Human nature in its fourfold state ... In several practical discourses

1—6. As is clear from the 2d, 3d, and 4th verses of this viii. chap. And in this respect, the justified man is "the blessed man, unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity," Psal. xxxii. 2 As one who has no design to charge a debt on another, sets it not down in his count-book.

2dly, The believer is accepted as righteous in God's sight, 2 Cor. v 21. For he is found in Christ, not having his own righteousness, but that which is through the saith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith, Phil iii. 9. He could never be accepted of God, as •igh•eou•, upon the account of his own righteousness: because, at best it is but imperfect; and all righteousness, properly so called, which will abide a trial before the throne of God, is perfect. The very name of it implies perfection: for unless a work be perfectly conform to the law it • not right, but wrong: and so cannot make a man righteous before God, whose judgment is •••ding to truth. Yet if justice demand a righteousness of one that is in Christ, upon which he may be accounted righteous before the Lord: Surely shall such an one say, In the LORD have I righteousness, Isa. xiv 24. The law is fulfilled▪ its commands are obeyed, its sanction is satisfied. The believer's Cautioner has paid the debt. It was exacted, and he answered for it.

2dly, The believer is accept•d as righteous in God's sight, 2 Cor. v 21. For he is found in Christ, not having his own righteousness, but that which is through the saith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith, Phil iii. 9. He could never be accepted of God, as •igheou, upon the account of his own righteousness: because, at best it is but imperfect; and all righteousness, properly so called, which will abide a trial before the throne of God, is perfect. The very name of it implies perfection: for unless a work be perfectly conform to the law it not right, but wrong: and so cannot make a man righteous before God, whose judgment is ding to truth. Yet if justice demand a righteousness of one that is in Christ, upon which he may be accounted righteous before the Lord: Surely shall such an one say, In the LORD have I righteousness, Isa. xiv 24. The law is fulfilled its commands are obeyed, its sanction is satisfied. The believer's Cautioner has paid the debt. It was exacted, and he answered for it.