Christ's righteousness a believer's surest plea for eternal life, or, The doctrine of justification by the imputation of the righteousness of Christ stated, cleared, and vindicated in several sermons on Rom. 3. 22 / by Michael Harrison, minister of Casfield in Bucks.

Christ's Righteousness , A BELIEVER'S PLEA for ETERNAL LIFE . Rom. 3.22 . Even the Righteousness of God , which is by Faith of Jesus Christ into all , and upon all them that believe ; for there is no difference .

MY Purpose being to open unto you that Heavenly Doctrine of Justification , by the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ , I have chosen this Text , as very pertinent thereunto .

The Apostle , in the Ninth Verse of this Chapter , shews us what a sad and miserable Estate and Condition both Jews and Gentiles are in by Nature ( viz. ) under Sin Subjectos seu obnoxios esse Maledictioni atque Damnationi quae Peccatis debetur , Piscat in Locum . ; that is , liable to the Curse and Wrath of God ; and to the eternal Damnation of Hell , which is the just Reward of Sin . This is the State and Condition of all , none excepted , Eph. 2.3 . And were by Nature Children of Wrath , even as others .

And because it is hard to convince Men , that they are thus vile and miserable by Nature ; therefore the Apostle proves it by a Testimony out of Psal . 14.3 . They are all gone aside , they are altogether become filthy , {αβγδ} , Ne-ela-hhu , The Word signifies Stinking , Nauseous , Loathsome , Abominable : And such is every unregenerate Man in God's Sight , and all that he doth . There is none that doth good , no not one : In which Scripture we may see what vile , sinful , miserable Creatures we are all by Nature : To which the Apostle adds many other Testimonies , to prove how Sin has diffused its malignant Influences throughout the whole Man , Body and Soul . Man , since the Fall , is such a degenerate filthy Creature , that from the Soal of the Foot to the Head , there is no Soundness ; but Wounds , Bruises , and putrifying Sores , Isa . 1.6 .

Now Verse 20. and so on , in this , and Chapter 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8. The Apostle shews us the way of Recovery out of this sinful , and miserable State . Now Salvation from Sin and Misery , is only by Jesus Christ ; who , that he may save us , doth these two things for us . First , he fulfills the Law for us , Rom. 8.3 , 4. And presents us righteous to the Father in his pure and spotless Righteousness , which is our Justification . Secondly , He infuses a Righteousness , by his Holy Spirit , into our Hearts , as Ezek . 36 , 25 , 26 , 27. which is our Sanctification . The latter of these , ( viz. ) the Doctrine of Sanctification is treated on in the Sixth and Seventh Chapters ; as a Consequent of Justification , which is directly handled in the latter part of this Third Chapter ; and so throughout the Fourth and Fifth Chapters . It is the first of these , ( viz. ) Justification , that we are now to treat on .

Now Justification must either be by an inherent Righteousness in our selves , which is the Righteousness of Works , or else , by a Righteousness without us ; which is the Righteousness of Christ .

But not by the Works of the Law , or inherent Righteousness in our own Persons . Ver . 20. By the Works of the Law shall no Flesh be justified in his sight ; that is , it is altogether impossible , that any of the lapsed Race of Adam , should be recovered , justified , and have a Title to Eternal Life by any Righteousness of their own . For though our Natures be sanctified , and our Obedience sound and sincere ; yet can it not procure for us Pardo● of Sin , and Acceptance in God's Sight : No , this is only by the Righteousness of Jesus Christ , as in the Text ; not by the Law : How then ? Even ( by ) the Righteousness of God , which is by Faith of Jesus Christ , unto all , and upon all that believe .

In the Text you may take notice of these Four Things :

1. The internal moving Cause of our Justification ; and that is , the Free Grace and Favour of God , intimated here , in this Phrase , The Righteousness of God : And more fully express'd , v. 24. Being justified freely by his Grace . Nothing else could move God to save , and justifie Sinners , but his mere Free Grace and Mercy . Ephes . 2.8 . By Grace ye are saved .

2. Here is the Material Cause of our Justification , and that is , the Righteousness of Christ imputed ; called in the Text , The Righteousness of God ; that is , the Righteousness of him who is God blessed for ever , Amen , as , 2 Pet . 1.1 . Through the Righteousness of God , and our Saviour Jesus Christ : Not the Righteousness of God , and our Saviour , as denoting Two Persons , viz. the Father , and the Son ; but God and our Saviour ; that is , our Saviour , who is God ; as Bishop Downham observes .

3. Here are the Persons justified , ( viz. All that believe , Gentiles , as well as Jews ; bound , as well as free ; for there 's no difference of Persons or Nations ; ●ut all true Believers have a saving Interest in this Righteousness , and shall be justified by it .

4. Here is the Internal Instrument of our Justication ; whereby , as with a Hand , the Believer apprehends , and lays hold on Christ : for Justification ; and that is Faith : Even the Righteousness of God , which is by Faith of Jesus Christ .

Before we come to the Doctrine , let us shew what is here meant by the Righteousness of God . Some by it understand , The Mercy of God ; and so it is sometimes taken in the Old Testament : Psal . 103.17 . The Mercy of the Lord is upon them that fear him , and his Righteousness unto Childrens Children .

Where Mercy and Righteousness seem to be the same ; but in the New Testament , where this Phrase often occurs , it is never so taken : Some take it to be the same with Sanctification , or inherent Righteousness in the Person of the Believer : But our Graces , though they come down from Heaven , are never called The Righteousness of God ; but are still called Our own Righteousness : therefore we read , Your Faith , Rom. 1.8 . Your Love , 2 Cor . 8.8 Your Patience , Luke 21.19 Your Faith and Hope , 1 Pet . 1.21 . Your Righteousness , Mat . 5.20 . That which the Scripture calls The Righteousness of God , is not the same with that which is here , and in other places , called our own : If by the Righteousness of God , were meant Inherent Grace , then Faith would be a part of it ; but this Righteousness is by Faith ; therefore it is not Faith . The Text saith , This Righteousness of God is upon them that believe ; therefore 't is not in them . Others take it for Pardon ; but this cannot be ; for Rom. 10.3 . The Jews were ignorant of God's Righteousness ; but they were not ignorant that God was a God pardoning Sins . No , but they were ignorant of being made righteous in the Righteousness of another . They did not look for a Righteousness without themselves : But by the Righteousness of God , is there meant the Righteousness of Christ ; as manifestly appears , v. 4. Christs the end of the Law for Righteousness to every one that believeth ; i.e. Justification by the Righteousness of Christ , was what the Moral Law directed us to , by convincing us of Sin , and shewing our own inability to help our selves ; and therefore if we will have Righteousness , and Life , we must seek it in another . The Ceremonial Law was our School-master to bring us to Christ ; for all the Ceremonial Law was a shadow of good things to come , Heb . 10.1 . All directed to Christ , and Salvation by his Bloud . And so all those Places in the New Testament , that speak of the Righteousness of God , still the Righteousness of Christ is to be understood .

Having now cleared the Text , we come to the Point of Doctrine that naturally flows from it .

Doct . There is no other Way for a Sinner to be justified in the sight of God , but by the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ , received by Faith alone .

In speaking to this Heavenly Truth , I shall do these Five Things : 1. Shew you what Justification is . 2. Prove that it is the Righteousness of Christ imputed , for which we are accounted just and righteous at God's Bar . 3. Shew how the Righteousness of Christ becomes ours . 4. Answer some Objections , usually made against Justification by Faith alone . 5. Make Application of the whole .

First . What is Justification ?

