Commentary on Romans, Treatise · Chapter 10 · Dialogue 7
DIAL. VII.
Verses 8, 9. But what saith it? the word is neere thee, euen in thy mouth and in thine heart. And this is the worde of faith which we preach. For if thou confesse with thy mouth, and beleeue with thy heart that God raysed vp Iesus from the dead, thou shalt be saued?
Tim.
VVHat is the scope of this text?
Silas.
To commend vntounto vsus the righteousnesseScope. which is by faith in Iesus Christ, without all respect vntounto workes, by the certainty, facility and fruite that followes it; and no we affirmatiuely, Paul sheweth what it is that faith speaketh.
Tim.
Howe is the certainty of this righteousnes gathered?
Silas.
From the nature of the obiect, which is the word of God, not eueryevery word, but the word of faith (euen the promise of Christ apprehended by faith) verse 8. The sum where of is this, that Christ Iesus is dead, and rose againe to iustifie all that beleeue in him, verse 9.
Tim.
How gather ye the facility of the righteousnes of faith, that it is easie and possible?
Silas.
By this, that vntounto our iustification there is no more required then this, that the hearte beleeue, and the mouth make confession of the death, and resurrection of Christ.
Tim.
What is the summe of this whole text?
Silas.
Thus much, hee that truely beleeueth, and accordinglySumme. doth professe the promise of God made vntounto mankinde, concerning blessednesse by the incarnation, life, death, and resurrection, and intercession of Christ, hath a ready and certaine way to attaine righteousnesse and eternall saluation, without al consideration of merit of works, either done before or after grace.
Tim.
Come we to the eighth Verse, and tell vsus what parts it hath?
Sil.
These three: First, a question which is imperfect,Parts. & must be thus supplyed, But what saith the righteousnesse of Faith? This question serueth to stirre and quicken vp attention. Secondly, an answere; This it sayeth, that the word is neere thee, &c. Thirdly, a declaration what worde hee meaneth, not of the Lawe, but of the Gospell.
Tim.
Come we to the Interpretation, and tell vsus in vvhatInterpretation. … it is saide, [That this word is neere vsus?]
Sil.
That is to say, it is propounded and offered vntounto vsus plainly to be vnderstood by the ministerie of the Gospell, so as we neede not crosse the Sea, nor climbe vp the Mountaines, or take any long painfull iourneyes to seeke it out.
Tim.
How is it saide to bee [neere in our hearts, and in our mouthes?]
Silas.
It is neere in our hearts, by beeing grafted or planted in our hearts by faith; and it is neere in our mouthes when wee make profession of it before men, when cause requireth so to do for Gods glorie, or the benefit of others.
Tim.
Why is the Gospell called the word of Faith?
Silas.
First effectiuely, because it begetteth faith thorow the Spirit, as verse 17. Secondly, obiectiuely, because it is receiued by Faith, as the proper and especiall obiect thereof. Also, because it teacheth and requireth not workes, but Faith onelyonly vntounto righteousnesse before God. The Papists doe erre, which say, that the doctrine of faith and life, is meant by the word of Faith. Heere Paul medleth not with good life, elsewhere hee dealeth about it.
Tim.
Let vsus now know what Doctrines we hauehave out of this eight verse?
Silas.
These three: First, that a liuely Faith, hath the worde of God for the foundation and grounde of it, toDoctrine. builde and stay vponupon: whereby [Word] we may vnderstand either generally that word which is reuealed vntounto vsus in the Scripture of the Old and new Testament. For Faith doth beleeue and assent to all that which GOD speakes in the Scriptures; because they proceede and come from him who is the God of truth; al whose words are most true and faithfull: howbeit our Christian Faith doth more specially respect the word of the Gospel, the promise of Grace touching the remission of sinnes, and eternall life by Iesus Christ; as it is saide heere by way of exposition [This is the word of Faith which we preach.] And wheresoeuer wee finde Faith, and Christ his blood and death coupled together, wee are giuen to wit, that the Doctrine teaching Christ his person and office, is the proper obiect of our iustifying Faith, which is therefore by Diuines defined to bee an affiance in the promise of Grace.
Tim.
What may bee the reason that Faith looketh in the matter of iustifying onelyonly, to the word of promise?
Silas.
Because that word alone doth offer vntounto sinnersReason. the merits of Iesus Christ to bee freely enioyed of them vntounto remission of sinnes and saluation, so as they be imbraced and receiued; and therefore they bee called the word of his grace, and the Gospel of Christ, & the word of saluation and reconciliation: because both the free louelove of God, and Christ, and al his benefits be propounded to the elect in the word of promise.
Tim.
What vse are we to make of this first doctrine?Vse.
Silas.
It confuteth the Papistes, which make not the word alone, but their Apocrypha writings, & humane Traditions, to be the Anchor and stay of faith; which is with the foolish Builders, to lay our Foundation vppon the sand, and not vponupon the rocke.
Tim.
What is the second Instruction?
Silas.
