The Doctrine of Justification by Faith

3. An account is given of the Reason of their failing, in attaining that which they so earnestly endeavoured after. And this was in a double mistake that they were under; first, in the means of attaining it; secondly, in the righteousness it self, that was to be sought after. The first is declared Ver. 32. Because not by Faith, but as it were by the works of the Law. Faith and Works are the two only ways whereby Righteousness may be attained, and they are opposite and inconsistent; so that none doth or can seek after Righteousness by them both. They will not be mixed and made one entire means of attaining Righteousness. They are opposed as Grace and Works; what is of the one, is not of the other, Rom. 11.6. Every composition of them in this matter, is, Male sartae gratia▪ nequicquam coit & rescinditur. And the reason is, because the Righteousness which Faith seeks after, or which is attainable by Faith, is that which is given to us, imputed unto us, which Faith doth only receive. It receives the abundance of Grace, and the gift of Righteousness. But that which is attainable by Works, is our own, inherent in us, wrought out by us, and not imputed unto us: For it is nothing but those works themselves, with respect unto the Law of God.

3. An account is given of the Reason of their failing, in attaining that which they so earnestly endeavoured after. And this was in a double mistake that they were under; first, in the means of attaining it; secondly, in the righteousness it self, that was to be sought after. The first is declared Ver. 32. Because not by Faith, but as it were by the works of the Law. Faith and Works are the two only ways whereby Righteousness may be attained, and they are opposite and inconsistent; so that none doth or can seek after Righteousness by them both. They will not be mixed and made one intire means of attaining Righteousness. They are opposed as Grace and Works; what is of the one, is not of the other, Rom. 11.6. Every composition of them in this matter, is, Male sartae gratia▪ nequicquam coit & rescinditur. And the reason is, because the Righteousness which Faith seeks after, or which is attainable by Faith, is that which is given to us, imputed unto us, which Faith doth only receive. It receives the abundance of Grace, and the gift of Righteousness. But that which is attainable by Works, is our own, inherent in us, wrought out by us, and not imputed unto us: For it is nothing but those works themselves, with respect unto the Law of God.