And here , that we may not stumble at the Threshold , and so lose our Way ; let us not confound Justification and Sanctification together , as if there were no Difference . For although Justification and Sanctification do always go together , and are ever found together in the same person ; a justified person is always sanctified , and a sanctified person is ever justified ; yet they differ one from another : For Sanctification is that heavenly and blessed Work of the Holy Spirit in our Hearts , whereby an elect Sinner being awakened , convinced , and humbled for Sin , and being renewed in the whole Man , after the Image of God , heartily repents of all Sin , and turns from it unto God ; as , Isa . 55.7 . walking ever after in Newness of Life . In Sanctification , the Work is within us ; but in Justification without us : For ,

Justification is an Act of God's free Grace unto Sinners ; wherein he pardoneth all their Sins , and accepteth , and accounteth their Persons righteous in his sight ; not for any Righteousness wrought in them ; but only for the perfect Righteousness of Christ , imputed to them by God , and received by Faith alone .

And for the better understanding this Heavenly Truth , let us consider the Process at God's Bar in the Act of Justification , in these Three Things :

1. The Persons justified , viz. Sinners . For so the Apostle saith , Rom. 4.5 . That those that are justified by God , are first ungodly ; and it must needs be so ; for if a Man be innocent , guilty of no Crime , and nothing laid to his charge , he may be praised , his Innocency and Righteousness declared , and published ; but he is not properly justified .

But it is not all Sinners that are made partakers of this blessed Privilege ; but accused , impeached , awakened Sinners : He that is justified , must first be accused at God's Bar , the injured and violated Law puts in its Plea against the Sinner , John 5.45 . Think , not that I will accuse you to the Father ; there is one that accuseth you , even Moses , in whom ye trust ; i.e. the Moral Law of Moses , in the Works whereof you trust to be justified , shall condemn you who continue not in all things written therein , to do them , Gal. 3.10 .

Now we are all Sinners , and Breakers of the Law ; the Law cites us to appear at God's Bar , there to answer what shall be laid to our Charge .

Now by the way , examine , Have you ever been convinced of your Guilt ? The first Step to Justification , is Accusation , John 16.8 . When he , ( i.e. the Spirit , ) is come , he will convince the World of Sin .

Many do not think themselves to be thus guilty , that the Law has any such great Matter to charge upon them ; as St. Paul before Conversion , Rom. 7.9 , 10. I was alive without the Law once ; that is , I once thought my self in a happy and safe condition , as to my Soul ; my Conscience never troubled me , being a Stranger to my Sin and Misery ; but when the Commandment came , Sin revived , and I died ; that is , when I had right apprehensions of the Law , I found my Peace was false and deceitful ; the Law cursed , and accused me ; my Conscience then was wounded , I did see my self a lost Man .

O my dear Friends in Christ , has it been thus with you ? Justified you can never be , till you are first brought to God's Bar , and your Hearts wounded for Sin , Acts 2.37 .

2. The Second Step is , that Plea that the Accused Sinner makes for himself at God's Bar : He that is arraigned must plead Guilty , or not Guilty , Not Guilty we cannot plead ; for we are all Sinners , Rom. 3.9 . All , both Jews and Gentiles , are under Sin . As to this Plea , every Mouth is stopped , and all the World become guilty before God , Rom. 3.19 .

Now the Sinner's Plea at God's Bar , is , Guilty , O Lord , We are guilty of all that thy righteous Law charges upon us ; we deserve the Curse and Penalty it threatens . Now there is a double Plea that the guilty Sinner may make .

1. For the accused , condemned Sinner to plead meer Mercy ; as when a Person is arraigned , convinced of the Crime ; but before Sentence is pronounced , he is asked what he has to say why Sentence of Condemnation should not be pronounced ; he freely confesseth the Crime , only pleads Mercy , throws himself upon the Mercy of the Judge ; but this is not to plead , but rather to beg . I do not say , God could not have saved Man this way , by passing a meer Act of Sovereign Grace , discharging a Sinner out of meer Mercy , without respect to his Justice ; but this I may be bold to say , God will not save Men so , but that his Justice , as well as Mercy may be glorified thereby . True it is , we are saved of meer Grace and Favour ; but yet it is with respect to some satisfaction made to the Justice of God : And therefore ,

2. The only Plea for a guilty Sinner to be justified upon , is to plead Satisfaction to the Justice of God ; and this is the only Plea that a Sinner has to make , when cited to God's Bar ; O Lord , I readily acknowledge that I have grieved thy Spirit , broken thy Law , procured to my self the Curse ; and that I can make no reparation , or satisfaction in my own person ; and though I have nothing to plead in or from my self , why Sentence should not immediately be pronounced against me ; yet I have this to say for my self , why I should not be condemned ; Thou hast given thy dear Son to be a Saviour for lost Sinners ; he was made under the Law ; in his holy Life he obey'd all its Precepts ; and in his bitter Death endured the Curse and Penalty it threatned ; and this he did in the room and stead of all his Elect , of all that were given him by thee from Eternity ; yea , of all that receive him , trust in him , rely upon him by a true and saving Faith . I have this saving Faith ; I see my need of Christ , that there is no way to the Father , but by him ; I have received him as he is offered to me in the Gospel ; I lean upon him , I trust in him alone for Pardon and Life ; he died for me , his Soul was made an Offering for my Sins , what he did was in my place ; as my Surety , he has died for my Sins ; therefore thou canst not in Justice damn me for them ; I plead his Satisfaction ; I stand before thy Tribunal in his perfect Righteousness ; he was made Sin for me , and I am made the Righteousness of God in him .

This is the Believer's Plea , yet do not mistake here ; I do not mean , That a Person is never justified till he can thus in the Triumph of a strong Faith , with Assurance , apply Jesus Christ , and his Righteousness to himself ; but that we are justified only in the sight of God , for the Satisfaction of Christ alone ; and it is the Satisfaction , or Righteousness of Christ alone , that Faith pleads against all the Accusations that are brought in against the Sinner ; and this is clearly proved in these Scriptures , Ps. 51.7 . Sprinkle me with i e . Aspersione Sanguinis Christi , quae significata , atque praefigurata fuit per aspersionem Apuae Lustralis , de qua Lex extat , Num . 19. Hysop , and I shall be clean ; wash me , and I shall be whiter than Snow . David here , from the Guilt of Sin , flies to the Bloud of Sprinkling ; for it was the Bloud of Christ that was signified by the Water of Separation , to be sprinkled with Hysop , Num . 19.18 , 20. as also the Sprinkling of the Bloud of the Item , Per Aspersionem Legalem atque Ceremonialem , intelligitur Aspersio Spiritualis , i.e. Sanguis Christi , Pisc . in loc . Bird , Lev . 14.6 . Which was to be done with Cedar-wood , Scarlet , and Hysop : To which David here looks . Rom. 8.34 . Who is he that condemneth ? It is Christ that died ; yea rather , that is risen again , &c. Where you may see what it is that the Apostle opposeth against all the Accusations that the Law , World , Sin , Conscience , or Devils can bring in against the Believer . And this brings us to the Third Step in our Justification ; and that is ,

3. Upon this Plea the Sinner is acquitted , and discharged at God's Bar ; a Sinner is then justified , when he is , by God , at whose Bar he was arraigned , acquitted , and discharged from all the Penalties , Curses , and Threatnings of the Law . Rom. 8.33 . Who shall lay any thing to the Charge of God's Elect ? it is God who justifieth : Who shall condemn ? it is Christ that died . The Law curses , Satan , and Conscience , and the World accuse ; but to little purpose ; for God justifieth , i.e. for the satisfaction of Christ , which he made to the Law , as our Surety , God doth freely absolve , acquit , and discharge all his Elect , and pronounce them just and righteous in his sight .

Now there are Three Times in which God doth thus justifie a Believer .

1. Immediately upon his Believing ; in that very moment when a Sinner comes to Christ by Faith , believeth in him in a saving manner , he is by God pardoned , and acquitted from all Crime , and owned in Christ a righteous Person . Faith is that Grace which entitles to Eternal Life : Therefore we are said to be justified by Faith ; Rom. 4.5 . But to him that worketh not , but believeth on him that justifieth the Ungodly , his Faith is accounted for Righteousness .

2. At Death : When a Believer dies , God then in Christ accepts him as a righteous Person ; the Soul comes to God's Tribunal ; there God passes Sentence : As the Wicked are at Death doom'd to Hell , and Everlasting Fire , so the Godly are justified , and taken to Glory .

