The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

3. This is the clearest Testimony, that what the Lord Christ did and suffered was for us, and not for himself. For without the consideration hereof, all the Obedience which he yielded unto the Law, might be looked on as due only on his own account, and himself to have been such a Saviour as the Socinians imagine, who should do all with us from God, and nothing with God for us. But the suffering of the curse of the Law by him who was not only an innocent man, but also the Son of God, openly testifies that what he did and suffered was for us, and not for himself. It is no wonder therefore if our Faith as unto Justification be in the first place, and principally directed unto his Death and Bloodshedding.

4. All the Obedience of Christ had still respect unto the Sacrifice of himself, which was to ensue, wherein it received its accomplishment, and whereon its efficacy unto our Justification did depend. For as no Imputation of actual Obedience would justify Sinners from the condemnation that ⟨p. 488⟩was passed on them for the Sin of Adam; so although the Obedience of Christ was not a mere preparation or qualification of his person for his Suffering; yet its efficacy unto our Justification did depend on his Suffering that was to ensue, when his Soul was made an offering for Sin.

4. All the Obedience of Christ had still respect unto the Sacrifice of himself, which was to ensue, wherein it received its accomplishment, and whereon its efficacy unto our Justification did depend. For as no Imputation of actual Obedience would justifie Sinners from the condemnation that ⟨p. 488⟩was passed on them for the Sin of Adam; so although the Obedience of Christ was not a meer preparation or qualification of his person for his Suffering; yet its efficacy unto our Justification did depend on his Suffering that was to ensue, when his Soul was made an offering for Sin.