A26974:828
Of justification four disputations clearing and amicably defending the truth against the unnecessary oppositions…
Of justification four disputations clearing and amicably defending the truth against the unnecessary oppositions of divers learned and reverend brethren / by Richard Baxter ...
London: printed by R.W. for Nevil Simmons, 1658
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.
Answ. 1. Not with that Righteousness by which he justifieth them. 2. Not Righteousness simply, absolutely or universally, but only secundum quid, with a particular Righteousness. 3. This particular Righteousness is but the means to possess them of Christs Righteousness, by which they are materially and fully justified. 4. There is not a moments distance of time between them: For as soon as we believe and repent we are made partakers of Christ and his Righteousness, by a mere resultancy from the Promise of the Gospel. 5. Who denieth that we have Faith and Repentance before Justification?
Answ. 1. Not with that Righteousness by which he justifieth them. 2. Not Righteousness simply, absolutely or universally, but only secundum quid, with a particular Righteousness. 3. This particular Righteousness is but the means to possess them of Christs Righteousness, by which they are materially and fully justified. 4. There is not a moments distance of time between them: For as soon as we believe and repent we are made partakers of Christ and his Righteousness, by a meer resultancy from the Promise of the Gospel. 5. Who denyeth that we have Faith and Repentance before Justification?
Object. 3. But according to this Doctrine we are justified before we are justified: For he that is Righteous is constituted just, and so is justifiable in Judgement, which is to be justified in Law.
Answ. Very true: But we are as is said, made just or justified but with a particular, and not an universal Righteousness; which will not denominate the person simply a Righteous or justified person: we are so far cured of our former Infidelity and Impenitency, that we are true penitent Believers before our sins are pardoned by the Promise: and so we are in order of nature (not of time) first justifiable against the false Accusation, that we are impenitent Unbelievers, before we are justifiable against the true accusation of all our sins, and desert of Hell. He that by inherent Faith and Repentance is not first justifiable against the former false charge, cannot by the blood