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IF Satan preuaile not that way,* 1.1 hee will labour to per∣swade men that this Brest-plate of Righteousnesse is needlesse, because Christ hath wrought a full and perfect redemption, and left nothing for them to doe: by his
Righteousnesse they shall be iustified and saued: so as they which haue the shield of Faith, need not this Brest-plate. By this wyle did Satan beguile many Christians in the Apostles time, taking aduantage by Saint Pauls sound and orthodoxall doctrine of iustification by faith without workes: for the redresse whereof Saint I ames, and Saint Iude were moued to write their Epistles. Here▪ by also hath he beguiled many in these our daies, who haue beene deliuered from the darkenesse of Popery.
For auoiding this,* 1.2 we are duely to weigh what is the end and vse of Righteousnesse. Though it be not a meritorious cause of saluation, yet is it a meanes of attai∣ning to saluation, the way appointed of God for vs to walke in thereunto; so that although we bee not saued for our Righteousnesse, yet we cannot be saued without it;l 1.3 The vnrighteous shal not inherite the Kingdome of God, m 1.4 Without holinesse no man shall see God. Forn 1.5 God hath cho∣sen vs that we should be holy: ando 1.6 Christ hath redeemed vs that we should serue him in holinesse and Righteousnesse. For this end appeared the grace of God, which bringeth sal∣uation vnto all men,p 1.7 that we should liue righteously.q 1.8 Vnto holinesse God hath called vs: andr 1.9 we are created vnto good workes. Thus we see how false a suggestion it is, that Righ∣teousnesse should be needlesse; It is cleane contrary to the expresse charge of the Apostle,s 1.10 that we should learne to shew forth good workes for necessary vses.
Whereas it is pretended,* 1.11 that the shield of Faith is suf∣ficient, we are to hold it for a ruled case, that God maketh nothing in vaine,t 1.12 Those things which God hath ioyned toge∣ther, let no man put asunder. Wherefore though we saw no diuerse and distinct ends of Faith and Righteousnesse, yet God hauing appointed both, both must be vsed. But there are diuers vses, apparent to all that will obserue
them. Righteousnesse is needfull to testifie our obedi∣ence and thankfulnesse to God, to profit our brethren, to proue our faith, to giue euidence of our election, vocati∣on, and iustification, and to maintaine our cause against the cauils of profanesse, impiety, wickednesse, &c. Faith is needfull to apply Christs Righteousnes, to support vs against the imperfections, and defects of our Righteous∣nesse, and for many other good vses, whereof wee shall heare on the 16. verse.
2 Suggest. that righte∣ousnesse is needlesse.
Answer. Righteousnes is needfull to saluation.
1 Cor. 6. 9.
Heb. 12. 14.
Ephes. 1. 4.
Luke 1. 75.
Tit. 2. 11, 12.
1 Thes. 4. 7.
Ephes. 2. 10.
Tit 3. 14.
Faith and righteousnes haue their distinct vses.
Mat. 19. 6.