The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

Answ. 1. All these reasons prove not, that it is the same to be Sanctified and to be Justified, which must be, if that be the sense of the latter, which is here pleaded for. But the Apostle makes an express distinction between them, and as this Author observes, proceeds from one to another by an ascent from the lesser to the greater. And the infusion of an habit or principle of Grace, or Righteousness Evangelical, whereby we are inherently Righteous, by which he explains ⟨p. 182⟩plains our being justified in this place, is our Sanctification and nothing else. Yea, and Sanctification is here distinguished from washing; but ye are washed, but ye are Sanctified; So as that it peculiarly in this place denotes positive habits of Grace and Holiness: Neither can he declare the nature of it, any way different from what he would have expressed by, being Justified.

2. Justification is ascribed unto the Spirit of God, as the principal efficient cause of the Application of the Grace of God and Blood of Christ, whereby we are Justified, unto our Souls and Consciences. And he is so also of the operation of that Faith whereby we are Justified; whence, although we are said to be justified by him, yet it doth not follow that our Justification consists in the Renovation of our natures.

3. The change and mutation that was made in these Corinthians, so far as it was Physical in effects inherent, (as such there was) the Apostle expressly ascribes unto their washing and Sanctification; So that there is no need to suppose this change to be expressed by their being Justified. And in the real change asserted, that is, in the Renovation of our Natures, consists the true entire work and nature of our Sanctification. But whereas by reason of the vicious habits and practices mentioned, they were in a state of Condemnation, and such as had no right unto the Kingdom of Heaven, they were by their Justification changed and transferred out of that state into another, wherein they had peace with God, and right unto life Eternal.