The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

What is here determined, the Apostle enters upon the Proposition and declaration of, Chap. 9. vers. 30. And because what he had to propose was somewhat strange, and unsuited unto the common apprehensions of men, he introduceth it with that prefatory Interrogation, [Greek or Hebrew]; which he useth on the like occasions, Chap. 3.5. Chap. 6.1. Chap. 7.7. Chap. 9.14. What shall we then say? that is, is there in this matter unrighteousness with God? as vers. 14. or what shall we say unto these things, or this is that which is to be said herein? That which hereon he asserts is, that the Gentiles which followed not after Righteousness have attained unto Righteousness, even the Righteousness which is of Faith; But Israel which followed after the Law of Righteousness hath not attained unto the Law of Righteousness, that is, unto Righteousness it self before God.

What is here determined, the Apostle enters upon the Proposition and declaration of, Chap. 9. vers. 30. And because what he had to propose was somewhat strange, and unsuited unto the common apprehensions of men, he introduceth it with that prefatory Interrogation, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉; which he useth on the like occasions, Chap. 3.5. Chap. 6.1. Chap. 7.7. Chap. 9.14. What shall we then say? that is, is there in this matter unrighteousness with God? as vers. 14. or what shall we say unto these things, or this is that which is to be said herein? That which hereon he asserts is, that the Gentiles which followed not after Righteousness have attained unto Righteousness, even the Righteousness which is of Faith; But Israel which followed after the Law of Righteousness hath not attained unto the Law of Righteousness, that is, unto Righteousness it self before God.

Nothing seems to be more contrary unto reason, than what is here made manifest by the event. The Gentiles who lived in Sin and Pleasures, not once endeavouring to attain unto any Righteousness before God, yet attained unto it upon the Preaching of the Gospel. Israel on the other hand, which followed after Righteousness, diligently in all the Works of the Law and Duties of Obedience unto God thereby, came short of it, attained not unto it. All Preparations, all Dispositions, all merit as unto Righteousness and Justification are