The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

4. This pretended Evangelical Justification hath not the Nature of any Justification that is mentioned in the Scripture; that is, neither that by the Law, nor that provided in the Gospel. Justification by the Law is this; The man that doth the Works of it shall live in them. This it doth not pretend unto. And as unto Evangelical Justification, it is every way contrary unto it. For therein the Charge against the person to be justified is true; namely, that he hath sinned, and is come short of the Glory of God. In this it is false, namely, that a Believer is an Unbeliever; A sincere Person an Hypocrite, one fruitful in good Works, altogether barren. And this false charge is supposed to be exhibited in the name of God, and before him. Our Acquitment in true Evangelical Justification is by Absolution or pardon of sin; here by a Vindication of our own Righteousness. There the plea of the person to be justified is, Guilty, all the World is become guilty before God; but here the plea of the person on his Trial is not Guilty, whereon the proofs and evidences of Innocency and Righteousness do ensue; But this is a Plea which the Law will not admit, and which the Gospel disclaims.

5. If we are justified before God on our own personal Righteousness, and pronounced Righteous by him on the account thereof, then God enters into Judgment with us on something in our selves, and acquits us thereon. For Justification is a juridical Act in and of that Judgment of God which is according unto Truth. But that God should enter into Judgment with us, and justify us with respect unto what he judgeth on, or our personal Righteousness, the Psalmist doth not believe, Psal. 130.2, 3. Psal. 143.2. nor did the Publican, Luke 18.

5. If we are justified before God on our own personal Righteousness, and pronounced Righteous by him on the account thereof, then God enters into Judgment with us on something in our selves, and acquits us thereon. For Justification is a juridical Act in and of that Judgment of God which is according unto Truth. But that God should enter into Judgment with us, and justifie us with respect unto what he judgeth on, or our personal Righteousness, the Psalmist doth not believe,