The doctrine of justification by faith through the imputation of the righteousness of Christ, explained, confirmed, & vindicated by John Owen ...

Considerations previous unto the Explana∣tion of the Doctrine of Justification.

• §. 1. THe General Nature of Justification. State of the Person to be justified antecedently thereunto. Rom. 4.5. Chap. 3.19. Chap. 1.32. Gal. 3.10. Joh. 3.18, 36. Gal. 3.22. The sole Inquiry on that state. Whether it be any thing that is our own inherently, or what is only imputed unto us, that we are to trust unto for our Acceptance with God. The sum of this Inquiry. The proper ends of Teaching and Learning the Doctrine of Justification. Things to be avoided therein. Pag. 1.
• §. 2. A due consideration of God, the Judge of all, necessary unto the right stating and apprehension of the Doctrine of Justi∣fication, Rom. 8.33. Isa. 43.25.45.23. Psal. 145.2. Rom. 3.20. What thoughts will be ingenerated hereby in the minds of Men. Isai. 33.14. Mic. 6.7. Isa. 6.5. The Plea of Job against his friends, and before God not the same. Job 40.3, 4, 5. Chap. 42.4, 5, 6. Directions for visiting the sick given of old. Testimonies of Jerome and Ambrose. Sense of Men in their Prayers. Dan. 9.7, 18. Psal. 143.2.130.3, 4. Paraphrase of Austine on that place. Prayer of Pelagius. Publick Liturgies. Pag. 8.
• §. 3. A due sense of our Apostasie from God, the Depravation of our Nature thereby, with the power and guilt of Sin, the holiness of Law, necessary unto a right understanding of the Doctrine of Justification. Method of the Apostle to this purpose, Romans 1, 2, 3, 4. Chap. Grounds of the antient and present Pelagianism, in the denial of these things. Instances thereof. Boasting of Per∣fection

• from the same Ground. Knowledge of Sin and Grace mutually promote each other. Pag. 18.
• §. 4. Opposition between Works and Grace, as unto Justification. Method of the Apostle in the Epistle to the Romans to manifest this opposition. A Scheam of others, contrary thereunto. Testi∣monies witnessing this opposition. Judgment to be made on them. Distinctions whereby they are evaded. The uselessness of them. Resolution of the case in hand by Bellarmine. Luk. 17.10. Dan. 9.18. Pag. 24.
• §. 5. A Commutation as unto Sin and Righteousness, by Imputation between Christ and Believers, represented in the Scripture. The Ordinance of the Scape Goat. Levit. 16.21, 22. The nature of Expiatory Sacrifices. Levit. 4.29. Expiation of an uncertain Murther. Deut. 21.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. The Commutation intend∣ed, proved, and vindicated. Isa. 53.5, 6. 2 Cor. 5.21. Rom. 8.3, 4. Gal. 3.13, 14. 1 Pet. 1.24. Deut. 21.23. Testimonies of Justin Martyr, Gregory Nissen, Austine, Chrysostome, Bernard, Taulerus, Pighius, to that purpose. The proper actings of Faith with respect thereunto. Rom. 5.11. Matth. 11.28. Psa. 38.4. Gen. 4.13. Isa. 53.11. Gal. 3.1. Isa. 45.22. Joh. 3.14, 15. A bold Calumny answered. Pag. 38, 39.
• §. 6. Introduction of Grace by Jesus Christ into the whole of our Relation unto God, and its respect unto all the parts of our Obe∣dience. No Mystery of Grace in the Covenant of Works. All Religion originally commensurate unto Reason. No notions of Natural Light concerning the Introduction of the Mediation of Christ, and Mystery of Grace into our Relation to God. Eph. 1.17, 18, 19. Reason as corrupted can have no notions of Religi∣on, but what are derived from its primitive state. Hence the Mysteries of the Gospel esteemed folly. Reason as corrupted, re∣pugnant

