A26923:1063
An end of doctrinal controversies which have lately troubled the churches
An end of doctrinal controversies which have lately troubled the churches by reconciling explication without much disputing. Written by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for John Salusbury, 1691
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
§. 7. Therefore justifying Faith is not Assurance that we are justified; otherwise all should have assurance that have Faith; and justifying Faith in order of Nature, goeth before Justification, but Assurance that we are justified, followeth it; we cannot be assured that we are justified, but by being assured that we believe: But it's absurd to say, [I am assured I am justified, because I am assured that I am justified.] But this is only against the Antinomians.
§. 7. Therefore justifying Faith is not Assurance that we are justified; otherwise all should have assurance that have Faith; and justifying Faith in order of Nature, goeth before Iustification, but Assurance that we are justified, followeth it; we cannot be assured that we are justified, but by being assured that we believe: But it's absurd to say, [I am assured I am justified, because I am assured that I am justified.] But this is only against the Antinomians.
§. 8. No man hath perfect Assurance, that is the highest degree in this Life: For if all our Graces be imperfect, our Assurance must needs be imperfect.
§. 9. IV. This Assurance then is not properly Divine Faith, or a Belief of God's Word; but it is a clear and satisfying perception of our own Justification, because we are clearly satisfied, that God's Promises are true, and that we are true Believers.