The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

Lud. de Blanc. In his Reconciliatory endeavours on this Article of Justification (Thes. de usu & acceptatione vocis, Justificandi) grants unto the Papists, that the word [Greek or Hebrew] doth in sundry places of the New Testament, signify to renew, to sanctify, to infuse an habit of Holiness or Righteousness according as they plead. And there is no reason to think but he hath grounded that concession on those instances, which are most pertinent unto that purpose. Neither is it to be expected that a better countenance will be given by any unto this concession, then is given it by him. I shall therefore examine all the instances which he insists upon unto this purpose, and leave the determination of the difference unto the judgment of the Reader. Only I shall premise that which I judge not an unreasonable demand; namely, That if the signification of the word in any, or all the places which he mentions, should seem doubtful unto any (as it doth not unto me) that the uncertainty of a very few places, should not make us question the proper signification of a word, whose sense is determined in so many, wherein it is clear and unquestionable. The first place he mentioneth, is that of the Apostle Paul himself, Rom. 8.30. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called; and whom he called, them he also justified, and whom he justified them he also glorified. The reason whereby he pleads that by justified in this place, an internal work of inherent Holiness in them that are predestinated is designed, is this and no other. It is not, saith he, likely that the Holy Apostle in this enumeration of gracious Privileges, ⟨p. 180⟩would omit the mention of our Sanctification by which we are freed from the service of sin, and adorned with true internal Holiness and Righteousness: But this is utterly omitted, if it be not comprised under the name and title of being Justified; For it is absurd with some, to refer it unto the Head of Glorification.

Lud. de Blanc. In his Reconciliatory endeavours on this Article of Justification (Thes. de usu & acceptatione vocis, Justificandi) grants unto the Papists, that the word 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 doth in sundry places of the New Testament, signifie to renew, to sanctifie, to infuse an habit of Holiness or Righteousness according as they plead. And there is no reason to think but he hath grounded that concession on those instances, which are most pertinent unto that purpose. Neither is it to be expected that a better countenance will be given by any unto this concession, then is given it by him. I shall therefore examine all the instances which he insists upon unto this purpose, and leave the determination of the difference unto the judgment of the Reader. Only I shall premise that which I judge not an unreasonable demand; namely, That if the signification of the word in any, or all the places which he mentions, should seem doubtful unto any (as it doth not unto me) that the uncertainty of a very few places, should not make us question the proper signification of a word, whose sense is determined in so many, wherein it is clear and unquestionable. The first place he mentioneth, is that of the Apostle Paul himself,