The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

The second part of the present Argument is taken from the nature of the thing it self, or the consideration of this personal inherent Righteousness of our own, what it is and wherein it doth consist, and of what use it may be in our Justification. And unto this purpose it may be observed.

1. That we grant an inherent Righteousness in all that do believe, as hath been before declared. For the fruit of the Spirit is in all Goodness and Righteousness and Truth, Ephes. 5.9. Being made free from sin, we become the Servants of Righteousness, Rom. 6.20. And our Duty it is to follow after Righteousness, Godliness, Faith, Love, Meekness, 1 Tim. 2.22. And although Righteousness be mostly taken for an especial Grace, or Duty, distinct from other Graces and Duties, yet we acknowledge that it may be taken for the whole of our Obedience before God; and the word is so used in the Scripture, where our own Righteousness is opposed unto the Righteousness of God. And it is either Habitual or Actual. There is an Habitual Righteousness inherent in Believers, as they have put on the new man which after God is created in Righteousness and true Holiness, Ephes. 4.24. As they are the Workmanship of God created in Jesus Christ unto good Works, Chap. 2.8. And there is an Actual Righteousness consisting in those good Works whereunto we are so created, or the fruits of Righteousness, which are to the praise of God by Jesus Christ. And concerning this Righteousness it may be observed; (1) That men are said in the Scripture, to be just or righteous by it, but no one is said to be justified by it before God. (2) That it is not ascribed unto, or found ⟨p. 327⟩in any, but those that are actually justified in order of nature antecedent thereunto.