• unto the Mystery of G••••••e. Accommodation of Spiritual Mysteries unto Corrupt Reason, wherefore acceptable unto many. Reasons of it. Two parts of corrupted Natures repugnancy unto the Mystery of the Gospel. (1.) That which would reduce it unto the private Reason of Men. Thence the Trinity denied. And the Incarnation of the Son of God. Without which the Doctrine of Justification cannot stand. Rule of the Socinians in the In∣terpretation of the Scripture. (2.) Want of a due comprehen∣sion of the Harmony that is between all the parts of the Mystery of Grace. This Harmomy proved. Compared with the Harmony in the Works of Nature. To be studied. But is learned only of them who are taught of God; and in experience. Evil events of the want of a due comprehension hereof. Instances of them. All applied unto the Doctrine of Justification. Pag. 53.
• §. 7. General prejudices against the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ. (1.) That it is not in Terms found in the Scripture, answered. (2.) That nothing is said of it in the writings of the Evangelists, answered. Joh. 20.30, 31. Nature of Christs Personal Ministery. Revelations by the holy Spirit immediately from Christ. Design of the writings of the Evangelists. (3.) Dif∣ferences among Protestants themselves about this Doctrine, an∣swered. Sense of the Antients herein. What is of real Difference among Protestants, considered. Pag. 69.
• §. 8. Influence of the Doctrine of Justification into the first Re∣formation. Advantages unto the World by that Reformation. State of the Consciences of Men under the Papacy, with respect unto Justification before God. Alterations made therein by the Light of this Doctrine, though not received. Alterations in the Pagan unbelieving World, by the Introduction of Christianity. Design and success of the first Reformer herein. Attempts for Reconciliation with the Papists in this Doctrine, and their

• success. Remainders of the ••gnorance of the Truth in the Ro∣man Church. Ʋnavoidable consequences of the corruption of this Doctrine. Pag. 83.
• CHAP. I. JƲstification by Faith generally acknowledged. The meaning of it perverted. The nature and use of Faith in Justification proposed to consideration. Distinctions about it, waved. A two∣fold Faith of the Gospel expressed in the Scripture. Faith that is not justifying. Acts 8.13. Joh. 2.23, 24. Luk. 8.13. Matth. 22.28. Historical Faith, whence it is so called, and the nature of it. Degrees of Assent in it. Justification not ascribed unto any Degree of it. A Calumny obviated. The causes of true saving Faith. Conviction of Sin previous unto it. The nature of legal Conviction, and its Effects. Arguments to prove it antecedent unto Faith. Without the consideration of it, the true nature of Faith not to be understood. The Order and Relation of the Law and Gospel. Rom. 1.17. Instance of Adam. Effects of Con∣viction, internal; Displicency and sorrow. Fear of punishment. Desire of Deliverance. External; Abstinence from Sin. Per∣formance of Duties; Reformation of Life. Not conditions of Justification; not Formal Dispositions unto it; not Moral Pre∣parations for it. The Order of God in Justification. The proper object of justifying Faith. Not all Divine Verity equally; proved by sundry Arguments. The pardon of our own sins, whether the first object of Faith. The Lord Christ in the Work of Mediation, as the Ordinance of God for the Recovery of lost Sinners, the proper object of justifying Faith. The Position explained and proved. Rom. 3.24, 25. Ephes. 1.6, 7, 8. Acts 10.41. Chap. 16.13. Chap. 4.12. Luk. 24.25, 26, 27. Joh. 1.12.3.16, 36.6.29.7.38, &c. Col. 2.12. 1 Cor. 2.1, 31. 2 Cor. 5.19, 20, 21. Pag. 92, 93, &c.
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• CHAP. II. The nature of justifying Faith in particular; or of Faith in that exercise of it, whereby we are justified. The Hearts approba∣tion of the way of the Justification, and Salvation of Sinners by Christ, with its acquiescency therein. The description given, explained, and confirmed. (1.) From the nature of the Gospel. (2.) Exemplified in its contrary, or the nature of unbelief. Prov. 1.30. Heb. 2.3. 1 Pet. 2.7. 1 Cor. 1.23, 24. 2 Cor. 4.3, 4. What it is, and wherein it doth consist. (3.) The Design of God, in, and by the Gospel. His own Glory, his utmost End in all things. The Glory of his Righteousness, Grace, Love, Wisdom, &c. The end of God in the Way of the Salvation of Sinners by Christ. Rom. 3.25. Joh. 3.16. 1 Joh. 3.16. Eph. 1.5, 6. 1 Cor. 1.24. Ephes. 3.10. Rom. 1.16.4.16. Ephes. 3.9. 2 Cor. 4.6. The nature of Faith thence declared. Faith alone ascribes and gives this glory to God. Order of the Acts of Faith, or the me∣thod in believing. Convictions previous thereunto. Sincere as∣sent unto all Divine Revelations, Acts 26.27. The Proposal of the Gospel unto that end, Rom. 10.11, 12, 13, &c. 2 Cor. 3.18. State of Persons called to believe. Justifying Faith doth not consist in any one single habit or act of the Mind or Will. The nature of that assent which is the first Act of Faith. Appro∣bation of the Way of Salvation by Christ, comprehensive of the special nature of justifying Faith. What is included therein. (1.) A Renuntiation of all other ways. Hos. 14.2, 3. Jer. 3.23. Psal. 7.16. Rom. 10.3. (2.) Consent of the Will unto this Way, Joh. 14.6. (3.) Acquiescency of the Heart in God. 1 Pet. 1.21. Trust in God. Faith described by Trust, the Rea∣son of it. Nature and Object of this Trust inquired into. A double consideration of special Mercy. Whether Obedience be in∣cluded in the nature of Faith, or be of the essence of it. A sin∣cere purpose of Ʋniversal Obedience inseparable from Faith. How Faith alone justifieth. Repentance, how required in, and

