The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

And whereas it is added, that he is blind who sees not that this Righteousness of ours is subordinate unto the Righteousness of Christ, I must acknowledge my self otherwise minded, notwithstanding the severity of this censure. It seems to me, that the Righteousness of Christ is subordinate unto this Righteousness of our own, as here it is stated, and not the contrary. For the end of all is our Acceptance with God as Righteous. But according unto these thoughts, it is our own Righteousnesses whereon we are immediately accepted with God as Righteous.

And whereas it is added, that he is blind who sees not that this Righteousneso of ours is subordinate unto the Righteousness of Christ, I must acknowledge my self otherwise minded, notwithstanding the severity of this censure. It seems to me, that the Righteousness of Christ is subordinate unto this Righteousness of our own, as here it is stated, and not the contrary. For the end of all is our Acceptance with God as Righteous. But according unto these thoughts, it is our own Righteousnesses whereon we are immediately accepted with God as Righteous.

Only Christ hath deserved by his Righteousness, that our Righteousness may be so accepted, and is therefore as unto the End of our Justification before God, subordinate thereunto.

But to return from this Digression, and to proceed unto our Argument. This personal inherent Righteousness which according to the Scripture we allow in Believers, is not that whereby, or wherewith, we are justified before God. For it is not perfect, nor perfectly answereth any Rule of Obedience that is given unto us, and so cannot be our Righteousness before God unto our Justification. Wherefore we must be justified by the Righteousness of Christ imputed unto us, or be justified without respect unto any Righteousness, or not be justified at all. And a threefold imperfection doth accompany it.