The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

3. As unto what was said in the Objection concerning ⟨p. 302⟩Christs suffering in the Person of the Elect, I know not whether any have used it or no, nor will I contend about it. He suffered in their stead; which all sorts of Writers ancient and modern so express, in his suffering he bare the Person of the Church. The meaning is what was before declared. Christ and Believers are one mystical Person, one spiritually animated Body, Head and Members. This I suppose will not be denied; To do so, is to overthrow the Church and the Faith of it. Hence what he did and suffered is imputed unto them. And it is granted that as the Surety of the Covenant he paid all our Debts, or answered for all our faults; and that his Righteousness is really communicated unto us. Why then say some, there is no need of Repentance, all is done for us already. But why so, why must we assent to one part of the Gospel unto the exclusion of another? Was it not free unto God to appoint what way, method and order he would, whereby these things should be communicated unto us? nay upon the supposition of the design of his Wisdom and Grace, these two things were necessary.

1. That this Righteousness of Christ should be communicated unto us, and be made ours in such a way and manner, as that he himself might be glorified therein, seeing he hath disposed all things in this whole Economy, unto the praise of the Glory of his Grace, Ephes. 1.6. This was to be done by Faith on our part. It is so, it could be no otherwise. For that Faith whereby we are justified, is our giving unto God the Glory of his Wisdom, Grace and Love. And whatever doth so, is Faith, and nothing else is so.

1. That this Righteousness of Christ should be communicated unto us, and be made ours in such a way and manner, as that he himself might be glorified therein, seeing he hath disposed all things in this whole Oeconomy, unto the praise of the Glory of his Grace,