• unto Justification. How a condition of the New Covenant. Per∣severance in Obedience, is so also. Definitions of Faith. Pag. 125.
• CHAP. III. Ʋse of Faith in Justification; various Conceptions about it. By whom asserted, as the Instrument of it, by whom denied. In what sense it is affirmed so to be. The expressions of the Scri∣pture, concerning the use of Faith in Justification, what they are; and how they are best explained. By an Instrumental Cause. Faith, how the Instrument of God in Justification. How the Instrument of them that do believe. The use of Faith expressed in the Scripture, by apprehending, receiving; declared by an In∣strument. Faith in what sense the condition of our Justifica∣tion. Signification of that Term whence to be Learned. Pag. 146.
• CHAP. IV. The proper sense of these words, Justification and to justifie, considered. Necessity thereof. Latine derivation of Justificati∣on. Some of the Antients deceived by it. From Jus, and Justum; Justus filius, who. The Hebrew 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Ʋse and signification of it. Places where it is used, examined. 2 Sam. 15.4. Deut. 21.5. Prov. 17.15. Isa. 5.23. Chap. 50.8. 1 King. 8.31, 32. 2 Chro. 6.22, 23. Psal. 82.3. Exod. 23.7. Isa. 53.11. Jere. 44.16. Dan. 12.3. The constant sense of the word, evinced. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Ʋse of it in other Authors, to punish. What it is in the New Testament, Matth. 11.19. Chap. 12.37. Luk. 7.29. Chap. 10.29. Chap. 16.15. Chap. 18.14. Acts 13.38, 39. Rom. 2.13. Chap. 3.4. Constantly used in a forensick sense. Places seeming dubious, vindicated. Rom. 8.30. 1 Cor. 6.11. Tit. 3.5, 6, 7. Revel. 22.11. How often these words 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, are used in the New Testament.

