The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

By JOHN OWEN, D.D.

Search the Scriptures, Joh. 5.39.

LONDON, Printed for R. Boulter, at the Turks-head over against the Royal-Exchange in Corn-hill, 1677.

TO THE READER.

I Shall not need to detain the Reader with an Account of the nature and moment of that Doctrine which is the entire subject of the ensuing Discourse. For although sundry Persons, even among our selves, have various Apprehensions concerning it, yet that the knowledge of the Truth therein is of the highest Importance unto the Souls of men, is on all hands agreed unto. Nor indeed is it possible that any man who knows himself to be a sinner, and obnoxious thereon to the Judgment of God, but he must desire to have some knowledge of it, as that alone whereby the way of delivery from the evil state and condition wherein he finds himself, is revealed. There are I confess, multitudes in the World, who although they cannot avoid some general Convictions of sin, as also of the Consequents of it; yet do fortify their minds against a practical Admission of such Conclusions, as in a just consideration of things do necessarily and unavoidably ensue thereon. Such Persons wilfully deluding themselves with vain hopes and imaginations, do never once seriously enquire by what way or means they may obtain peace with God and Acceptance before him, which in comparison of the present enjoyment of the pleasures of sin, they value not at all. And it is in vain to recommend the Doctrine of Justification unto them, who neither desire nor endeavour to be justified. But where any Persons are really made sensible of their Apostasy from God, of the evil of their natures and lives, with the dreadful consequences that attend thereon in the wrath of God and eternal punishment due unto sin, they cannot well judge themselves more concerned in any thing, than in the knowledge of that divine way whereby they may be delivered from this condition. And the minds of such Persons stand in no need of Arguments to satisfy them in the Importance of this Doctrine; their own concernment in it is sufficient to that purpose. And I shall assure them, that in the handling of it from first to last, I have