A53686:354
The Doctrine of Justification by Faith
The doctrine of justification by faith through the imputation of the righteousness of Christ, explained, confirmed, & vindicated by John Owen ...
London: printed for R. Boulter, 1677
Chapter 4: Of Justification, the notion and signification of the Word in the Scripture.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Answ. (1) The Grace of Sanctification, whereby our natures are spiritually washed, purified and endowed with a principle of life, Holiness and Obedience unto God, is a Privilege unquestionably great and excellent, and without which none can be saved. Of the same nature also is our Redemption by the Blood of Christ. And both these doth this Apostle in other places without number, declare, commend, and insist upon. But that he ought to have introduced the mention of them, or either of them in this place, seeing he hath not done so, I dare not judge.
Answ. (1) The Grace of Sanctification, whereby our natures are spiritually washed, purified and endowed with a principle of life, Holiness and Obedience unto God, is a Priviledge unquestionably great and excellent, and without which none can be saved. Of the same nature also is our Redemption by the Blood of Christ. And both these doth this Apostle in other places without number, declare, commend, and insist upon. But that he ought to have introduced the mention of them, or either of them in this place, seeing he hath not done so, I dare not judge.
2. If our Sanctification be included or intended in any of the Privileges here expressed, there is none of them, Predestination only excepted, but it is more probably to be reduced unto, than unto that of being justified. Indeed in Vocation it seems to be included expressly. For whereas it is effectual Vocation, that is intended wherein an Holy principle of spiritual life, or Faith it self is communicated unto us, our Sanctification radically, and as the effect in its adequate immediate cause is contained in it. Hence we are said to be called to be Saints; Rom. 1.7. which is the same with being Sanctified in Christ Jesus. 1 Cor. 1.2. And in many other places is Sanctification included in Vocation.
2. If our Sanctification be included or intended in any of the Priviledges here expressed, there is none of them, Predestination only excepted, but it is more probably to be reduced unto, than unto that of being justified. Indeed in Vocation it seems to be included expresly. For whereas it is effectual Vocation, that is intended wherein an Holy principle of spiritual life, or Faith it self is communicated unto us, our Sanctification radically, and as the effect in its adaequate immediate cause is contained in it. Hence we are said to be called to be Saints;