The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

16. Nor can a Relaxation of the Law be pretended, if there be any such thing in Rule. For if there be, it respects the whole being of the Law, and consists either in the suspension of its whole Obligation, at least for a season, or the substitution of another person to answer its demands who was not in the original Obligation, in the room of them that were. For so some say, that the Lord Christ was made under the Law for us by an Act of Relaxation of the original Obligation of the Law; how properly, ipsi viderint. But here in no sense it can have place.

17. The Act of God towards the Law in this case intended, is, a Derogation from its obliging power as unto Obedience. For whereas it did originally oblige unto perfect sinless Obedience, in all Duties, both as unto their substance, and the manner of their performance, it shall be allowed to oblige us still unto Obedience, but not unto that which is absolutely the same, especially not as unto the completeness and perfection of it. For if it do so, either it is fulfilled in the Righteousness of Christ for us, or no man living can ever be justified in the sight of God. Wherefore by an Act of Derogation from its Original power, it is provided, that it shall oblige us still unto Obedience, but not that which is absolutely sinless ⟨p. 345⟩and perfect; but although it be performed with less intension of Love unto God, or in a lower Degree, then it did at first require, so it be sincere and universal as unto all the parts of it, it is all that the Law now requireth of us. This is all that it now requires, as it is adapted unto the service of the new Covenant, and made the Rule of Obedience according to the Law of Christ. Hereby is its preceptive part, so far as we are concerned in it, answered and complied withal. Whether these things are so or no, we shall see immediately in a few words.

17. The Act of God towards the Law in this case intended, is, a Derogation from its obliging power as unto Obedience. For whereas it did originally oblige unto perfect sinless Obedience, in all Duties, both as unto their substance, and the manner of their performance, it shall be allowed to oblige us still unto Obedience, but not unto that which is absolutely the same, especially not as unto the compleatness and perfection of it. For if it do so, either it is fulfilled in the Righteousness of Christ for us, or no man living can ever be justified in the sight of God. Wherefore by an Act of Derogation from its Original power, it is provided, that it shall oblige us still unto Obedience, but not that which is absolutely sinless