ness, is the alone instrument of justification; yet is it not alone in the person justified, but is ever accompanied with all other saving graces, and is no dead faith, but worketh by love". III. Christ, by his obedience and death, did fully discharge the debt of all those that are thus justified, and did make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to his Father's justice in their behalf. Yet, in as much as he was given by the Father for them, and his obedience and satisfaction accepted in their stead ", and both freely, not for any thing in them, their justification is only of free grace; that both the exact justice and rich grace of God might be glorified in the justification of sinners*. kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. Ver. 8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. II. d John i. 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Rom. iii. 28. Therefore we conclude, that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Rom. v. 1. Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. e James ii. 17. Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Ver. 22. Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? Ver. 26. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. Gal. v. 6. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. III. f Rom. v. 8. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us Ver. 9. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. Ver. 10. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son; much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. Ver. 19. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners; so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 1 Tim. ii. 5. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Ver. 6. Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Heb. x. 10. By the which will we are sanctified, through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Ver. 14. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. Dan. ix. 24. Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people, and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Ver. 26. And after threescore and two weeks. shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. Isa. liii. 4. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. Ver. 5. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Ver. 6. All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Ver. 10. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. Ver. 11. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Ver. 12. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. 8 Rom. viii. 32. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? h 2 Cor. v. 21. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Mat. iii. 17. And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Eph. v. 2. And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. i Rom. iii 24. Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Eph. i. 7. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. * Rom. iii. 26. To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Eph. ii. 7. That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace, in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. IV. God did, from all eternity, decree to justify all the elect1; and Christ did, in the fulness of time, die for their sins, and rise again for their justification : nevertheless they are not justified, until the Holy Spirit doth in due time actually apply Christ unto them". V. God doth continue to forgive the sins of those that are justified": and although they can never fall from the state of justification P, yet they may by their sins fall under God's fatherly displeasure, and not have the light of his countenance restored unto them, until they humble themselves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith and repentance. VI. The justification of believers under the Old Testament was, in all these respects, one and the same with the justification of believers under the New Testament r. IV. 1 Gal. iii. 8. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 1 Pet. i. 2. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. Ver. 19. But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Ver. 20. Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was Rom. manifest in these last times for you. viii. 30. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called; and whom he called, them he also justified; and whom he justified, them he also glorified. m Gal. iv. 4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law. 1 Tim. ii. 6. Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Rom. iv. 25. Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. n Col. i. 21. And you, that were sometime alienated, and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled Ver. 22. In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy, and unblameable, and unreproveable in his sight. Gal. ii. 16. [See letter immediately foregoing.] Tit. iii. 4. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Ver. 5. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Ver. 6. Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; Ver. 7. That, being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. V. Mat. vi. 12. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 1 John i. 7. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. Ver. 9. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John ii. 1. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: Ver. 2. And he is the propitia tion for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. P Luke xxii. 32. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. John x. 28. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hand. Heb. x. 14. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 9 Psal. lxxxix. 31. If they break my sta tutes, and keep not my commandments; Ver. 32. Then will I visit their transgres sion with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. Ver. 33. Nevertheless my loving kindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. Psal. . 7. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Ver. 8. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Ver. 9. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Ver. 10. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Ver. 11. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spi rit from me. Ver. 12. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free Spirit. Psal. xxxii. 5. I acknow ledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Mat. xxvi 75. And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. 1 Cor. xi. 30. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. Ver. 32. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. Luke i. 20. And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season est you out groso. VI. Gal. iii. 9. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. CHAP. XII. Of Adoption. ALL those that are justified, God vouchsafeth, in and for his only Son Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the grace of adoption: by which they are taken into the number, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of God; have his name put upon them, receive the Spirit of adoption; have access to the throne of grace with boldness; are enabled to cry, Abba, Father f; are pitieds, protected, provided for, and chastened by him as by a father; yet never cast off, but sealed to the day of redemption m, and inherit the promises", as heirs of everlasting salvation". CHAP. XIII. Of Sanctification. THEY who are effectually called and regenerated, having a new sanctified Ver. 13. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: Ver. 14. That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Rom. iv. 22. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Ver. 23. Now, it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him: Ver. 24. But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead. Heb. xiii. 8. