The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

Howbeit others have embraced this distinction also, though not absolutely in their sense. So do the Socinians. Yea it must be allowed in some sense by all that hold our inherent Righteousness to be the cause of, or to have any influence into our Justification before God. For they do allow of a Justification which in order of nature is antecedent unto Works truly Gracious and Evangelical. But consequential unto such Works, there is a Justification differing at least in degree, if not in nature and kind upon the difference of its formal cause which is our new Obedience from the former. But they mostly say, it is only the continuation of our Justification and the increase of it as to degrees, that they intend by it. And if they may be allowed to turn Sanctification into Justification, and to make a progress therein, or an increase thereof, either in the root or fruit to be a new Justification, they may make twenty Justifications as well as two for ought I know. For therein the inward man is renewed day by day. 2 Cor. 4.16. and Believers go from strength to ⟨p. 192⟩strength, are changed from Glory to Glory; 2 Cor. 3.18. by the Addition of one Grace unto another in their exercise. 2 Pet. 1.5, 6, 7, 8. and increasing with the increase of God. Col. 2.19. do in all things grow up into him who is the Head. Ephes. 4.15. And if their Justification consist herein, they are justified anew every day. I shall therefore do these two things. (1) Show that this distinction is both unscriptural and irrational. (2) Declare what is the continuation of our Justification, and whereon it doth depend.

Howbeit others have embraced this distinction also, though not absolutely in their sense. So do the Socinians. Yea it must be allowed in some sense by all that hold our inherent Righteousness to be the cause of, or to have any influence into our Justification before God. For they do allow of a Justification which in order of nature is antecedent unto Works truly Gracious and Evangelical. But consequential unto such Works, there is a Justification differing at least in degree, if not in nature and kind upon the difference of its formal cause which is our new Obedience from the former. But they mostly say, it is only the continuation of our Justification and the encrease of it as to degrees, that they intend by it. And if they may be allowed to turn Sanctification into Justification, and to make a progress therein, or an encrease thereof, either in the root or fruit to be a new Justification, they may make twenty Justifications as well as two for ought I know. For therein the inward man is renewed day by day.