The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

3. It is imperfect by reason of the Incursion of actual sins. Hence our Saviour hath taught us continually to pray for the forgiveness of our sins; and if we say, that we have no sin we deceive our selves; for in many things we offend all. And what confidence can be placed in this Righteousness, which those who plead for it in this cause, acknowledge to be weak, maimed, and imperfect.

I have but touched on these things, which might have been handled at large, and are indeed of great consideration in our present Argument. But enough hath been spoken to manifest, that although this Righteousness of Believers be on other accounts like the fruit of the Vine, that glads the Heart of God and man, yet as unto our Justification before God, it is like the Wood of the Vine, a pin is not to be taken from it to hang any weight of this cause upon.

Two things are pleaded in the behalf of this Righteousness and its Influence into our Justification. (1) That it is absolutely complete and perfect. Hence some say that they are perfect and sinless in this life. They have no more concern in the mortification of sin, nor of growth in Grace. And indeed this is the only rational pretence of ascribing our Justification before God thereunto. For were it so with any, what should hinder him from being justified thereon before God, but only that he hath been a sinner, which spoils the whole market. But this vain Imagination is so contrary unto the Scripture, and the Experience of all that know the Terror of the Lord, and what it is to walk humbly before him, as that I shall not insist on the Refutation of it.

Two things are pleaded in the behalf of this Righteousness and its Influence into our Justification. (1) That it is absolutely compleat and perfect. Hence some say that they are perfect and sinless in this life. They have no more concern in the mortification of sin, nor of growth in Grace. And indeed this is the only rational pretence of ascribing our Justification before God thereunto. For were it so with any, what should hinder him from being justified thereon before God, but only that he hath been a sinner, which spoils the whole market. But this vain Imagination is so contrary unto the Scripture, and the Experience of all that know the Terrour of the Lord, and what it is to walk humbly before him, as that I shall not insist on the Refutation of it.