• Constant sense of this. The same evinced, from what is opposed unto it, Isa. 50.8. Prov. 17.15. Rom. 5.16, 18. Rom. 8.33, 34. And the Declaration of it in Terms equivalent. Rom. 4.6, 7. Rom. 5.9, 10. 2 Cor. 5.20, 21. Matth. 1.21. Acts 13.39. Gal. 2.16, &c. Justification in the Scripture, proposed under a Juridical Scheam, and of a forensick Title. The Parts and Pro∣gress of it. Instances from the whole. Pag. 169. &c.
• CHAP. V. Distinction of a First and Second Justification. The whole Doctrine of the Roman Church concerning Justification ground∣ed on this Distinction. The First Justification, the nature and causes of it according unto the Romanists. The Second Justi∣fication, what it is in their sense. Solution of the seeming Dif∣ference between Paul and James, falsly pretended by this Di∣stinction. The same Distinction received by the Socinians, and others. The latter termed by some, the continuation of our Justi∣fication. The Distinction disproved. Justification considered, either as unto its Essence, or its Manifestation. The Manifesta∣tion of it twofold, initial and final. Initial is either unto our selves, or others. No Second Justification hence insues. Justi∣fication before God, Legal and Evangelical. Their distinct na∣tures. The Distinction mentioned, derogatory to the Merit of Christ. More in it ascribed unto our selves, then unto the Blood of Christ, in our Justification. The vanity of Disputations to this purpose. All true Justification, everthrown by this Distincti∣on. No countenance given unto this Justification in the Scri∣pture. The Second Justification not intended by the Apostle James. Evil of Arbitrary Distinctions. Our First Justification so described in the Scripture, as to leave no room for a Second. Of the Continuation of our Justification: Whether it depend on Faith alone, or our Personal Righteousness inquired. Justi∣fication at once compleated in all Causes and Effects of it,

• proved at large. Believers upon their Justification, obliged unto perfect Obedience. The commanding Power of the Law con∣stitutes the nature of Sin in them, who are not obnoxious unto its curse. Future Sins, in what sense remitted at our First Justification. The Continuation of Actual Pardon, and there∣by of a justified Estate, on what it doth depend. Continuation of Justification, the act of God; whereon it depends in that sense. On our part it depends on Faith alone. Nothing required here∣unto, but the Application of Righteousness imputed. The Con∣tinuation of our Justification is before God. That whereon the Continuation of our Justification depends, pleadable before God. This not our Personal Obedience proved. (1.) By the experi∣ence of all Believers. (2.) Testimonies of Scripture. (3.) Ex∣amples. The Distinction mentioned rejected. Pag. 189.
• CHAP. VI. Evangelical Personal Righteousness, the nature and use of it. Whether there be an Evangelical Justification on our Evangelical Righteousness inquired into. How this is by some affirmed and applauded. Evangelical Personal Righteousness asserted as the condition of our Legal Righteousness, or the Pardon of Sin. O∣pinion of the Socinians. Personal Righteousness required in the Gospel. Believers hence denominated Righteous. Not with re∣spect unto Righteousness habitual, but actual only. Inherent Righteousness the same with Sanctification or Holiness. In what sense we may be said to be justified by Inherent Righteousness. No Evangelical Justification on our Personal Righteousness. The Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ doth not depend there∣on. None have this Righteousness, but they are untecedently justified. A charge before God, in all Justification before God. The Instrument of this charge; the Law or the Gospel. From neither of them can we be justified by this Personal Righteous∣ness. The Justification pretended needless and useless. It hath