That Faith is no wauering vncertaine opinion, fleeting through ignorance and feare, but is a firme vnmoueable and sure knowledge, because it resleth vponupon Gods worde and promise, then the which nothing is more sure and certaine. For it is written, The word of God is true, 2 Sam. 7, 28. His testimonies are sure and endure for euer, Psal. 19, 7. 1 Iohn 2, 17. Also, Heauen and earth shall perish, but one tittle of Gods word shall not perish, and Rom. 9, 6. 2 Cor. 1, 20. 1 Cor. 1, 9. Now then, Faith it selfe must needs bee a thing vnmooueable, and bring with it an infallible certainty, sithence it leaneth on such a firme rocke, Mat. 7, 25. as the sure words of the faithfull promises of God, who neither is deceiued, nor can deceiue vsus, seeing he cannot lye, Tit. 1, 2. but is onelyonly truth, yea truth it selfe, Ro. 3, 3. Hence it is that (Plerophorie) or full assurance is attributed to Faith in Scripture, Col. 2. 2. Hence also it is, that godly Christians, rather then they will deny the doctrine of Christ, or anie part of it so ascertained vntounto their vnderstanding, and with such firme assent of their mindes receiued, they choose to loose their liberties, liuings, yea and liues also, if the will of God bee: examples heereof, we hauehave in many thousand martyrs of Christ in all ages.
Tim.
Can ye giuegive vsus examples of any, whose Faith hath remained stable and vnshaken, by reason of Gods Worde and promise?
Silas.
Yea, of Iacob, Gen. 32, 9. of Abraham, Rom. 4, 21. Gods power & promises, being the two props of Abrahams Faith, Heb. 11, 17, 19. Of Dauid, Psal. 119. In thy word is my trust.
Tim.
By what comparison may this bee illustrated and set foorth?
Sil.
Of a good man whose word deserues credit, andSimilitudes. ehaseth away doubting from such to whom it is giuen: so or much more then so, ought the word of God to be rested in, and that without wauering and anxity of minde perplexed with feare: forsomuch as God is the authour of all that truth and fidelity that is in all good men, and being himselfe the fountaine of all truth, without mixture offalshood, therefore his word may be taken without stammering or doubting: and that Faith which leaneth vponupon it, must needes bee verie firme and strong against all assaults of Satan, whose fierie darts of doubtes and despaire are quenched by the Faith of Gods word. If in marriage for wedlocke duties and comforts, we stay vppon our mutuall promises, how much more may the spouse of Christ, euen eueryevery faithfull soule, quietlie and firmely rest vponupon the promise of our husband Christ, for all good thinges present and future, both nowe and in Heauen?
Tim.
What profit is to be … of this second instruction?Vse.
Sil.
First, heereby is ouerthrowne the Popish doctrine, which alloweth vntounto iustifying Faith, no more but probable or coniecturall knowledge, leauing mens consciences full of feare and doubting of their owne blessednesse: wherein vponupon the matter they disable the word of Gods promise, and make his word false. For to teach that men ought still to sticke in doubts of their own saluation, though God hauehave promised it by Christ to such as beleeue in him: what is this else, but to play the Butchers of mens Consciences, which are euen kept vppon the racke by Romish Diuinity; and also to charge the word of God with forgerie and falshoode, as if hee did not meane in good earnest? Secondly, heereby wee see, how slanderous they are, which accuse the affiaunce and confidence of Faith to be a wicked and damnable presuming, sithence it is dutie and Christian submission, to relye vndoubtedly vponupon the worde of God, and not godlesse presumption; which rather they are to bee … with, who hauehave all or most of their trust in their owne innocencie and good workes, and not alone in the truth and mercy of God. Thirdly, heere is matter of great comfort vntounto all faithfull soules, who in all temptations stirring them to doubt of their owne happinesse, they may enfree thēselues from all terror, by hauing recourse to the word and promise of God, as Dauid did. I had perished in my trouble (sayth hee) but for thy promise, thy worde hath comforted …. For as the palsie man in the Gospell, hauing Christs word (be of good comfort thy sinnes are forgiuen thee,) was thereby cheered, aud made both quiet and ioyfull: So the promise of the Gospell being applyed to a trembling Soule, will fortifie and stablish it in tranquility and peace. This Sathan knoweth, and therefore his practise is to hide the promises of grace from troubled consciences, or else to suggest vntounto them this, as though that such promises were not made to them, or did not belong vntounto them.
Tim.
What is the third doctrine out of this 8. verse?
Silas.
That the preaching of the Apostles, was all one3. Doctrine. with the Gospel which was written: for that word of faith first written by Moses, and afterwards by Paul to the Romanes, is that selfe same word which Paul and other Apostles preached. Therefore it is false which the Manichees and Papists auouch, that the Apostles taught other things then that they then wrote; that hence they may hauehave power to ioyne thereunto their Apostolicall traditions vnwritten: which errour of theirs must bee reiected as Apocriphall and false. If they bee not confonant to the Scriptures, they came not from the Apostles, but are counterfet.
Tim.
Let vsus proceede vntounto the 9. verse, and tell vsus what is meant by confession?
Silas.
An open and plaine profession, that Iesus who isInterpretation. Lord of all, is our Lord also; for that hee is Lord, the Diuils know and acknowledge. Therefore Christians must goe further, and beleeue it with affiance.
