The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

3. Neither the Consideration of these Offices themselves, nor of any of the peculiar Acts of them, are suited to give the Souls and Consciences of convinced Sinners, that Relief ⟨p. 166⟩which they seek after in Justification. We are not in this whole cause to lose out of our Eye, the state of the Person who is to be justified, and what it is he doth seek after, and ought to seek after, therein. Now this is Pardon of Sin, and Righteousness before God alone. That therefore, which is no way suited to give or tender this Relief unto him, is not, nor can be the Object of his Faith, whereby he is justified in that exercise of it, whereon his justification doth depend. This Relief it will be said, is to be had in Christ alone; it is true, but under what Consideration? For the sole design of the Sinner, is how he may be accepted with God, be at peace with him, have all his wrath turned away, by a Propitiation or Atonement. Now this can no otherwise be done, but by the acting of some one, towards God, and with God on his behalf; for it is about the turning away of Gods Anger, and Acceptance with him, that the enquiry is made. It is by the Blood of Christ, that we are made nigh, who were far off; Eph. 2.13. By the Blood of Christ are we Reconciled who were Enemies; v. 16. By the Blood of Christ we have Redemption. Rom. 3.24, 25. Eph. 1.7. &c. This therefore, is the Object of Faith.

3. Neither the Consideration of these Offices themselves, nor of any of the peculiar Acts of them, are suited to give the Souls and Consciences of convinced Sinners, that Relief ⟨p. 166⟩which they seek after in Justification. We are not in this whole cause to lose out of our Eye, the state of the Person who is to be justified, and what it is he doth seek after, and ought to seek after, therein. Now this is Pardon of Sin, and Righteousness before God alone. That therefore, which is no way suited to give or tender this Relief unto him, is not, nor can be the Object of his Faith, whereby he is justified in that exercise of it, whereon his justification doth depend. This Relief it will be said, is to be had in Christ alone; it is true, but under what Consideration? For the sole design of the Sinner, is how he may be accepted with God, be at peace with him, have all his wrath turned away, by a Propitiation or Attonement. Now this can no otherwise be done, but by the acting of some one, towards God, and with God on his behalf; for it is about the turning away of Gods Anger, and Acceptance with him, that the enquiry is made. It is by the Blood of Christ, that we are made nigh, who were far off;