The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

Rom. 5.12. &c. And the Holy Ghost by representing the Union that is between Christ and Believers, by such a variety of Resemblances, in things agreeing only in the common or general notion of Union on various Grounds, doth sufficiently manifest that it is not of, nor can be reduced unto any one kind of them. And this will yet be made more evident by the consideration of the Causes of it, and the Grounds whereinto it is resolved. But whereas it would require much time and diligence to handle them at large, which the mention of them here being occasional, will not admit, I shall only briefly refer unto the Heads of them.

Rom. 5.12. &c. And the Holy Ghost by representing the Union that is between Christ and Believers, by such a variety of Resemblances, in things agreeing only in the common or general notion of Ʋnion on various Grounds, doth sufficiently manifest that it is not of, nor can be reduced unto any one kind of them. And this will yet be made more evident by the consideration of the Causes of it, and the Grounds whereinto it is resolved. But whereas it would require much time and diligence to handle them at large, which the mention of them here being occasional, will not admit, I shall only briefly refer unto the Heads of them.

1. The first spring or cause of this Union, and of all the other causes of it, lieth in that eternal compact that was between the Father and the Son, concerning the Recovery and Salvation of fallen mankind. Herein among other things as the effects thereof, the Assumption of our nature, (the foundation of this Union) was designed. The nature and terms of this Compact, Counsel, and Agreement, I have declared elsewhere, and therefore must not here again insist upon it. But the Relation between Christ and the Church, proceeding from hence, and so being an effect of infinite Wisdom, in the Counsel of the Father and Son, to be made effectual by the Holy Spirit, must be distinguished from all other Unions or Relations whatever.