3. At the great Day of Judgment , that will be more eminently a Day of Justification to the Righteous , and a Day of Condemnation to the Wicked ; then the Saints shall be declared righteous by publick Sentence of the Judge of Quick and Dead .

So that upon the whole , we may reduce Justification to these two Things , 1. In the Free Pardon and Forgiveness of all our Sins , Rom. 3.24.25 . Being justified freely by his Grace , through the Redemption that is in Jesus Christ , whom God hath set forth to be a Propitiation through Faith in his Blood , to declare his Righteousness for the Remission of Sins that are past , Eph. 1.7 . In whom we have Redemption through his Bloody , even the Remission of Sins . 2. The Acceptation of our Persons , as righteous in his Sight ; the giving us an actual Right and Title to Glory ; this is more than Pardon . Pardon of Sin only takes away the Obligation to Punishment ; but it gives no actual Right to Glory . God might pardon a Sinner ; and yet annihilate him : But in Justification , the Believer has a Right and Title to Glory , Rom. 5.1 , 2. Being justified freely by his Grace , we have Peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ , v. 2. By whom also we have access by Faith into this Grace , wherein we stand and rejoice in the Hope of the Glory of God , v. 18. — By the Righteousness of one , viz. Christ , the free Gift came upon all Men ( i.e. all Believers ) unto Justification of Life .

Thus you have seen what Justification is , that it is the absolving and discharging a Sinner accused at God's Bar , and accepting , and accounting him righteous in the sight of God ; not for any inherent Righteousness wrought in himself , but for the Righteousness of Christ alone .

Secondly , We come now to the Proof of the Point , that it is the Righteousness of Christ alone , for which we are justified , and accounted righteous in the Sight of God . To clear this , consider ,

1. Justification cannot be without a Righteousness ; that God who is just , and judgeth according to Truth , doth not esteem us righteous , unless we are so : We are all Violators of God's righteous Law , and are therefore under its Curse . Gal. 3.10 . Cursed . is every one that continueth not in all things written in the Book of the Law , to do them : Though we sin , yet the Law stands firm ; the Promises indeed we had sinned away , but the Curse and Threatnings remain . The Law may be considered in a double Notion : First , In its primordial Rigour , requiring perfect personal Obedience from us , and threatning Death , in case of the least Disobedience : Or else the Law may be taken , as it is by God so relaxed , as to admit of a Satisfaction , when violated and broken by us ; so that we must have a Righteousness to answer the Law ; we must some way or other be constituted righteous , as to the Law : And that Righteousness , which the Law requires must be found in us , as the Apostle speaks , Rom. 8.4 . or we can never be justified . God will never do that himself which he abominates in others . Prov. 17.15 . He that justifieth the Wicked is abomination to the Lord : So that we must have a Righteousness , for which we may be constitiited righteous in the Sight of God . And this being granted ; then ,

2. This Righteousness must either be a Righteousness inherent in our own Persons , which is the Righteousness of Works or Sanctification ; or else a Righteousness without us inherent in the Person of another .

But 't is certain , we are not justified or accounted righteous in the Sight of God , by , or for any Righteousness of Works or Sanctification , inherent in our selves , as may appear ,

1. If we are justified , and accounted righteous in God's Sight , by Works , or by any Righteousness in us , or done by us ; then that Righteousness must answer the Law , that we are under . Now the Law requires perfect Obedience ; and indeed if any can be found that have not violated the Law , but are righteous , as Adam in Innocency was , then such may have Eternal Life for their Works . But we are all Sinners , Jews and Gentiles all under Sin , Rom. 3.9 . All the World is become guilty before God , v. 19. So that by the Works of the Law , no Flesh can be justified in the Sight of God , v. 20.

2. If we are justified by Works , or any Thing inherent in our selves ; then we have whereof we may glory , Rom. 4.2 . If Abraham were justified by Works , he hath whereof to glory , if Abraham was justified by any thing in himself ; then he had something to glory of before God : But Abraham , and all Believers are justified in such a way , as excludech all boasting . Rom. 3.27 . Where is boasting then ? It is excluded . By what Law ? Of Works ? Nay , but by the Law of Faith . So Eph. 2.8 , 9. By Grace ye are saved through Faith ; and that not of your selves , it is the Gift of God ; not of Works , lest any Man should boast . So 1 Cor . 1.30 . But of him are ye in Christ Jesus , who of God is made unto us Wisdom , and Righteousness , and Sanctification , and Redemption , v. 31. That according as it is written , He that glorieth , let him glory in the Lord .

3. If we were justified by an inherent Righteousness in our selves ; then we are justified not of Grace , but of Debt , Rom. 4.4 . Now to him that worketh , the Reward is not reckoned of Grace , but of Debt . But the Reward is not of Debt , but of Grace , Rom. 3.24 . Being justified freely by his Grace .

Objection , If God accept us as righteous for our own sincere Obedience to the Gospel , as if we were perfectly righteous ; Is not this of Free Grace ?

Answer . Though it be granted , that all good Works done by the Children of God , are the Effects and Fruits of God's Grace in them ; otherwise they are no ways acceptable to God , Prov. 15.8 . The Sacrifice of the Wicked is abomination to the Lord . Yet when the Apostle saith , We are justified freely by Grace , according to the Redemtion that is in Jesus Christ . Grace is there opposed to all manner of Works ; not only done by the Power and Strength of Nature , but such as are done by the help of Free Grace . He that has any thing in himself , to bring him off at God's Bar , may challenge Justification as due to it . But we have before proved , that Faith and Works are opposed one against the other by the Apostle : So to be justified by Free Grace , is to be justified by Faith , apprehending Christ's Righteousness , who of God is made Righteousness to us , 1 Cor . 1.30 .

4. If Abraham , who was the Father of the Faithful , was not justified by Works ; then not we : But Abraham was not justified by Works , Rom. 4.2 , 3 , 4. but by Faith in Christ ; or for the Righteousness of Christ apprehended by Faith .

Therefore that Righteousness , by , and for which we are justified , must be the Righteousness of another ; that is , of Christ , who is the Lord our Righteousness .

Now here take notice what is meant by the Rightousness of Christ : By the Righteousness of Christ is meant the whole Obedience of Christ , which he performed to the Law in his Estate of Humiliation , from his Conception in the Womb of the Virgin Mary , to his Resurrection from the Grave , taking in both his active Obedience to the Law , as also his bitter Death and Sufferings : This is that Righteousness , which is imputed to us , and for which we are justified , and accounted righteous in the Sight of God .

Now that we are justified only for the Righteousness of Christ , abundantly appears from these Scriptures :

Rom. 3.21 . But now the Righteousness of God without the Law , is manifested , being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets . Some might object , If there be no Justification by the Law , how then may a Person become righteous ? Is there any other Way ? To this , the Apostle answers , yes , there is another Way of Justification , and becoming righteous in the Sight of God : There is another Righteousness , besides The Righteousness of the Law ; viz. The Righteousness of God , which is the Righteousness of Christ ; which under the Law , was witnessed by many clear Prophecies of Christ , and Salvation by Faith in him : As that to Abraham , Gen 12.3 . In thee shall all the Families of the Earth be blessed . As also by Types , such as the Brazon Serpent , the Paschal Lamb , the Cloud and Rock in the Wilderness : As also all the Sacrifices , Ceremonies ; and Offerings of the Law : These all signified Christ , and Salvation by Faith in his Blood and Righteousness .

And then in the Text , he shews what Righteousness he means ; namely , that Righteousness which is found not in us , but in Christ Justitiam inquan Dei , paucis Verbis ostendit qualis sit haec Justificatio ; nempe , quod in Christo resideat Calv . in locum . . And for this Righteousness alone , we are freely justified , and accounted righteous in the Sight of God , v. 24. Being justified freely by his Grace , through the Redemption that is in Jesus Christ .

And then v. 25. he shews that the Righteousness of Christ , is the only Righteousness that God hath set forth and ordained : And which in the Gospel is revealed , Rom. 1.17 . And held out to our Faith , to be received and trusted in for Pardon , Justification , and Life .

