The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

2. None have this Evangelical Righteousness, but those who are in order of nature at least, justified before they actually have it. For it is that which is required of all that do believe, and are justified thereon. And we need not much enquire how a man is justified, after he is justified.

3. God hath not appointed this Personal Righteousness in order unto our Justification before him in this life, though he have appointed it, to evidence our Justification before others, and even in his sight, as shall be declared. He accepts of it, approves of it, upon the account of the free Justification of the person, in and by whom it is wrought. So he had respect unto Abel and his Offering. But we are not acquitted by it from any real charge in the sight of God, nor do receive Remission of sins on the account of it. And those who place the whole of Justification in the Remission of sins, making ⟨p. 222⟩this personal Righteousness the condition of it, as the Socinians do, leave not any place for the Righteousness of Christ in our Justification.

4. If we are in any sense justified hereby in the sight of God, we have whereof to boast before him. We may not have so absolutely and with respect unto merit, yet we have so comparatively, and in respect of others, who cannot make the same plea for their Justification. But all boasting is excluded. And it will not relieve to say, that this personal Righteousness, is of the free Grace and Gift of God unto some, and not unto others; for we must plead it as our Duty, and not as Gods Grace.