The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

12. On the supposition of this Law, and its original obligation unto Obedience with its Sanction and Threatenings, there can be but one of three ways whereby we may come to be justified before God, who have sinned, and are no way able in our selves to perform the Obedience for the future which it doth require. And each of them have a respect unto a Sovereign Act of God with reference unto this Law. The first is the Abrogation of it, that it should no more oblige us either unto Obedience or Punishment. This we have proved impossible; and they will woefully deceive their own Souls, ⟨p. 349⟩who shall trust unto it. The second is by transferring of its Obligation unto the End of Justification on a surety or common undertaker. This is that which we plead for, as the substance of the mystery of the Gospel, considering the Person and Grace of this Undertakers or Surety. And herein all things do tend unto the Exaltation of the Glory of God in all the holy properties of his nature, with the fulfilling and establishing of the Law it self, Math. 5.17. Rom. 3.31. chap. 8.4. chap. 10.3, 4. The third way is by an Act of God towards the Law, and another towards us, whereby the nature of the Righteousness which the Law requireth is changed; which we shall examine as the only reserve against our present Argument.

12. On the supposition of this Law, and its original obligation unto Obedience with its Sanction and Threatnings, there can be but one of three ways whereby we may come to be justified before God, who have sinned, and are no way able in our selves to perform the Obedience for the future which it doth require. And each of them have a respect unto a Soveraign Act of God with reference unto this Law. The first is the Abrogation of it, that it should no more oblige us either unto Obedience or Punishment. This we have proved impossible; and they will wofully deceive their own Souls, ⟨p. 349⟩who shall trust unto it. The second is by transferring of its Obligation unto the End of Justification on a surety or common undertaker. This is that which we plead for, as the substance of the mystery of the Gospel, considering the Person and Grace of this Undertakers or Surety. And herein all things do tend unto the Exaltation of the Glory of God in all the holy properties of his nature, with the fulfilling and establishing of the Law it self,