And v. 26. the Apostle shews , that this way of Justification by Faith in Christ ; or Faith apprehending , and trusting in the Righteousness of Christ , is that way wherein the Justice of God , as well as his Mercy , is manifested . God is just and righteous ; and therefore when the Justice of God was affronted by Sin , God could not , in Justice , remit the Sin , without some Satisfaction to Justice . Now here God appears to be just , in that he severely punished our Sins in the Person of his own dear Son ; and then freely justifieth us for the Obedience of Christ , imputed to us .

From all which , the Conclusion is very clear , v. 28. Therefore we conclude , that a Man is justified by Faith without the Deeds of the Law ; that is , that all good Works wrought by us , either before , or after Conversion ; either by the Strength of Nature , or Grace , have nothing to do at all in our Justification , in the Sight of God : But it is only the Righteousness of Christ , apprehended by a true Faith , that is , the Righteousness for which we are justified , and accounted righteous in the Sight of God .

Again , this Doctrine of Justification , by Faith in Christ , is yet more fully proved , Rom. 4.3 . Abraham believed God , and it was imputed unto him for Righteousness . Consider what it was , that Abraham believed ; the Object of Abraham's Faith , was Christ , Gal. 3.8 . The Scripture foreseeing , that God would justifie the Heathen , through Faith , preached before the Gospel unto Abraham , saying in thee In te ; id est , in Christo ex te nascituro , in quem tu Credis , Piscator in Locum . shall all Nations be blessed ; that is , in Christ , to be born of thee according to the Flesh ; and him , in whom thou believest . And we read , Joh . 8.56 . that Abraham could see Christ's Day , and rejoice in it : So it was Christ , in whom Abraham believed ; and that blessed Rest he expected , was not in his Works , or Obedience to the Law , but in the promised Messiah : So that Abraham was justified by Faith in Christ , as all Believers now are . Now Abrahams the Pattern of Justification ; as he was justified , so are all Believers : But he was justified by the imputation of the Righteousness received by Faith , and consequently , so are all that believe according to the Pattern and Example of Abraham .

Again , Rom. 5. This Doctrine of Justification by the Righteousness of Christ imputed , is clearly proved ; where the Apostle parallels the Two Adams ; shewing , that , as we are ruined by the one , so we are restored by the other , Ver . 18. As by the Offence of one , Judgment came upon all men to condemnation ; even so , by the Righteousness of one , the free Gift came upon all men to Justification of Life . Hence you see , All , by the Sin and Offence of Adam , are brought into a state of Condemnation ; not the Sin inherent in us , but in the Person of Adam ; i.e. The imputation of Adam's Sin to us , puts us into a state of Guilt and Condemnation , even so the Righteousness of Jesus Christ , not inherent in us , but that which Christ performed to the Law in our stead , is that Righteousness that frees us from the Guilt of Adam's Sin , and makes us just and righteous in the sight and presence of God : Here Adam and Christ are held out , not as two private Persons ; but as two Roots : From the one springeth Sin and Death by Nature ; from the other springeth Righteousness and Life , by Grace ; only with this difference , Adam's All , are all Mankind ; but Christ's All , are only his Spiritual Seed , Isa . 53.10 . He shall see his Seed . Psal . 22.30 . A Seed shall serve him ; that is , such as were eternally elected by the Father . Eph. 1.4 . Given to Christ in the Covenant of Redemption . John 6.37 . Drawn to Christ by the Father . V. 44. United to Christ by Faith ; and made spiritually living Members in him , John 3.36 .

Again , 1 Cor . 1.30 . Of him are ye in Christ Jesus , who of God is made unto us Wisdom , Sanctification , Righteousness , and Redemption .

The Papists , Socinians , Arminians , and Quakers confound Sanctification and Justification together ; but here you see they are plainly distinguished from each other , Sanctification is , as you have heard , the blessed Work of the Spirit of God in us ; but Christ his being made Righteousness to us , as Learned Mr. Calvin , on the Place , observes , is , that we are for the Merit and Satisfaction of Christ , imputed to us , made acceptable and righteous in the sight of God . 2 Cor . 5.21 . He hath made him to be sin for us , who knew no sin , that we might be made the Righteousness of God in him . Isa . 45.24 . In the Lord shall one say , surely have I righteousness and strength . And again , Jer . 23.6 . This is the Name wherewith he shall be called , The Lord our Righteousness .

Thus you see how pregnant , and abundant the Scripture is in this Heavenly Truth ; That that Righteousness that constitutes and makes a Sinner righteous in God's sight and confers an actual Title to Eternal Life , is not our own Works , or the inherent Righteousness of Sanctification ; but the active and passive Obedience of Christ , imputed to us . And so we pass on to the Third Thing premised ; and that is to shew how this Righteousness of Christ becomes ours .

Now the Righteousness of Christ becomes ours these two Ways :

1. On God's Part ; It is imputed to us .

2. On our Part ; It is received by Faith .

First , On God's Part , we are made partakers of the Righteousness of Christ , by the free imputation of it to us . The imputation of the Righteousness of Christ to Believers , is that free action of God , wherein he accounteth the whole Obedience of Christ , from his Conception to his Resurrection , to be so far ours , as that for it we should be accounted righteous in the sight of God , and Heirs of eternal Life . This imputation of the Righteousness of Christ to us , is more than Imputation in the Effects , for the pardon of Sin ; but as that Learned Bishop Ipsissima Christi Obedientia nobis imputatur , quasi esset nostra personalis . B. Davenant , De Justificat . p. 364 , 373. expresses it ; The very Obedience of Christ is imputed to us , as if it were our personal Righteousness .

And this heavenly Doctrine , however much it be opposed in this corrupt Age , by Rome's Advocates ; yet it is a Truth that shines forth with much clearness from the Word of God . Rom. 4.3 . Abraham was justified by imputed Righteousness . We have before proved , that Christ was the Object of Abraham's Faith ; it was the Righteousness of Christ received by his Faith , that was imputed to him ; and so all that believe , must be justified in the same way as Abraham was .

Now the better to conceive the manner of this Imputation , consider these two Things :

1. As Adam's Sin is imputed to his Posterity ; even so is Christ's Righteousness imputed to Believers : Now Adam's Sin was imputed to all his Posterity , Rom. 5.12 . For that all have sinned ; so in our English Translation ; but the Words should rather be read , In whom all have sinned ; as in the Margin {αβγδ} ; Those Words , {αβγδ} , one Relative ; and so Beza , Piscator , Pareus , Montanus , &c. read them ; In quo omnes peccarunt , i.e. In Adamo . : That is , his Sin was imputed to all , and brought all into a state of Condemnation ; as appears at large , in ver . 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21. Even so the Righteousness of Christ is imputed to all Believers ; and as Adam's Sin makes us Sinners by Imputation ; so Christ's Righteousness makes us righteous by Imputation . Ver . 19. As by one Man's Disobedience many were made Sinners ; so by the Obedience of one shall many be made righteous .

2. As the Sins of all the Elect were imputed to Christ , and he treated as a Sinner , condemned as a Sinner ; as appears from Isa . 53.4 . Surely he hath born our Griefs , and carried our Sorrows . Ver . 5. He was wounded for our Transgressions , he was bruised for our Iniquities . 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 Iniquities of us all . Ver . 8. For the Transgressions of my People was he smitten . 1 Per . 2.24 . Who his own self bore our Iniquities in his own Body upon the Tree . Thus 't is certain that our Sins were laid upon Christ ; and this could be no otherwise than by Imputation .

Now even so is Christ's Righteousness imputed to Believers . 2 Cor . 5.21 . He hath made him to be Sin for us who knew no Sin , that we might be made the Righteousness of God in him ; that is , as our Sins were imputed to Christ , and he for them reputed , and treated as a Sinner ; so is his Righteousness imputed to us , and we for it reputed , and treated as righteous Persons in the sight of God .