Tim.
In what respects is Iesus [our Lord?]
Silas.
Both by right of Creation and power ouer vsus, and also by grace of redemption, hauing as well ransomed vsus to bee his owne peculiar people, as created and gouerned vsus.
Tim.
What is it to [beleeue in thine heart?]
Silas.
It is not onelyonly in our mindes to see and assent vntounto the trueth of the history of Christ, (which euen wicked men and hypocrites, yea vncleane spirits doe,) but to embrace in our hearts, will and affections, with holy confidence, the benefites of Christ his death and resurrection, euen reconciliation with God, remission of sinnes, righteousnes and life eternall.
Tim.
Why is confession set before faith, which is theDoubt. cause and roote of confession? Psalme 116. 10. I beleeued therefore did I speake.
Silas.
First, because Moses did in this order propoundSolution. them, as in the 8. verse is cited. Secondly, we cannot discerne other mens faith, or other men our faith, but by our outward profession of it before men; it is declared by our confession and action.
Tim.
Why … hee onelyonly name Christes resurrection,Doubt. seeing faith respects his birth, life, death, and all which Christ did and suffered?
Sil.
First, because the faith of the resurrection of Christ,Solution. doth distingush Christians from Pagans and Infidels, who do easily accord to beleeue that the man Christ was born, liued, and dyed; but they deny his resurrection, as a thing which exceedeth compasse and reach of reason; the Philosophers discerned it not, but derided it rather, saying What new doctrine is this, Acts 18. Secondly, because all that Christ did and suffered, had profited vsus little, vnlesse hee had risen againe, wherein hee obtained a perfect victory ouer sinne, death, hell, and damnation, for all the elect. Lastly, the article of the resurrection presupposeth al the rest, and knitteth together as a linke, both antecedents and consequents: his incarnation, life, and death which went before; and his ascension, sitting at his Fathers right hand, and his intercession which followes after his rising. VnderUnder which then by a Synecdoche all the other passions and actions of Christ, be contayned.
Tim.
What doctrine ariseth out of this 9. verse?
Silas.
OnelyOnly this one; to wit, the facility and easinesseDoctrine. of that righteousnesse, which is by faith in Christ; … vntounto our righteousnesse before God, and saluation in heauen, there is no more difficult and hard thing exacted of vsus, but with the heart to beleeue, and with the mouth to confesse Christ: and by this meanes, Christ will be neere to vsus both in possibility and efficacy: in possibilitie, because it is a thing possible which may bee, that elect sinners shall hauehave grace to beleeue, especially God hauing ordained them vntounto Faith, Actes 13, 48. but it is vtterly vnpossible, that they should keepe the whole Law perfectly, Gods decree and mans corruption being against it. And secondly, hee is neere and easie to vsus in efficacie, because through the holy Spirit, hee is made to dwell in a faithfull heart, really and actually; and his righteousnesse as a robe or garment, is put vppon them, to couer their sinnes and vnrighteousnesse.
Tim.
Yea, but to beleeue in Christ, is no lesse impossible & Aidoubt.hard, then to fulfill the Law: for we hauehave no more power to doe the one, then the other.
Silas.
It is true: but this facility is to be vnderstoode,Solution. not in regarde of the beginning and efficient cause of Faith, which is meerely Gods gifte without our selues, he working in vsus both will and deede, Ephes. 2, 10. Phil. 2, 13. but this righteousnesse of Faith is easier in regard of the manner of the worke, because the Law requireth the ful obedience thereof to be performed by our selues, which cannot be in this infirmity, Ro. 8, 3. But Faith referreth and sendeth vsus to Christ for the perfourming of the Law; and in regard of the manner of the worke, it is farre easier to beleeue the Law to bee done by another, who was able to fulfill it, and was sent for that end, then to do it our selues. Also much easier it is, to beleeue and giuegive assent to a true promise, then to keep strictly, without failing all Gods commandements. If a King should say to a Subiect, Conquer mee such a kingdome. and I will giuegive thee my daughter with large dignities and liuings; were it not harder then if he should say, doe but trust my word, and I will do all this for thee. In these considerations one saith, that saluation hath but a short cut, it requireth no external labour, but inward beleefe: and Caluin saith that by the operation of the Spirit, thou maiest easily beleeue with thy heart, and confesse with thy mouth. And Lyranus saith, heere is shewed the facility of the righteousnesse of faith. And Faius thinketh this saying, of being neere in the heart and mouth, to be a Prouerbiall speech, commending the readines of that which is in the heart and mouth.
Tim.
What vse heereof?Vse.
Silas.
It ministreth comfort to Christians, to consider that the meanes of passage to heauen be not vnconquerable and vnable to bee attained. Secondly, it declares how vncomfortable Popish Doctrine is, which excludes and shuts out all hope of being saued, by tying saluation vntounto an impossible condition of fulfilling the Lawe. Thirdly, it stirreth vsus vp to the louelove and praise of Gods goodnesse, in appointing so easie a condition, and giuing vsus power to keepe it, For Faith is the gift of God.