• not the nature of any Justification mentioned in the Scripture; but is contrary to all that is so called. Other Arguments to the same purpose. Sentential Justification at the last day. Nature of the last Judgment. Who shall be then justified. A Declaration of Righteousness, and an Actual Admission unto Glory, the whole of Justification at the last day. The Argument that we are justi∣fied in this life, in the same manner, and on the same Grounds as we shall be judged at the last day, that Judgment being accord∣ing unto Works, answered; and the Impertinency of it declared. Pag. 211.
• CHAP. VII. Imputation, and the nature of it. The first express Record of Justification, determineth it to be by Imputation. Gen. 15.6. Reasons of it. The Doctrine of Imputation cleared by Paul; the occasion of it. Maligned and opposed by many. Weight of the Doctrine concerning Imputation of Righteousness on all hands acknowledged. Judgment of the Reformed Churches herein, particularly of the Church of England. By whom oppo∣sed, and on what Grounds. Signification of the Word. Differ∣ence between reputare and imputare. Imputation of two kinds. (1.) Of what was ours antecedently unto that Imputation, whether good or evil. Instances in both kinds. Nature of this Imputation. The thing imputed by it, imputed for what it is, and nothing else. (2.) Of what is not ours antecedently un∣to that Imputation, but is made so by it. General nature of this Imputation. Not judging of others to have done what they have not done. Several distinct Grounds and Reasons of this Impu∣tation. (1.) Ex Justitia; (1.) Propter Relationem foede∣ralem. (2.) Propter Relationem Naturalem. (2.) Ex voluntaria sponsione. Instances, Philem. 17. Gen. 43.9▪ Volun∣tary sponsion, the Ground of the Imputation of Sin to Christ. (3.) Ex injuria. 1 King. 1.21. (4.) Ex mera Gratia.

• Rom. 4. Difference between the Imputation of any Works of ours, and of the Righteousness of God. Imputation of Inherent Righteousness, is Ex Justitia. Inconsistency of it, with that which is Ex mera Gratia. Rom. 11.6. Agreement of both kinds of Imputation. The true nature of the Imputation of Righteousness unto Justification, explained. Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ. The thing it self imputed, not the effect of it; proved against the Socinians. Pag. 226.
• CHAP. VIII. Imputation of Sin unto Christ. Testimonies of the Antients unto that purpose. Christ and the Church, one Mystical Person. Mistakes about that State and Relation. Grounds and Rea∣sons of the Ʋnion, that is the foundation of this Imputation. Christ the Surety of the New Covenant; in what sense, unto what ends. Heb. 7.22. opened. Mistakes about the Causes, and Ends of the Death of Christ. The New Covenant in what sense alone procured and purchased thereby. Inquiry whether the Guilt of our sins, was imputed unto Christ. The meaning of the words, Guilt and Guilty. The Distinction of Reatus culpae and Reatus paenae, examined. Act of God in the Imputation of the Guilt of our Sins unto Christ. Objections against it, answered. The Truth confirmed. Pag. 246.
• CHAP. IX. Principal Controversies about Justification. (1.) Concerning the nature of Justification, stated. (2.) Of the Formal Cause of it. (3.) Of the Way whereby we are made partakers of the Benefits of the Mediation of Christ. What intended by the Formal Cause of Justification, declared. The Righteousness on the account whereof Believers are justified before God alone, inquired after under those Terms. This the Righteousness of

