iv. 12. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. John xiv. 6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Eph. ii. 12. That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. John iv. 22. Ye worship ye know not what; we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. John xvii. 3. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. t2 John, ver. 9. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. Ver. 10. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: Ver. 11. For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. 1 Cor. xvi. 22. If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. Gal. i. 6. I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Ver. 7. Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. Ver. 8. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. I. Rom. viii. 30. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called; and whom he called, them he also justified; and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Rom. iii. 24. Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. b Rom. iv. 5. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Ver. 6. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Ver. Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Ver. 8. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. 2 Cor. v. 19. To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Ver. 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Rom. iii. 22. Even the righteousness of God, which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe; for there is no difference. Ver. 24. Being justified freely by his grace, resting on him and his righteousness by faith: which faith they have not of themselves; it is the gift of God. II. Faith, thus receiving and resting on Christ and his righteousness, is the alone instrument of justification; yet is it not alone in the person justified, but is ever accompanied with all other saving graces, and is no dead faith, but worketh by love.⚫ men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: Ver. 39. And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. Eph. ii. 7. That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace, in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. Ver. 8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. III. Christ, by his obedience and death, did fully discharge the debt of all those that are thus justified, and did make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to his Father's justice in their behalf. Yet, in as much through the redemption that is in them which heard the word. Gal ii. Christ Jesus; Ver. 25. Whom God 16. Knowing that a man is not justihath set forth to be a propitiation fied by the works of the law, but by through faith in his blood, to declare the faith of Jesus Christ, even we his righteousness for the remission have believed in Jesus Christ, that of sins that are past, through the for- we might be justified by the faith of bearance of God; Ver. 27. Where is Christ, and not by the works of the boasting then? It is excluded. By law: for by the works of the law what law of works? Nay; but by shall no flesh be justified. Phil. iii. the law of faith. Ver. 28. There- 9. And be found in him, not having fore we conclude, that a man is justi- mine own righteousness, which is of fied by faith without the deeds of the the law, but that which is through law. Tit. iii. 5. Not by works of the faith of Christ, the righteousness righteousness which we have done, which is of God by faith. Acts xiii. but according to his mercy he saved 38. Be it known unto you, therefore, us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Ver. Y. That, being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Eph. i. 7. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. Jer. xxiii. 6. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. 1 Cor. i. 30. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: Ver. 31. That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. Rom. v. 17. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace, and of the gift of righteousness, shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ: Ver. 18. Therefore, as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. Ver. 19. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners; so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Acts x. 44. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all II. d John i. 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Rom. iii. 28. Therefore we conclude, that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Rom. v. i. Therefore, bcing justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. • James ii. 17. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Ver. 22. Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? Ver. 26. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. Gal. v. 6. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. III. Rom. v. 8. But God commendeth as he was given by the Father for them, and his obedience and satisfaction accepted in their stead, and both freely, not for any thing in them, their justification is only of free grace; that both the exact justice and rich grace of God might be glorified in the justification of sinners.k IV. God did, from all eternity, decree to justify all the elect;1 and soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. Ver. 11. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Ver. 12. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. 8 Rom. viii. 32. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? h 2 Cor. v. 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Matt. iii. 17. And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Eph. v. 2. And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Ver. 9. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. Ver. 10. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son; much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. Ver. 19. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners; so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 1 Tim. ii. 5. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Ver. 6. Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Heb. x. 10. By the which will we are sanctified, through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Ver. 14. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Dan. ix. 24. Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people, and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Ver. 26. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. Isa. liii. 4. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. Ver. 5. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are IV. Gal. iii. 8. And the scripture, healed. Ver. 6. All we, like sheep, foreseeing that God would justify the have gone astray; we have turned heathen through faith, preached beevery one to his own way: and the fore the gospel unto Abraham, saying, Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of In thee shall all nations be blessed. us all. Ver. 10. Yet it pleased the 1 Pet. i. 2. Elect according to the foreLord to bruise him; he hath put him knowledge of God the Father, through to grief: when thou shalt make his sanctification of the Spirit, unto obe Rom. iii. 24. Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Eph. i. 7. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. Rom. iii. 26. To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness; that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Eph. ii. 7. That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace, in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. Christ did, in the fulness of time, die for their sins, and rise again for their justification: nevertheless they are not justified. until the Holy Spirit doth in due time actually apply Christ unto them." V. God doth continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified: and although they can never fall from the state of justification, yet they may by their sins fall under God's fatherly displeasure, and not have the light of his countenance restored unto them, until they humble themselves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith and repentance. q dience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. Ver. 19. But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Ver. 20. Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you. Rom. viii. 30. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called; and whom he called, them he also justified; and whom he justified, them he also glorified. m Gal. iv. 4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law. 1 Tim. ii. 6. Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Rom. iv. 25. Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Col. i. 21. And you, that were sometime alienated, and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled Ver. 22. In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy, and unblameable, and unreproveable in his sight. Gal. ii. 16. [Sce letter immediately foregoing.] Tit. iii. 4. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Ver. 5. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Ver. 6. Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; Ver. 7. That, being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. V. Matt. vi. 12. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. I Johni. 7. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. Ver. 9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1John ii. 1. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: Ver. 2. And he is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. P Luke xxii. 32. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. John x. 28. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hand. Heb. x. 14. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 9 Ps. lxxxix. 31. If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments; Ver. 32. Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. Ver. 33. Nevertheless my loving-kindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. Ps. li. 7. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Ver. 8. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Ver. 9. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Ver. 10. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Vér. 11. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Ver. 12. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free Spirit. Ps. xxxii. 5. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Matt. xxvi. 75. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thricé. And he went out, and wept bitterly. 1 Cor. xi. 30. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. Ver. 32. But when we are VI. The justification of believers under the Old Testament was, in all these respects, one and the same with the justification of believers under the New Testament." I. CHAP. XII.—Of Adoption. ALL those that are justified, God vouchsafeth, in and for his only Son Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the grace of adoption: by which they are taken into the number, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of God; have his name put upon them, receive the Spirit of adoption; have access to the throne of grace with boldness; are enabled to cry, Abba, Father;' are pitied, protected, judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. Luke. i. 20. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. VI. Gal. iii. 9. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. Ver. 13. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: Ver. 14. That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Rom. iv. 22. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Ver. 23. Now, it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; Ver. 24. But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead. Heb. xiii. 8. Jesus Christ the same yes. terday, and to-day, and for ever. I. Eph. i. 5. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. Gal. iv. 4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, Ver. 5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Rom. viii. 17. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. John i. 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Jer. xiv. 9. Yet thou, O Lord, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not. 2 Cor. vi. 18. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Rev. iii. 12. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God; and I will write upon him my new name. d Rom. viii. 15. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Eph. iii. 12. In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Rom. v. 2. Ry whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Gal. iv. 6. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Ps. ciii. 13. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. h Prov. xiv. 26. In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence; and his children shall have a place of refuge. |