The Scripture Gospel defended, and Christ, grace, and free justification vindicated against the libertines…

Cont. 37. Is there any such thing as a Justifying us against Satan's false accusations: As that a believer is no believer, impenitent, an hypocrite, &c. Some say the Devil will not be so foolish, knowing that God knoweth all.

Cont. 37. Is there any such thing as a Justifying us against Satans false accusations: As that a believer is no believer, impenitent, an hypocrite, &c. Some say the Devil will not be so foolish, knowing that God knoweth all.

Ans. If Justification relate not to Accusation, Divines have hitherto much wronged the Church in maintaining it so commonly as they have done. If it do, 1. It is either to a true or a false accusation. Against a true accusation no man can be justified, but must confess the charge. If it be said that we sinned, and that this sin deserved death, it must •e confessed, and we cannot be justified directly against this charge: For Guilt and Righteousness cann•t consist as to the same particular cause. But if it be said 1. That we are unbelievers, impenitent, hypocrites, &c. 2. Or that we have no part in Christ, 3. Or that we are not pardoned, accepted, reconciled and adopted for his meritorious righteousness and intercession, and were not thus constituted just; 4. And that therefore we have no right to life, but ought to be condemned: All these are false accusations against which we may and must be justified.

2. And Satan is a Liar and a Murderer and the accuser of the brethren: And his knowledge hindered not his malice from falsely accusing Job to God himself, nor from tempting Christ himself to the most odious sin.

2. And Satan is a Lyar and a Murderer and the accuser of the brethren: And his knowledge hindred not his malice from falsly accusing Job to God himself, nor from tempting Christ himself to the most odious sin.