The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

CHAP. V. The Distinction of a first and second Justification Examined. The Continuation of Justification whereon it doth depend.

Before we enquire immediately into the nature and causes of Justification, there are some things yet previously to be considered, that we may prevent all Ambiguity and misunderstanding, about the Subject to be treated of. I say therefore that the Evangelical Justification which alone we plead about, is but one, and is at once completed. About any other Justification before God but one, we will not contend with any. Those who can find out another, may as they please ascribe what they will unto it, or ascribe it unto what they will. Let us therefore consider what is offered of this nature.

BEfore we enquire immediately into the nature and causes of Justification, there are some things yet previously to be considered, that we may prevent all Ambiguity and misunderstanding, about the Subject to be treated of. I say therefore that the Evangelical Justification which alone we plead about, is but one, and is at once compleated. About any other Justification before God but one, we will not contend with any. Those who can find out another, may as they please ascribe what they will unto it, or ascribe it unto what they will. Let us therefore consider what is offered of this nature.

Those of the Roman Church do ground their whole Doctrine of Justification upon a distinction of a double Justification, which they call the first and the second. The first Justification, they say, is the infusion or the Communication ⟨p. 190⟩