• Christ, imputed unto them. Occasions of Exceptions and Ob∣jections against this Doctrine General Objections examined. Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ; consistent with the Free Pardon of Sin, with the necessity of Evangelical Repent∣ance. Method of Gods Grace in our Justification. Necessity of Faith unto Justification, on supposition of the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ. Grounds of that Necessity. Other Ob∣jections arising mostly from mistakes of the Truth, asserted, dis∣cussed and answered. Pag. 289.
• CHAP. X. Arguments for Justification by the Imputation of the Righte∣ousness of Christ. Our own Personal Righteousness, not that on the account whereof we are justified in the sight of God. Dis∣claimed in the Scripture, as to any such end. The truth and reality of it granted. Manifold Imperfections accompanying it, rendering it unmeet to be a Righteousness unto the Justifica∣tion of Life. Pag. 315.
• CHAP. XI. Nature of the Obedience or Righteousness required unto Justi∣fication. Original and Causes of the Law of Creation. The Sub∣stance and End of that Law. The Immutability or unchange∣ableness of it, considered absolutely; and as it was the Instru∣ment of the Covenant between God and Man. Arguments to prove it unchangeable; and its Obligation unto the Righteous∣ness first required, perpetually in force. Therefore not abrogated, not dispensed withal, not derogated from, but accomplished. This alone by Christ, and the Imputation of his Righteousness unto us. Pag. 340.
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• CHAP. XII. Imputation of the Obedience of Christ, no less necessary then that of his suffering on the same Ground. Objections against it. 1. That it is impossible. Management hereof by Socinus. Ground of this Objection, That the Lord Christ was for himself obliged unto all the Obedience he yielded unto God, and performed it for himself, answered. The Obedience inquired after, the Obedi∣ence of the Person of Christ the Son of God. In his whole Person, Christ was not under the Law. He designed the Obe∣dience he performed, for us not for himself. This Actual Obedi∣ence not necessary as a qualification of his Person, unto the dis∣charge of his Office. The Foundation of this Obedience in his being made Man, and of the Posterity of Abraham, not for himself, but for us. Right of the Humane Nature unto Glory, by virtue of Ʋnion. Obedience necessary unto the Humane Nature, as Christ in it was made under the Law. This Obediencs properly for us. Instances of that nature among Men. Christ obeyed as a publick Person; and so not for himself. Humane Nature of Christ subject unto the Law, as an Eternal Rule of dependance on God, and subjection to him; not as prescribed unto us whilest we are in this World, in order unto our future Blessedness, or Reward. Second Objection, that it is useless, answered. He that is pardoned all his sins, is not thereon esteemed to have done all that is required of him. Not to be unrighteous, Negatively; not the same with being righteous, Positively. The Law obligeth both unto punishment and obedience; how, and in what sense. Pardon of Sin gives no title to Eternal Life. The Righteousness of Christ who is one, imputed unto many. Arguments proving the Imputation of the Obedience of Christ, unto the Justification of Life. Pag. 361.
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• CHAP. XIII. The Difference between the two Covenants, stated. Arguments from thence. Pag. 396.
• CHAP. XIV. All Works whatever expresly excluded from any interst in our Justification before God. What intended by the Works of the Law. Not those of the Ceremonial Law only. Not perfect Works only, as required by the Law of our Creation. Not the outward Works of the Law performed without a principle of Faith. Not Works of the Jewish Law. Not Works with a conceit of Merit. Not Works only wrought before believing in the strength of our own wills. Works excluded absolutely from our Justification without respect unto a Distinction of a First and Second Justifi∣cation. The true sense of the Law in the Apostolical Assertion, that none are justified by the Works thereof. What the Jews understood by the Law. Distribution of the Law under the Old Testament. The whole Law a perfect Rule of all Inherent Mo∣ral or Spiritual Obedience. What are the Works of the Law, declared from the Scripture, and the Argument thereby confirmed. The nature of Justifying Faith further declared. Pag. 400.
• CHAP. XV. Of Faith alone.
• CHAP. XVI. Testimonies of Scripture confirming the Doctrine of Justifica∣tion by the Imputation of the Rightesness of Christ. Jere. 23.6. Explained and vindicated. Pag. 419.
• CHAP. XVII. Testimonies out of the Evangelists, considered. Design of our Saviours Sermon on the Mount. The purity and penalty of the

• Law, vindicated by him. Arguments from thence. Luk. 18.9, 10, 11, 12, 13. The Parable of the Pharisee and Publican ex∣plained and applied to the present Argument. Testimonies out of the Gospel by John, Chap. 3.14, 15, 16, 17, 18, &c. Pag. 425.
• CHAP. XVIII. Testimonies out of the Epistles of Paul, the Apostle. His de∣sign in the Fifth Chapter to the Romans. That Design explained at large and applied to the present Argument. Chap. 3.24, 25, 26. explained, and the true sense of the words vindicated. The Causes of Justification enumerated. Apostolical Inferences from the consideration of them. Chap. 4. Design of the Disputation of the Apostle therein. Analysis of his Discourse. Ver. 4, 5. particularly insisted on, their true sense vindicated. What Works excluded from the Justification of Abraham. Who it is, that worketh not. In what sense the ungodly are justified. All Men ungodly antecedently unto their Justification. Faith alone the means of Justification on our part. Faith it self absolutely con∣sidered, not the Righteousness that is imputed unto us. Proved by sundry Arguments. Pag. 431.
• Chap. 5. Ver. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. Boasting excluded in our selves, asserted in God. The design and sum of the Apostles Argument. Objection of Socinus re∣moved. Comparison between the two Adams, and those that de∣rive from them. Sin entered into the World. What Sin in∣tended. Death, what it compriseth. What intended by it. The sense of those words in as much, or in whom all have sinned, clear∣ed and vindicated. The various oppositions used by the Apostle in this Discourse. Principally between Sin or the Fall, and the Free Gift. Between the disobedience of the one, and the obe∣dience of another. Judgment on the one hand, and Justification