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever. I. Eph. i. 5. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. Gal. iv. 4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, Ver. 5. To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. b Rom. viii. 17. And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ: if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. John i. 12. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. Jer. xiv. 9. Yet thou, O Lord, art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not. 2 Cor. vi. 18. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Rev. iii. 12. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God; and I will write upon him my new name.Exa Rom. vill. 15. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Eph. iii. 12. In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. Rom. v. 2. By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. f Gal. iv. 6. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. g Psal. ciii. 13. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. h Prov. xiv. 26. In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence; and his children shall have a place of refuge. i Matth. vi. 30. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Ver. 32. For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 1 Pet. v. 7. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. k Heb. xii. 6. For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. Lam. iii. 31. For the Lord will not cast off for ever. m Eph. iv. 30. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Heb. vi. 12. That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 1 Pet. i. 3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which, according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten us again unto a lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, Ver. 4. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. Heb. i. 14. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? really and personally, through the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection, by his word and Spirit dwelling in them b; the dominion of the whole body of sin is destroyed, and the several lusts thereof are more and more weakened and mortified", and they more and more quickened and strengthened in all saving graces, to the practice of true holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord f II. This sanctification is throughout in the whole man, yet imperfect in this life; there abideth still some remnants of corruption in every part whence ariseth a continual and irreconcilable war; the flesh lusting against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. III. In which war, although the remaining corruption for a time may much prevail, yet, through the continual supply of strength from the sanctifying Spirit of Christ, the regenerate part doth overcome: and so the saints grow in gracem, perfecting holiness in the fear of God". I. 1 Cor. vi. 11. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Acts xx. 32. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Phil. iii. 10. That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death. Rom. vi. 5. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Ver. 6. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. b John xvii. 17. Sanctify them through thy truth thy word is truth. Eph. v. 26. That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word. 2 Thess. ii. 13. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth, e Rom. vi. 6. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Ver. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. d Gal. v. 24. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts. Rom. viii. 13. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. eCol. i, 11. Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness. Eph. iii. 16. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; Ver. 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, Ver. 18. May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; Ver. 19. And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. f 2 Cor. vii. 1. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Heb. xii. 14. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. II. 1 Thess. v. 23. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly: and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body, be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. h 1 John i. 10. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. Rom. vii. 18. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. Ver. 23. But I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into cap tivity to the law of sin which is in my members. Phil. iii. 12. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect; but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. i Gal. v. 17. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 1 Pet. ii. 11. Dearly beloved, I beseech you, as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. IL Rom. vii. 23. But I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. Rom. vi. 14. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 1 John v. 4. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Eph. iv. CHAP. XIV. Of Saving Faith. HE grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the hearts", and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the word: by which also, and by the administration of the sacraments, and prayer, it is increased and strengthened d. II. By this faith, a Christian believeth to be true whatsoever is revealed in the word, for the authority of God himself speaking therein e; and acteth differently upon that which each particular passage thereof containeth; yielding obedience to the commands, trembling at the threatenings, and embracing the promises of God for this life and that which is to come". But the principal acts of saving faith 15. But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: Ver. 16. From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body, unto the edifying of itself in love. m 2 Pet. iii. 18. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 2 Cor. iii. 18. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. n 2 Cor. vii. I. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 1. a Heb. x. 39. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. b 2 Cor. iv. 13. We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak. Eph. i. 17. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: Ver. 18. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, Ver. 19. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power. Eph. ii. 8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. e Rom. x. 14. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Ver. 17. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. d1 Pet. ii. 2. As new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. Acts xx. 32. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Rom. iv. 11. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righ teousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumeised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also. Luke xvii. 5. And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. Rom. i. 16. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Ver. 17. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. II. John iv. 42. And said unto the wo man, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. 1 Thess. ii. 13. For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but (as it is in truth) the word of God, which ef fectually worketh also in you that believe. 1 John v. 10. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his son. Acts xxiv. 14. But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets. f Rom. xvi. 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all na tions for the obedience of faith. Isaiah Ixvi. 2. For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. h Heb. xi. 13. These all died in faith, not |