A53686:748
The Doctrine of Justification by Faith
The doctrine of justification by faith through the imputation of the righteousness of Christ, explained, confirmed, & vindicated by John Owen ...
London: printed for R. Boulter, 1677
Chapter 12: The Imputation of the Obedience of Christ unto the Law, Declared and Vindicated.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
But 2. God in his Wisdom and Patience, hath otherwise disposed of things. Man is continued a Viator still in the way unto his end, and not fully stated in his eternal and unchangeable condition, wherein neither Promise nor Threatening; Reward nor Punishment could be proposed unto him. In this condition he falls under a twofold consideration. (1.) Of a guilty person, and so is obliged unto the full punishment, that the Law threatens. This is not denied. (2.) Of a Man, a Rational Creature of God, not yet brought unto his Eternal End.
But 2. God in his Wisdom and Patience, hath otherwise disposed of things. Man is continued a Viator still in the way unto his end, and not fully stated in his eternal and unchangeable condition, wherein neither Promise nor Threatning; Reward nor Punishment could be proposed unto him. In this condition he falls under a twofold consideration. (1.) Of a guilty person, and so is obliged unto the full punishment, that the Law threatens. This is not denied. (2.) Of a Man, a Rational Creature of God, not yet brought unto his Eternal End.
3. In this state, the Law is the only instrument and means of the continuance of the Relation between God and him. Wherefore under this consideration it cannot but still oblige him unto Obedience, unless we shall say, that by his sin he hath exempted himself from the Government of God. Wherefore it is by the Law, that the Rule and Government of God over Men, is continued whilst they are in statu Viatorum: For every Disobedience, every Transgression of its Rule and Order as to its commanding Power casteth us afresh, and further, under its Power of obliging unto Punishment.
3. In this state, the Law is the only instrument and means of the continuance of the Relation between God and him. Wherefore under this consideration it cannot but still oblige him unto Obedience, unless we shall say, that by his sin he hath exempted himself from the Government of God. Wherefore it is by the Law, that the Rule and Government of God over Men, is continued whilest they are in statu Viatorum: For every Disobedience, every Transgression of its Rule and Order as to its commanding Power casteth us afresh, and further, under its Power of obliging unto Punishment.