Now if any ask , how that Righteousness which Christ performed in his own Person , can be imputed to us ; let these Two Things be considered :

1. That what Christ did , he did it as a common Person . A common Person is one who represents , personates , and acts the Part of another ; and what he doth as such , in the Name of another , is looked on as done by the Person whom he represents : Such a common Person was Adam ; he represented , and personated all Mankind ; therefore his Sin was the Sin of all : Such a common Person was the High-Priest under the Law ; he acted in the Name , and on the behalf of the People : And such a common Person is Christ ; as is fully proved in the Parallel of the Two Adams , Rom. 5. He did what he did in our stead ; and this especially in his Priestly Office . The Apostle saith , Heb . 5.1 . That every Priest is ordained for Men , to act in their behalf towards God ; he paid our Debt , attoned Divine Justice for us ; he was the Representative of all Mankind ; he sustained our Persons , he stood in our room , he suffered in our stead , not only for our Good , but in our Place ; and so all he did was ours .

2. Consider also , that Christ was our Surety , Heb . 7.22 . He was a Surety of a better Testament . A Surety is one that is bound to do something for another ; as , to pay a Debt , or bring one safe to such a Place : So Jesus Christ was bound for his Elect , to see all their Debts discharged , and the violated Law , and the Justice of God fully satisfied , and the elect Sinner brought safe to Heaven ; so that what Christ did , he did it as our Surety to the Father And hence it is , that all that Christ did becomes ours .

And so much may suffice to be spoken to the First Thing ; That the Righteousness of Christ becomes ours by Imputation .

Secondly , We are made Partakers of the Righteousness of Christ on our Part , by Faith ; so in the Text ; The Righteousness of God , which is by Faith of Jesus Christ . The Faith of Jesus Christ here , is not to be understood , for that Faith Christ had , or by which he believed Fides Jesu Christi non activè , quam ipse Christus habet ; sed passivè , qua ipse Christus habetur , seu possidetur , seu non qua ipse credit , sed qua in ipsum creditur . Parcus in Locum . ; but that Faith , by which he is had and received ; not Christ's Faith in the Father , but our Faith in Christ .

Now here I shall do two things ,

1. Shew you the Nature of justifying Faith .

2. How Faith justifieth .

1. What is that Saving Faith in Christ , by which we are justified in the Sight of God .

Justifying Faith , is a saving Grace wrought in the Heart of a Sinner by the Spirit and Word of God ; whereby he being convinced of his Sin and Misery , and of the Disability in himself , and all other Creatures , to recover him out of his lost Condition ; not only assenteth to the Truth of the Promises of the Gospel , but receiveth and resteth upon Christ , and his Righteousness therein held forth , for Pardon of Sin , and for the accepting , and accounting of his Person righteous in the Sight of God for Salvation .

Or thus :

Faith in Jesus Christ is a Saving Grace , whereby we receive , and rest upon him alone for Salvation , as he is offered to us in the Gospel .

Here observe ,

1. The Nature of it is a saving Grace ; hereby it s distinguished from , and set above common Grace , Heb . 10.39 . We are not of them who draw back unto Perdition , but of them that believe to the saving of the Soul . There is a common Faith , such as Hypocrites have , and there is a believing , to the saving of the Soul ; yet it justifieth not as our Act , but instrumental , as it apprehends Christ ; Act. 16.31 . Believe on the Lord Jesus , and thou shalt be saved .

2. The Author of Faith in Jesus Christ , and that is God , whose Gift it is , and who works it by his Spirit ; Eph. 2.8 . Faith is the Gift of God ; 2 Cor . 4.13 . The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Faith . See Eph. 1.17 , 18 , 19.

3. The Instrument whereby the Spirit ordinarily works Faith , is the Word preached ; Rom. 10.17 . Faith comes by hearings and hearing by the Word of God ; 1 Cor . 15.11 . So we preach and so you believe ; the Word and Spirit go together in producing this Heavenly Grace : The Word without the Spirit cannot , and the Spirit without the Word will not work Faith ; therefore wait on the Ministry of the Word , but beg the quickning Virtue of the Spirit .

4. Here is the Subject in which Faith is found .

1. The Subject of Denomination , or the Person in whom alone saving Faith is found ; and these are only the Elect ; Hypocrites may believe with common Faith , but none but the Elect believe to the saving of the Soul , Tit . 1.1 . according to the Faith of God's Elect ; Act. 13.28 . as many as were ordained to Eternal Life believed .

2. Subjectum Ricipiens ; the Parts of the Soul in which Faith is placed ; and that is the Heart , Rom. 10.10 . With the Heart Man believeth to Salvation . The Heart includeth Will and Affections ; it s not the Understanding only ; and it s in the Heart of a Sinner ; an innocent Person cannot thus act Faith upon a Mediator .

5. Here 's the Object of Faith , and that is Jesus Christ ; Faith indeed looks at the whole revealed Will of God ; but Christ is the proper immediate Object of justifying Faith ; 't is not so properly Christ on the Throne , as Christ on the Cross ; not Christ reigning , but Christ dying ; Rom. 3.25 . whom God hath set forth to be a Propitiation through Faith in his Blood .

O here 's the proper Act of Faith , as it justifieth ; viz. a receiving , and resting upon Christ , and his Righteousness held out in the Gospel , for Pardon and Eternal Life .

1. Man is convinced of Sin , and made to see what a woful state he is in by Nature , Rom. 7.9 , 10.

2. Jesus Christ is freely offered to him in the Promises of the Gospel , to save him from Sin and Hell . Mat . 11.28 . Come to me all you that labour , and are heavy laden , and I will give you rest .

3. The Heart being drawn by the Spirit , draws near to Christ , throws it self into his Arms , hangs on the Promise , or rather , on Christ held out in the Promise , and will not leave him . Have you not seen how a poor Babe , in the Apprehension of some danger , flies to the Mother's Arms , and hangs about her Neck ; even so a poor Sinner , pursued by the Terrors of the Law , runs to Christ , to hide him from Wrath to come ; the Soul is now resolved to live and die with Christ .

And though he doth not presently get a Smile , or Assurance that Christ will own him ; yet he hangs on him , and with holy Job , resolves , Job . 13 , 15. Though he slay me , yet will I trust in him .

Now that Justifying Faith is a trusting and recumbency of heart on Christ , is clear from that one Text , among others , 2 Tim . 1.12 . I know whom I have believed , ( or trusted , ) and am persuaded he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him ( or entrusted him with , or , delivered up to his keeping , ) against that day . And what was that be had thus committed to Christ , but his Soul , and the eternal Salvation thereof ?

II . How doth Faith justifie ?

1. It is so clearly laid down in Scripture , that we are justified by Faith , that few deny it . Rom. 3.28 . We conclude a Man is justified by Faith . Rom. 4.9 . Abraham's Faith was imputed to him for righteousness . Rom. 5.1 . Being therefore justified by Faith , &c.

2. But the greatest difficulty is , how Faith justifies ?

Negatively ; We are not justified by Faith in it self , as a Work , Quality , or Action in us , or done by us having worth or dignity in it to merit Justification at God's hands : In this Sense Papists allow Justification by Faith ; but to be thus justified , is to be justified by our own inherent Righteousness .

But Faith justifieth , in respect of its Object , as an Instrument ; looking at Christ , and his Righteousness . Faith is not our Righteousness , Fides non est Justitia nostra , sed Manus apprehendens , &c. M. Mart . but the Hand , or Instrument apprehending the Righteousness of Christ , whereby we are justified in the sight of God .

And therefore , when the Scripture saith . We we justified by Faith , it is ever to be understood , we are justified by the Righteousness of Christ , apprehended by Faith . As also this Phrase , We are justified by Faith alone : Although this Particle [ alone ] be not found in so many Letters and Syllables in Scripture , yet we often meet with what is equivalent to it ; as , Rom. 3.24 . We are justified freely by his Grace , according to the redemption that is in Jesus Christ . So , Ver . 27. All Works are excluded ; therefore 't is by Faith alone . And , ver . 28. By Faith without the Deeds of the Law . So , Eph. 2.8 .

