The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

For, (1.) The Grace and Love of God, the principal efficient cause of our Justification, are therein made most eminent and conspicuous. For this is most frequently in the Scripture proposed unto us as the highest instance, and undeniable demonstration of Divine Love and Grace. And this is that which principally we are to consider in our Justification, the glory of them being the end of God therein. He made us accepted in the Beloved to the praise of the glory of his Grace, Ephes. 1.6. Wherefore this being the fountain, spring and sole cause, both of the Obedience of Christ, and of the Imputation thereof unto us, with the pardon of Sin and Righteousness thereby, it is every where in the Scripture ⟨p. 487⟩proposed as the prime object of our Faith in our Justification, and opposed directly unto all our own Works whatever. The whole of Gods design herein, is, that Grace may reign through Righteousness unto eternal life. Whereas therefore this is made most evident and conspicuous in the Death of Christ, our Justification is in a peculiar manner assigned thereunto.

2. The love of Christ himself and his Grace are peculiarly exalted in our Justification; that all men may honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. Frequently are they expressed unto this purpose, 2 Cor. 8.9. Gal. 2.20. Phil. 3.6, 7. Rev. 1.5, 6. And those also are most eminently exalted in his death, so as that all the effects and fruits of them are ascribed thereunto in a peculiar manner. As nothing is more ordinary than, among many things that concur to the same effect, to ascribe it unto that which is most eminent among them, especially if it cannot be conceived as separated from the rest.