The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

1. As it is explained by the Papists it is exceedingly derogatory to the merit of Christ. For it leaves it no effect towards us, but only the infusion of an habit of Charity. When that is done, all that remains with respect unto our Salvation is to be wrought by our selves. Christ hath only merited the first Grace for us, that we therewith, and thereby may merit life eternal. The merit of Christ being confined in its effect unto the first Justification, it hath no immediate ⟨p. 194⟩influence into any Grace, Privilege, Mercy, or Glory that follow thereon; but they are all effects of that second Justification which is purely by works. But this is openly contrary unto the whole tenor of the Scripture. For although there be an order of Gods appointment, wherein we are to be made partakers of Evangelical Privileges in Grace and Glory, one before another, yet are they all of them the immediate effects of the death and obedience of Christ; who hath obtained for us eternal Redemption, Heb. 9.12. and is the Author of eternal Salvation unto all that do obey him, Chap. 5.9. Having by one offering for ever perfected them that are Sanctified. And those who allow of a secondary, if not of a second Justification by our own inherent personal Righteousnesses, are also guilty hereof, though not in the same degree with them. For whereas they ascribe unto it, our acquitment from all charge of Sin after the first Justification, and a Righteousness accepted in Judgment, in the Judgment of God, as if it were complete and perfect, whereon depends our final Absolution and Reward, it is evident that the immediate efficacy of the satisfaction and merit of Christ, hath its bounds assigned unto it in the first Justification; which whether it be taught in the Scripture or no, we shall afterwards enquire.

1. As it is explained by the Papists it is exceedingly derogatory to the merit of Christ. For it leaves it no effect towards us, but only the infusion of an habit of Charity. When that is done, all that remains with respect unto our Salvation is to be wrought by our selves. Christ hath only merited the first Grace for us, that we therewith, and thereby may merit life eternal. The merit of Christ being confined in its effect unto the first Justification, it hath no immediate ⟨p. 194⟩