Indeed that Faith that justifieth , is not alone ; but is ever accompanied with all other Fruits of the Spirit , in its nature , it is inclusive of all good Works ; yet , as it justifieth , it excludes all Works , and therefore is alone . As the Sun in the Heavens , is not alone , there are Thousands of Stars ; yet not the Stars , but the Sun alone makes Day : So here Faith in the heart of a Believer , is not alone ; there is in the same Soul all other heavenly Graces ; as , Love of God , holy Fear , Repentance , Humility , Patience , &c. yet Faith alone justifieth .

I shall here conclude this Head , by giving you a Scheme of the several Causes of our Justification .

1. The internal moving Cause is meer Grace in God . Vers . 24. We are justified freely by his Grace .

2. The external moving Cause of Justification is Christ , God-Man ; for as he is our Mediator , he hath procured this Gift for us .

3. The Material Cause is the Righteousness of his whole Satisfaction ; whereby he both obeyed the Law , and suffered the punishment due to us for Sin .

4. The Formal , is the Imputation of our Sins to Christ , and his Righteousness to us , whereby it is made ours , as if we had performed it our selves , 2 Cor . 5.21 .

5. The external instrumental Cause is the Gospel ; in which Christ and his Righteousness is offered , the way of Acceptance with God through Christ is shewed us , Rom. 1.16 . Rom. 3.21 .

6. The internal instrumental Cause is Faith ; which justifies no otherwise than as an Instrument , apprehending Christ . So hence it may appear how those Scriptures do agree , in which we are said to be justified , now by Grace , then by Christ's Merits , and then again , by Faith ; for we are justified through God's Grace , for Christ's Merits , apprehended by Faith .

7. The Declarative Cause of Justification , is good Works ; whereby our Faith is proved to be not a dead , but a living Faith .

8. The Final Cause of our Justification , is God's Glory , and our Salvation .

Fourthly , We come now to answer some Objections made against this heavenly Doctrine .

Objection 1.

This Doctrine of Justification by Faith alone , or the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ , apprehended by Faith , seems contrary to the Doctrine of the Apostle James ; who saith expresly , Jam . 2.21 . that Abraham was justified by works . And , Ver . 24. Ye see then how that Man is justified by works , and not by Faith only . Now these two Propositions seem very contrary ; that of S. Paul , We are justified by Faith , without the deeds of the Law ; and that of St. James , We are justified by works , and not by Faith only .

Answer .

Notwithstanding this seeming Difference , there is nevertheless a sweet Accord between these two Apostles ; they both spake by the holy Spirit , which is a Spirit of Truth , and never utters any thing contradictory to itself , though it may seem so to us .

There are two ways to reconcile St. Paul , and S. James .

1. By rightly distinguishing the Word Justification ; which sometimes signifies the Absolution of a Sinner at God's Bar ; and so it is used by St. Paul , in the 3d . 4th . and 5th . Chapters to the Romans , where he treats of Justification ; but then it is sometimes taken for the Declaration of a Man righteous before Men ; and in this sense St. James useth it . When James saith , We are justified by works , he doth not mean , that by , or for our works we are pronounced righteous at God's Bar ; but declared righteous before Men : And this needs no farther proof , than that Instance of Abraham , Chap. 2. v. 21. That Abraham was justified by Works , when he offered up Isaac upon the Altar ; it s certain Abraham was justified in the sight of God long before , at least twenty five years , Gen. 15.6 . Therefore Abraham's Justification here is nothing else but the manifestation of it by his Works to the World .

2. Another Way to reconcile these seeming Differences , is , by rightly distinguishing the Word Faith , Which ,

1. Sometimes signifies a true and living Faith , which works by Love , and is productive of all manner of holy Obedience : And this is that Faith St. Paul speaks of , when he saith , We are justified by Faith alone ; he means , that Faith that sets the Soul at work in hearty and sincere Obedience to God's Word : , and this St. James doth not deny ,

2. The Word Faith , is sometimes taken for a false , barren , and dead Faith , such as Devils and Hypocrites have ; which consists in meer Opinion , owning , and acknowledging the Articles of Religion as true , but is it self dead , not producing Holiness of Heart and Life . This is that Faith here opposed by S. James : And therefore when he saith , that Abraham , Rahab , &c. were justified by Works , he means no more but this , they were justified by a working Faith ; a Faith that is not barren , but productive of all good Works . So you see whatever seeming difference there is in Words , between these two Apostles , there is none in Sense . St. Paul separates Works from Justification , but not from Faith ; St. James joyns Works to Faith , but not to Justification .

Objection 2.

If we are justified by the imputation of Christ's Righteousness alone , all Works excluded , doth not this open a Gap to Licentiousness , ; what need we endeavour to be holy ? Christ hath done all , and left nothing for us to do , but to believe .

This is an old Objection urged against St. Paul , and therefore no wonder that Men of the same Spirit , yet make it against us . Rom. 6.1 . Shall we continue in Sin , that Grace may abound ? As if they had said , this Doctrine of being made righteous in the sight of God , by the imputation of the Righteousness of Christ , if it be true , gives us liberty to fulfil the Lust of our Flesh , to indulge our selves in sinful Ways .

Answer .

1. Though Faith alone justifies ; yet that Faith that doth justifie , is not alone , but is ever accompanied with good Works , it is a working Faith ; and where-ever it is , engages the whole Man in a course of holy obedience to God . James 2.17 . Faith without Works is dead being alone . Vers . 26. As the Body without the Spirit is dead , so Faith without Works is dead . Gal. 5.7 . Faith that works by Love . Now let all judge what tendency this heavenly Truth can have to make Persons loose , that we are justified by Faith alone ; that that Faith that justifieth , is not a dead , but living Faith , a heart-purifying Faith , that makes him that hath it , zealous of good works .

2. Justification and Sanctification always go together ; he that is justified is certainly sanctified , and he that is sanctified is likewise justified : And so the Apostle joins them together , 1 Cor . 1.30 . Jesus Christ , who of God is made unto us Sanctification and Righteousness . 1 Cor . 6.11 . But ye are sanctified , but ye are justified ; so that he that is justified must needs be a holy Person .

3. Although Sanctification hath nothing to do in the Business of Justification in the sight of God , that being only by Faith without the Deeds of the Law ; yet there is no other way to evidence to our own Souls , that we are justified , but only by a work of Sanctification upon our hearts . He that would know whether he be justified before God or no ; must examine his own Heart , concerning his Sanctification ; for they that , are in Christ , walk not after the Flesh , but after the Spirit . Rom. 8.1 .

Objection 3.

This Doctrine of Justification by the Impution of the Righteousness of Christ , seems to dissolve the Law , as if it did no longer oblige to Obedience .

Answer .

This is an old Objection made against St. Paul , and his Preaching , Rom. 3.31 . Do we then make void the Law through Faith ? God forbid ; yea , we rather establish the Law . The Apostle's Answer is , That the Doctrine of Justification by Faith alone , is so far from destroying , that it rather establisheth the Law . And that it doth in these two respects :

1. The Law is established in Justification by Faith in Christ , in that Christ has both fulfilled the Precepts of the Law in his Life ; as also fully satisfied for the Breach of the Law in his Death and Sufferings ; and hence the Righteousness of the Law is fulfilled in us , Rom. 8.4 . i . e . in Christ our Surety .

2. The Law , though it be void to a Believer , in respect of obtaining Justification ; but in that respect it is become weak , and unable to answer its End , Rom. 8.3 . Yet it is established as a Rule of Obedience to all Believers in Christ . We must obey it , not to be justified by it ; but by our obedience to it , to testifie our Thankfulness to God ; not as a Cause of our Justification , but as an Evidence of our Interest in Christ . Our Obedience to the Law , is not our Title to Heaven ; but it is our necessary Qualification to sit us for Heaven . Heb . 12.14 . Without Holiness no Man shall see God .

Objection 4.

