The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

Wherefore the inquiry of the Apostle and his determination thereon, is concerning the causes of our Justification before God. This he declares and fixeth both Positively and Negatively. Positively (1.) In the supreme moving Cause on the part of God. This is that free sovereign Grace and Love of his, which he illustrates by its adjuncts and properties before mentioned. (2.) In the meritorious procuring cause of it, which is Jesus Christ in the Work of his Mediation, as the Ordinance of God for the rendering this Grace effectual unto his Glory, Ver. 7, 13, 16. (3.) In the only means or instrumental cause on our part, which is Faith. By Grace are ye saved through Faith, Ver. 8. And lest he should seem to derogate any thing from the Grace of God, in asserting the necessity and use of Faith, he adds, That Epanorthosis, and that not of our selves, it is the gift of God. The communication of this Faith unto us is no less of Grace then is the Justification which we obtain thereby. So hath he secured the whole Work unto the Grace of God through Christ, wherein we are interested by Faith alone.

Wherefore the inquiry of the Apostle and his determination thereon, is concerning the causes of our Justification before God. This he declares and fixeth both Positively and Negatively. Positively (1.) In the supream moving Cause on the part of God. This is that free sovereign Grace and Love of his, which he illustrates by its adjuncts and properties before mentioned. (2.) In the meritorious procuring cause of it, which is Jesus Christ in the Work of his Mediation, as the Ordinance of God for the rendring this Grace effectual unto his Glory, Ver. 7, 13, 16. (3.) In the only means or instrumental cause on our part, which is Faith. By Grace are ye saved through Faith, Ver. 8. And lest he should seem to derogate any thing from the Grace of God, in asserting the necessity and use of Faith, he adds, That Epanorthosis, and that not of our selves, it is the gift of God. The communication of this Faith unto us is no less of Grace then is the Justification which we obtain thereby. So hath he secured the whole Work unto the Grace of God through Christ, wherein we are interested by Faith alone.

But not content herewith, he describes this work Negatively, or adds an exclusion of what might be pretended to have a concernment therein. And therein three things are stated distinctly. (1.) What it is he so excludes. (2.) The Reason whereon he doth so. (3.) The confirmation of that Reason, wherein he obviates an objection that might arise thereon.