The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

That the Obedience of Christ the Mediator is thus imputed unto us, shall be afterwards proved in particular by Testimonies of the Scripture. Here I intend only the vindication ⟨p. 363⟩of the Argument as before laid down, which will take us up a little more time then ordinary. For there is nothing in the whole Doctrine of Justification, which meets with a more fierce and various opposition: But the Truth is great and will prevail.

The things that are usually objected and vehemently urged against the Imputation of the Obedience of Christ unto our Justification, may be reduced unto three heads. (1.) That it is impossible. (2.) That it is useless. (3.) That it is pernicious to believe it. And if the Arguments used for the enforcement of those Objections, be as cogent as the charge it self is fierce and severe, they will unavoidably overthrow the persuasions of it in the minds of all sober persons. But there is oft-times a wide difference between what is said, and what is proved, as will appear in the present case.

The things that are usually objected and vehemently urged against the Imputation of the Obedience of Christ unto our Justification, may be reduced unto three heads. (1.) That it is impossible. (2.) That it is useless. (3.) That it is pernitious to believe it. And if the Arguments used for the inforcement of those Objections, be as cogent as the charge it self is fierce and severe, they will unavoidably overthrow the perswasions of it in the minds of all sober persons. But there is oft-times a wide difference between what is said, and what is proved, as will appear in the present case.

1. It is pleaded impossible on this single ground; namely, That the Obedience of Christ unto the Law was due from him on his own account, and performed by him for himself, as a man made under the Law. Now what was necessary unto himself, and done for himself, cannot be said to be done for us, so as to be imputed unto us.