If we are righteous before God in the Righteousness of Christ , then God sees no Sin in us .

Answer .

True it is , God sees no Sin in a Saint with a vindictive Eye ; but with an intuitive one he doth : He doth not see Sin in a justified Person , so as to revoke his Justification , and condemn him for it . Rom. 8.1 . No Condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus . No Sin in a Believer lessens his Title to Heaven .

But yet nevertheless God bo●● sees , and is angry with the Sins of his People : And as a Father ( not as an angry and revenging Judge ) corrects and afflicts them for Sin , Psal . 89.30 . If his Children Per Filios Christi hic intelligantur credentes . Pisc . in Locum . ( i.e. Christ's spiritual Seed and Offspring that are united to him by Faith ) forsake my Law and walk , not in my Judgments .

Verse 31. If they break my Statutes , and keep not my Commandments .

Verse 32. Then will I visit their Transgressions with the Rod , and their Iniquities with Stripes .

Verse . 33. Nevertheless my loving Kindness will I not utterly take from him , nor suffer my Faithfulness to fail .

Verse 34. My Covenant will I not break , &c.

I now proceed to the Application of the Doctrine .

Application .

Is this so , that there is no other way for a Sinner to be justified in the Sight of God , but by the imputation of the Righteousness of Christ received by Faith alone ; then we shall make a threefold Use of this blessed Truth .

A Use of 1. Information . 2. Examination . 3. Exhortation .

The first Use shall be of Information in Five Things .

1. If this be so , that there is no other way of Justification , but by the Imputation of Christ's Righteousness , then this informs us , that the way of Justification taught by the Papists , is dangerous and destructive to Souls for they join Works with the Righteousness of Christ ; or rather set up Works in the point of Justification , in opposition to Christ ; as Vasques , a Popish Author saith , where he ascribes all to Works , nothing to Christ , as he is quoted by Mr. Pool , in his Dialogue : Saith , That Eternal Life is due to a good Man without any Covenant , or Favour of God : And , that the Merits of Christ add no Worth to the Works of a good Man . Many more such like Sayings may be seen in Pool's Dialogue , pag . 206. 207. A Book I could wish were in all Protestant-Hands Being not above 12 Pence price ; and of admirable Use to principle Christians against Popish Errors . . But I beseech you hold fast this blessed Truth , That we are justified in the Sight of God by the Righteousness of Christ imputed ; and then all Antichristia Fogs will be dissipated .

2. This being so , that we are justified by Faith alone ; then this shews the Falseness and Dangerousness of the Arminian Way of Justification : Which they thus express , That we are justified by Faith in a proper Sense ; i.e. the Act of believing , is that that is imputed to us ; and for which we are accepted with God , as if it were the perfect Righteousness of the Law . Or more plainly thus : Our Faith and sincere Obedience to the Gospel , is our Evangelical Righteousness , which God for Christ's sake accepts , as if it were perfect ; but this Doctrine being true , that we are justified by Faith , as it apprehends Christ , this must needs be false .

3. This being so ; then see what a rotten Sect the Quakers are ; and as in most other , so they are very rotten in this fundamental Point , for whatever crafty Words they speak ; that they are justified by Christ , and his imputed Righteousness , they mean nothing but their adored Light within : For in their Declaration of Faith , pag . 19 , 20. though they endeavour to hide and cover their Error in this Point , by many crafty Words , such as this , that Acceptance with the Father is only in Christ , and by his Righteousness imputed to us , &c. But they , as the Papists , with whom they agree in many fundamental Errors , have secret Reserves ; say one thing , but mean another ; they deny Faith , to receive Christ's Righteousness , calling it scoffingly an Act of the Creaturely Skill , and a Fiction of Man's Brain ; and bring all to our Walking , as may there be Seen . And when they say , pag . 20. that it is not by Acts of Righteousness done by our selves , that we are justified ; but by Christ , who works those Acts in us , and for us . Here you see 't is Acts in us for which we we justified ; not done by us , but by the Light in us , which they blasphemously call sometimes God , and sometimes the Holy Ghost , by , and from which the Holy Scriptures were written , as in the forecited Book , pag . 6. and sometimes Christ . Those that would see how gross they are in this Point , See these Reason against Railing , pag . 8. Whitehead's Append . 27. 28. Smith Collect . 56. Fox's Myst . 10. 23. 131. Quakerism no Popery , 44 ad 57. Books written by Ringleaders amongst them . But , dear Christians , let me beg of you to receive this blessed Truth , that you have seen clearly proved from the Word of God ; and then all Popish , Arminian , and Quaking Errors will vanish .

4. See here also the Errors of the Antinomians confuted ; who say , That we are justified from Eternity : But this cannot be ; because we must he charged with Guilt before we can be justified , this could not be before we had sinned . Again , none can be justified till they believe . Joh . 3.36 . actual Faith is not from Eternity . Again , there is a time when the Saints that are now justified , were under Condemnation , Eph. 2.2 . 1 Cor . 6.11 .

5 This then informs of the great Sin and Guilt that is committed and contracted , by those Ministers that have received Charge of Souls and do not faithfully shew poor Sinners this way to Life and Glory ; i.e. by the Imputation of Christ's Righteousness . Those are undoubtedly Enemies to their own , and Peoples Souls , who do not direct their People to the Righteousness of Christ for Justification and Eternal Life , and whatever such may now think or say , they 'll find their Account very terrible , when the chief Shepherd shall appear , 1 Cor . 9.16 . A Necessity is laid on me to peach the Gospel and wo unto me if I preach not the Gospel .

The Second Use shall be of Examination . Is this so , that we are justified in the Sight of God , by the Imputation of Christ's Righteousness received by Faith alone ?

Then let me beseech every one of you to make a pause here : Stand a while , and reflect seriously upon your selVes ; put this Query to your own Hearts , Whether am I justified , or no ? Clothed with the Righteousness of Christ , or no ?

Quest . But how may I know whether I am a justified Person or no ?

1. Negatively , There be several sorts of Persons that may be sure they are not justified , are not in Christ , have no Right or Title to Eternal Life . As , 1. All open , scandalous , and profane Sinners ; who though in Words they may own Christ , yet in Works deny him , Tit . 1. ult . such as Swearers , Drunkards , Scoffers at Holiness , Enemies to the Life and Power of Godliness , Profaners of Sabbaths , proud , covetous Worldlings , Atheists , such as live and allow themselves in a Trade and Course of Sin . The World is full of these ; the Nation , Towns , Parishes , swarm with such : To be sure you that are such are not justified , Exod . 23.7 . The Lord will not justifie the Wicked .

Objection .

But is not God said to justifie the Ungodly ? Rom. 4.5 .

Answer .

Though God find Sinners ungodly , yet he doth not leave them so ; but always whom he justifies he sanctifieth , Rom. 8.30 . Whom he called , them he justified , 1 Cor . 6.9 , 10 , 11. Know you not that the Unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God . Be not deceived : ( and then he gives you a Catalogue of such as are marching in the forlorn Hope for Hell : ) And then adds , Such were some of you ; but ye are washed , but ye are sanctified , but ye are justified .

2. Such are not justified , as are ignorant of , and Strangers to the Way of Salvation by Jesus Christ , Joh . 17.3 . 't is Life Eternal to know God and Jesus Christ . I do not here speak of Infants or Idiots , but adult Persons ; 't is sad not to know Christ , to sit under a Ministry that does not reveal Christ : Ignorance of any of the Fundamentals of Religion is dangerous , but Ignorance of Christ is damnable , 2 Thes . 1.8 . Taking Vengeance on them that know not God .

3. Such as have no saving Work of God upon their Hearts , are Strangers to the Life and Power of Godliness : These are not justified ; for Justification and Sanctification always go together .

2. Positively ; If you are sanctified , you are justified . Now I beseech you , examine whether ever you have felt that Heavenly Change upon your Hearts , mentioned Ezek . 36.25 , 26 , 27.