• unto Life on the other. The whole Context at large, explained, and the Argument for Justification by the Imputation of the Righteousness of Christ, fully confirmed. P. 464. Chap. 10. V. 3, 4. explained, and insisted on to the same purpose. Pag. 489.
• 1 Cor. 1.30. Christ, how of God made Righteousness unto us. Answer of Bellarmine unto this Testimony, removed. That of Socinus, dis∣proved. True sense of the words evinced. P. 497. 2 Cor. 5.21. In what sense Christ knew no sin. Emphasis in that expression. How he was made Sin for us. By the Imputation of Sin unto him. Mistakes of some about this expression. Sense of the Antients. Exception of Bellarmine unto this Testimony, answered; with other Reasonings of his to the same purpose. P. 502. The Exceptions of others also removed. Gal. 2.16. Pag. 513.
• ...Ephes. 2.8, 9, 10. Ephes. 2.8, 9, 10. Evidence of this Testemony. Design of the Apostle from the beginning of the Chapter. Method of the Apostle in the Declaration of the Grace of God. Grace alone the cause of Deliverance from a State of Sin. Things to be ob∣served in the Assignation of the Causes of Spiritual Deliverance. Grace, how magnified by him. Force of the Argument, and evi∣dence from thence. State of the Case here proposed by the Apostle. General determination of it. By Grace ye are saved. What it is to be saved, inquired into. The same as to be justified, but not exclusively. The causes of our Justification, declared Positively and Negatively. The whole secured unto the Grace of God by Christ, and our Interest therein through Faith alone. Works ex∣cluded. What Works? Not Works of the Law of Moses. Not Works antecedent unto believing. Works of true Believers. Not only in opposition to the Grace of God, but to Faith in us. Argu∣ment from those words. Reason whereon this exclusion of Works is founded. To exclude Boasting on our part. Boasting wherein it

• consists. Inseparable from the Interest of Works in Justification. Danger of it. Confirmation of this Reason obviating an Objection. The Objection stated. If we be not justified by Works, of what use are they, answered. Pag. 516.
• Phil. 3.8, 9. Heads of Argument from this Testimony. Design of the Con∣text. Righteousness the Foundation of Acceptance with God. A twofold Righteousness considered by the Apostle. Oppossite unto one another, as unto the especial end inquired after. Which of these he adhered unto, his own Righteousness or the Righteousness of God; declared by the Apostle with vehemency of speech. Rea∣sons of his earnestness herein. The turning point whereon he left Judaism. The opposition made unto this Doctrine by the Jews. The weight of the Doctrine and unwillingness of Men to receive it. His own sense of Sin and Grace. Peculiar expressions used in this place, for the Reasons mentioned, concerning Christ. Con∣cerning all things that are our own. The choice to be made on the Case stated, whether we will adhere unto our own Righteousness, or that of Christs, which are inconsistent as to the end of Justi∣fication. Argument from this place. Exceptions unto this Testi∣mony, and Argument from thence, removed. Our Personal Righ∣teousness Inherent, the same with respect unto the Law and Gospel. External Righteousness only required by the Law, an impious Imagination. Works▪ wrought before Faith only rejected. The Exception removed. Righteousness before Conversion, not in∣tended by the Apostle. Pag. 256.
• CHAP. XIX. Objections against the Doctrine of Justification by the Impu∣tation of the Righteousness of Christ. Nature of these Objections. Difficulty in discerning aright the sense of some Men in this Argument. Justification by Works, the end of all declension from

