The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

4. It cannot be said that this satisfaction was made for us on such a condition as should absolutely suspend the event, and render it uncertain whether it should ever be for us or no. Such a constitution may be Righteous in pecuniary solutions. A man may lay down a great sum of money for the discharge of another, on such a condition as may never be fulfilled. For on the absolute failure of the condition, his money may and ought to be restored unto him, whereon he ⟨p. 307⟩hath received no injury or damage. But in penal suffering for crimes and sins, there can be no righteous constitution that shall make the event and efficacy of it to depend on a Condition absolutely uncertain, and which may not come to pass or be fulfilled. For if the Condition fail, no Recompense can be made unto him that hath suffered. Wherefore the way of the Application of the satisfaction of Christ unto them for whom it was made, is sure and steadfast in the purpose of God.

4. It cannot be said that this satisfaction was made for us on such a condition as should absolutely suspend the event, and render it uncertain whether it should ever be for us or no. Such a constitution may be Righteous in pecuniary solutions. A man may lay down a great sum of money for the discharge of another, on such a condition as may never be fulfilled. For on the absolute failure of the condition, his money may and ought to be restored unto him, whereon he ⟨p. 307⟩hath received no injury or damage. But in poenal suffering for crimes and sins, there can be no righteous constitution that shall make the event and efficacy of it to depend on a Condition absolutely uncertain, and which may not come to pass or be fulfilled. For if the Condition fail, no Recompence can be made unto him that hath suffered. Wherefore the way of the Application of the satisfaction of Christ unto them for whom it was made, is sure and stedfast in the purpose of God.