But particularly , let me put you upon the Trial of your Faith ; if you have saving Faith , you are justified Persons : Faith is that Grace that lays hold on Christ ; and whoever hath it , hath Christ and Eternal Life in him , Mark 16. He that believeth shall be saved . Take these Signs of true saving Faith .

1. If your Hearts lie under the commanding Power of the Word of God , desire to obey every Command ; then your Faith is right , and you are justified Persons , Psal . 119.4 , 5 , 6.

Objection .

Alas , I am so far from obeying all , that I obey none as I should .

Answer .

But can you not say with David , you respect all , v. 6. God accepts the Will for the Deed ; if your Faith be right , it s productive of Holiness , Jam . 1.17 .

2. Where there 's saving Faith , Jesus Christ is prized above all the World , 1 Pet . 2.7 . To you that believe , he is precious . Now what Thoughts have you of Christ , and what Affections to him ? Do not you love him ? Are not the Desire of your Souls to his Name ? Do you prize Christ above all , and count it a singular Favour and Honour to be employed for him , to wait on him in any of his Ordinances .

3. Faith purifies the Heart , Act. 15.9 . it s not so much for Shews as for Heart soundness , Psal . 119.30 . Do you long for Heart-purity ; then you are blessed , Matth . 5.6 .

O try your Faith , Joh . 3.36 . He that believeth , hath Eternal Life .

The third Use shall be of Exhortation , in two Branches .

1. To Sinners yet unjustified .

2. To the Saints , and such as are in Christ .

1. To you who are yet unconverted , and in a State of Condemnation ; How dreadful is your Condition ? God's righteous Law curses and condemns you , Gal 3.10 . You are Sinners , God-provoking , Hell deserving Sinners : A Hellish Nature you brought into the World with you , and Hellish Fruits hath it brought forth in your Lives . God hath been exceedingly dishonoured by you : The Spirit of Grace has been grieved by you . The precious things of God , and the great Things of Eternity , have been much slighted and neglected by you . You have been full of Cares and Projects for the Body and bodily Concerns ; but your immortal Souls have been little regarded : You have lived , as if there had been no other World but this : As if the terrible Threatnings against Sin and Sinners , had been but meer Bugbears ; and the precious Promises of the Gospel , but Fables . And yet die you must , and enter upon an Eternity of Glory in Heaven , or Misery in the burning Lake in a very short Time .

O , Sirs , I beg of you in the Bowels of Jesus Christ , that you will seriously set your selves to consider , how dreadful it will be to die before you live ; to die a natural Death , before you live a spiritual Life . It will be dreadful for you to appear at the Bar of God out of Christ ; to stand trembling before the Judge of Quick and Dead , without either the inherent Righteousness of Sanctification , or the imputed Righteousness of Justification ; for if you have not the former , to be sure you have not the latter .

You see here is Provision made ; here is a perfect spotless Righteousness , able to cover all your spiritual Deformities , and to present you without Spot and Blemish before God's Tribunal .

And it is offered to you in the Gospel ; you may have it if the Fault be not in your selves ; you are fairly invited to come to Christ , Isa . 55.1 . Ho , every one that thirsteth , come ye to the Waters ; and he that hath no Money , Come ye , buy and eat ; yea , come , buy Wine and Milk without Money , and without Price . So v. 7.

And therefore be not so cruel to your own Souls , as to go on , and die in your Sins : Therefore let me beg this small Request of you ; I am not begging your Silver or Gold , nor your Favours to my self , but what infinitely concerns your own Everlasting Good . My Request is , that this Evening before you sleep , you would get alone , and put this Question solemnly and seriously to your selves : What am I ? Whether am I justified by the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ or no ? If not ; as there 's nothing so sure , as that I am not justified , if I am not sanctified , what will become of me when I die ? How shall I dare to appear at God's righteous Bar ? Now is this Request unreasonable ? If I could tell what Words would affect your Hearts , I would speak them . I besecch you , my Brethren , one and another , young and old , rich and poor , be reconciled to God ; nay , not I , but Jesus Christ , by me , beseeches you to be reconciled . Suppose Jesus Christ were now in this Pulpit , thus beseeching and inviting you to come to himself , believe in him , How would your Hearts melt ? Why I am his Servant and Messenger , I come not of my self , he sent me ; if you despise this Message , from my Mouth , you despise Christ , Luk . 10.16 . He that heareth you , heareth me ; and he that despiseth you , despiseth me . We are Ambassadors for Christ : as though God did beseech you by us . We pray you in Christ's Stead , be ye reconciled to God , 2 Cor . 5.20 .

The Second Branch of this Exhortation shall be to you that are in Christ : You are the Children of God by Faith ; you can prove your Title to Christ's imputed Righteousness by the Fruits of the Spirit in your Hearts , Gal. 5.22 .

1. Have you a saving Interest in Christ ? live to him . Col. 2.6 . As ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord , so walk in him . Remember , such as are in Christ walk not after the Flesh , but after the Spirit . O labour to be righteous as he is righteous ; walk circumspectly , not as Fools , but as wise ; as you call on the Name of Christ , depart from all iniquity : Be much in Prayer to him , secret Prayer , Matth . 6.6 . Enter into thy Closet , shut thy Door , pray to thy Father in secret . Let thy Heart run out , run over in Love to him . Cant . 1.7 . O thou whom my Soul loves ! The ignorant World calumniates this heavenly Doctrine of Justification , to lead to Loosness . O convince Gainsayers by a strict , holy , heavenly Walk , that they that will speak evil of you , may have nothing rightly to accuse your good Conversation : Prize all the Truths of God : Stick close to every Ordinance ; as new born Babes desire the sincere Milk of the Word , that you may grow thereby . O have a care that while you seek to be justified by Christ , you your selves are not found Sinners . Gal. 2.17 . Be holy in all manner of Conversation . Be holy in your Closets , in your Families , in the inward Frame of your Hearts , and in all your dealing and converse in the World .

2. Do not only live to Jesus Christ ; but live upon him ; live by Faith . Gal. 2.20 . The Life I live in the World , is by the Faith of the Son of God , who loved me , and gave himself for me .

1. Live upon Christ for Temporals ; and this you may do with much comfort and ease ; banish all anxious , distrustful , distracting Cares and Fears about the World . Cast your Care on him , he cares for you . Psal . 55.22 . Cast thy Burthen upon the Lord , and he shall sustain thee ; he will never suffer the righteous to be moved . 1 Pet . 5.7 . He that has given the greater , will certainly give the lesser . Rom. 8.32 . He that spared not his own Son , but gave him up for us all , how shall he not with him freely give us all things ? Also he that has given you Christ and Pardon , will give you Food and Raiment , Provision and Protection , and whatever may be necessary for you in this Life . Heb . 13.5 , 6. Let your Conversation be without Covetousness ; and be content with such things as you have ; for he hath said , I will never leave thee , nor forsake thee . So that we may boldly say , The Lord is my Helper , I will not fear what Man shall do unto me .

2. Live upon Christ for Spirituals : especially Pardon of Sin , and Acceptance in his sight ; when at any time you are assaulted with Temptations about the state and Condition of your Souls ; live in Duties , & exercise Grace ; but do not live upon them ; but live wholly by Faith on Christ : When the Guilt of Sin stares you in the Face , and raises some Terror within , do as David did in the like case , Psal . 51.7 . Fly to the Blood of Sprinkling . It would much conduce to the Peace and Comfort of Christians , if they did more believingly consider , that our Acceptance with God is not for our Duties and Graces , but only for Christ's Merits . God doth not love his People the less for their remaining Infirmities . Sin in a Believer , may darken his Evidences , and put him upon true Acts of Humiliation and Repentance ; but it cannot annul his Justification . And therefore set not your own Duties and Graces , but the Death and Satisfaction of Christ , in opposition to all Charges that may be brought against you , either from the Law , Satan , or Conscience . Rom. 8.34 . Who is he that condemneth ? 't is Christ that died . Be as holy and heavenly as you can ; but live only upon Christ by Faith , for Pardon , Perseverance , and Eternal Life .

Triuni Deo Gloria . FINIS .