• the Righteousness of Christ. Objections against this Doctrine derived from a supposition thereof alone. First principal Objecti∣on; Imputed Righteousness overthrows the necessity of an holy Life. This Objection as managed by them of the Church of Rome, an open calumny. How insisted on by some among our selves. Socinus fierceness in this charge. His foul dishonesty therein. False charges on Mens opinions, making way for the rash con∣demnation of their persons. Iniquity of such censures. The Ob∣jection rightly stated. Sufficiently answered in the previous Dis∣courses about the nature of Faith, and force of Moral Law. The nature and necessity of Evangelical Holiness elswhere plead∣ed. Particular answers unto this Objection. All who profess this Doctrine do not exemplifie it in their lives. The most holy Truths have been abused. None by whom this Doctrine is now denied, exceed them in holiness, by whom it was formerly pro∣fessed, and the power of it attested. The contrary Doctrine not successful in the Reformation of the lives of Men. The best way to determine this difference. The same Objection managed against the Doctrine of the Apostle in his own days. Efficacious pre∣judices against this Doctrine in the minds of Men. The whole Doctrine of the Apostle liable to be abused. Answers of the Apo∣stle unto this Objection. He never once attempts to answer it, by declaring the necessity of Personal Righteousness, or good Works unto Justification before God. He confines the cogency of Evan∣gelical Motives unto Obedience only unto Believers. Grounds of Evangelical Holiness asserted by him in compliance with his Doctrine of Justification. (1.) Divine Ordination. Excepti∣ons unto this Ground, removed. (2.) Answer of the Apostle vindicated. The Obligation of the Law unto Obedience. Na∣ture of it, and consistency with Grace. This Answer of the Apo∣stle vindicated. Heads of other Principles that might be pleaded to the same purpose. Pag. 539.
• ...

• CHAP. XX. Seeming Difference, no real contradiction between the Apostles Paul and James, concerning Justification. This granted by all. Reasons of the seeming Difference. The best Rule of the Inter∣pretation of places of Scripture, wherein there is an appearing repugnancy. The Doctrine of Justification according unto that Rule principally to be learned from the Writings of Paul. The Reasons of his fulness and accuracy in the teaching of that Doctrine. The Importance of the Truth; the opposition made unto it; and abuse of it. The design of the Apostle James. Ex∣ceptions of some against the Writings of S. Paul, scandalous and unreasonable. Not in this matter to be interpreted by the passage in James insisted on, Chap. 2. That there is no repugnancy between the Doctrine of the two Apostles demonstrated. Heads and Grounds of the Demonstration. Their scope, design, and end not the same. That of Paul; the only case stated and deter∣mined by him. The designs of the Apostle James; the case pro∣posed by him quite of another nature. The occasion of the case proposed and stated him. No appearance of difference between the Apostles, because of the several cases they speak unto. Not the same Faith intended by them. Description of the Faith spoken of by the one, and the other. Bellarmines Arguments to prove true justifying Faith to be intended by James, answered. Justification not treated of by the Apostles in the same manner, nor used in the same sense, nor to the same end. The one treats of Justifi∣cation, as unto its nature and causes; the other as unto its signs and evidence, proved by the instances insisted on. Pag. 557.
• How the Scripture was fulfilled, that Abraham believed in God, and it was counted unto him for Righteousness, when he offered his Son, on the Altar. Works the same, and of the same

• kind in both the Apostles. Observations on the Discourse of James. No Conjunction made by him between Faith and Works in our Justification, but an opposition. No distinction of a First and Second Justification in him. Justification ascribed by him wholly unto Works, in what sense. Does not determine how a sinner may be justified before God; but how a Professor may evi∣dence himself so to be. The Context opened from Ver. 14. to the end of the Chapter. Pag. 569.