3. The grace of God which the Scripture commends, as to our Justification is imputed grace, not inherent, evangelical grace which justifieth us, is external, though by faith received into us, and made ours. And this is greatly to be observed, for what godly man, when he goeth for Justification and consolation, doth not more attend to inherent grace, than imputed? This truth is the very heart and marrow of the Gospel. It is about this that there is so much doctrinal and practical contending, Whether grace inherent in us, or imputed to us, be that which we must rest upon, and lean upon, when God enters into judgement with us? We say only imputed grace; others say, inherent; and that because the Apostle excludeth works; not only meritorious work, but godly ⟨p. 107⟩works, works of grace done by us. And here now the Adversaries seem to insult, saying, The Apostle excludeth works only of the Law, such as are done by our natural strength, or perfect works, or works that merit; but this is to distinguish where the Scripture doth not; and whereas it is said, that the works of grace cannot be opposed to grace, because they flow from it, they are effects of it. It's answered, that works of grace cannot indeed be opposed to that principle of grace within us, from whence they are said to flow; but they are opposed to that grace, which is said to be the effect of them, viz. Justification and remission of sins. So that though works of grace do not oppose internal renovation, yet they do justification, which they say is produced by them. Again, whereas they say, That none extol grace more than they do, because they make grace inherent to make us accepted of with God. Whereas the Protestants debate it, denying it this noble work. For (say they) will not grace be most advanced in Heaven, when we shall be justified by that perfection of holiness which is within us? But to this also it's answered, That it's imputed grace, which is Evangelical grace, and that we are to exalt in this life. In Heaven indeed this Evangelical and imputed grace will cease, though all glory will be given to that, because by it we are brought to perfect inherent grace.
3. The grace of God which the Scripture commends, as to our Justification is imputed grace, not inherent, evangelical grace which justifieth us, is external, though by faith received into us, and made ours. And this is greatly to be observed, for what godly man, when he goeth for Justification and consolation, doth not more attend to inherent grace, than imputed? This truth is the very heart and marrow of the Gospel. It is about this that there is so much doctrinal and practical contending, Whether grace inherent in us, or imputed to us, be that which we must rest upon, and lean upon, when God enters into judgement with us? We say only imputed grace; others say, inherent; and that because the Apostle excludeth works; not only meritorious work, but godly ⟨p. 107⟩works, works of grace done by us. And here now the Adversaries seem to insult, saying, The Apostle excludeth works only of the Law, such as are done by our natural strength, or perfect works, or works that merit; but this is to distinguish where the Scripture doth not; and whereas it is said, that the works of grace cannot be opposed to grace, because they flow from it, they are effects of it. It's answered, that works of grace cannot indeed be opposed to that principle of grace within us, from whence they are said to flow; but they are opposed to that grace, which is said to be the effect of them, viz. Justification and remission of sins. So that though works of grace do not oppose internal renovation, yet they do justification, which they say is produced by them. Again, whereas they say, That none extoll grace more than they do, because they make grace inherent to make us accepted of with God. Whereas the Protestants debate it, denying it this noble work. For (say they) will not grace be most advanced in Heaven, when we shall be justified by that perfection of holiness which is within us? But to this also it's answered, That it's imputed grace, which is Evangelical grace, and that we are to exalt in this life. In Heaven indeed this Evangelical and imputed grace will cease, though all glory will be given to that, because by it we are brought to perfect inherent grace.
