A Golden Chain

Thus much of the parts of Predestination. Now follows the use thereof: and it concerns partly our judgements, partly our affections, and partly our lives. The uses which concern judgement are three. And first by the doctrine of Predestination we learn that there cannot be any justification of a sinner before God by his works. For Gods election is the cause of justification, because whom God electeth to salvation after this life, them he electeth to be justified in this life. Now election it self is of grace and of grace alone, as Paul saith,¹ Election is by grace, and if it be of grace, it is no more of works: or else were grace no grace: therefore justification is of grace and of grace alone: & I reason thus. The cause of a cause is the cause of all things caused: but grace alone is the cause of predestination, which is the cause of our vocation, justification ⟨p. 474⟩sanctification, &c. Grace therefore is also the alone cause of all these. Therefore the Scriptures ascribe not only the beginning, but also the continuance and accomplishment of all our happiness to grace. For first, as election, so vocation is of grace. Paul saith,² God hath called us not according to our works, but according to his purpose and grace. Again, faith in Christ is of grace. So it is said, To you it is given to believe in Christ. ³Also the justification of a sinner is of grace. So Paul saith plainly to the Romans: you are justified freely by his grace. Again, sanctification and the doing of good works is of grace. So it is said,⁴ We are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath ordained that we should walk in them. ⁵Also perseverance in good works and godliness is of grace. So the Lord saith,⁶ I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will never turn away from them to do them good, but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me. Lastly, life everlasting is of grace. So Paul saith,