Truths Victory Over Error, Chapter 11 – Chapter 13
CHAP. XI. Of IUSTIFICATION.
Question I.
DOTH GOD freely justify those, whom he effectually calleth, not by infusing righteousness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting, and accepting their persons, as righteous, not for any thing wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christs sake alone?
Yes: Rom: 9: 30: Rom: 3: 24:
Well then, do not the Papists, Socinians, and Quakers err, who maintain, that the righteousness, whereby we are justified before God, is not without us, but within us, and inherent?
Yes.
By what reasons are they confuted?
(1) Because, if inherent righteousness, did justify us, then good Works would justify us, but the Scripture denys that; Rom: 3: 20: Therefore, (says the Text) by the deeds of the Law, shall no flesh be justifyed in his sight: And verse 28: therefore we conclude, that a man is justified by Faith without the deeds of the Law. See Rom: 4: 6: Gal: 2: 16: Eph. 2: 8, 9, Titus 3: 5: In all which places, works are secluded expresly from our justification. (2) Because, the Righteousness, whereby we are justified, is not our proper own; 2 Cor: 5: 21: For he (to wit God) hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him; Phil: 3: 8, 9: and be found in him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the Faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by Faith. (3) Because, we are not justified by the Law; Acts 13: 38, 39. (4) Because, our Justification, is given to us freely; Rom. 4: 4, 5. Rom. 11. 6. (5) Because, our inherent righteousness, is imperfect, 1 Kings 8: 46: For this Scripture says, there is no man that sinneth not. See that parallel place; 1 Iohn 1: 8: Where it is said, if we say we have no sin, we deceive our selves, and the truth is not in us. (6) Because, if we were justified by inherent righteousness, we would have matter to boast of, which is contrary to Pauls doctrine, Eph. 2: 9: Not of works, least any man should boast. (7) Because, the righteousness of a Christian man, is the justifying of the ungodly. Rom: 4: 5.
Quest: II:
DOTH GOD justify men, by imputing Faith it self, the Act of believing, or any other Evangelical obedience, to them, as their righteousness?
No. Rom. 4. 5, 6, 7, 8. 2 Cor: 5: 19, 21: Rom: 3: 22, 24, 25, 27, 28: Tit: 3: 5: 7: Eph. 1. 7. Ier: 23: 6. 1 Cor 1. 30, 31: Rom: 5: 17, 18, 19.
Well then, do not the Arminians err, who maintain, that Faith it self, and the Act of Believing, is imputed to us for righteousness?
Yes.
By what reasons are they confuted?
(1) Because, Faith is that by which, we receive righteousness; Acts 26: 18. Therefore if it be that by which, we receive righteousness, it cannot be righteousness it self: because, that which is received, is far different, and another thing from that, whereby we receive it. (2) Because, we are not justified by inherent righteousness, as is proven evidently against the Papists in the last foregoing Question, all which reasons do clearly evince, that we are not justified by the imputation of Faith it self, or by the act of believing, as our righteousness.
Quest. III.
IS Faith, which is the alone instrument of justification, alone in the person justified?
No.
Is it ever accompanied with all other saving graces, and is no dead Faith, but worketh by Love?
Yes. Iames 2: 17, 22, 26. Gal. 5. 6.
Well then, do not the Papists err, who maintain, That justifying Faith, may be truely, and really separated from Love, saving Hope, and all the rest of the Christian vertues?
Yes.
By what reasons are they confuted?
(1) Because, as the Body without the Spirit is dead, so Faith without works is dead also; Iames 2. 26. (2) Because, Faith worketh by Love; Gal. 5. 6. that is, by shewing forth the works of Love in us, towards GOD, and our neighbour. (3) Because, Faith purifies the heart; Acts 15. 9. (4) Because, he that hath Faith, is in Christ: but he that is in Christ bringeth forth much fruit; Iohn 15. 5. (5) Because, those who have Faith, are buried with Christ, and walk in newness of life; Rom. 6. 4. that is, in holiness and purity, which accompany Faith. (6) Because, he that saith, I know GOD, and keepeth not his Commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; 1 Iohn 2. 4.
Quest. IV.
DId Christ by his Obedience, and Death fully discharge the debt of all these, who are thus justified, and did he make a proper, real, and full satisfaction to the Fathers justice, in their behalf?
Yes. Rom. 5. 8, 9, 10. 1 Tim. 2. 5. 6. Dan: 9: 24, 26: Heb: 10: 10, 14: Isa: 53: 4, 5, 6, 10. 11, 12.
Well then, do not the Papists err, who maintain, That Christ hath not made a full satisfaction, to Divine Iustice, for the sins of those who are justified: and that Humane satisfactions do in part, satisfy the Iustice of GOD for sin?
Yes.
Do not likewise the Socinians err, who deny, all true and proper satisfaction to Christs sufferings?
Yes.
By what reasons are they confuted?
(1) Because, the Prophet sayes, he hath born our griefs, and carried our sorrows, was wounded for our transgressions, was bruised for our iniquities; Isaiah 53: 4, 5. (2) Because, by one Offering, he hath perfected for ever, them that are sanctified; Heb. 10. 14 (3) Because, Humane satisfactions, being finite, can never satisfy in part or in whole, the infinite Justice of GOD, for the punishment of sin; Iob 35. 6. (4) Because, he hath blotted out the hand writting of Ordinances, which was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; Col. 2. 14. (5) Because, there is nothing more frequent in Scripture, than that Christ was a propitiation for our sins; Rom: 3. 25. (6) Because, Christ sayes, I lay down my life for my sheep, and no man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of my self; Iohn 10. 15, 18. (7) Because, the Son of man came to give his life, a ransom for many; Matth. 20. 28. see the first of Tim. 2. 6. Ephes. 5. 2. Gal 3. 13. Rev. 5. 9. 1 Iohn 2. 2.
Quest. V.
ARE the Elect justified, until the Holy Spirit, in due time, actually apply Christ to them?
No. Col. 1. 21, 22. Titus 3. 4, 5, 6, 7.
Well then, do not the Antinomians err, who maintain, That the Elect are justified from eternity; or when the price of Redemption was payed?
Yes.
By what reasons are they confuted?
(1) Because, all that are justified, have been strangers and enemies to GOD, and children of Wrath; Ephes. 2. 3. Col. 1. 21. Titus 3. 3. 1 Cor. 6. 10, 11. (2) Because, none are justified, until they believe in Christ; Gal. 2. 16. knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the Faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ.
Quest. VI.
CAN those who are justified, by reason of their sins, fall under Gods Fatherly displeasure, and not have the light of his countenance restored unto them, until they humble themselves, confess their sins, beg pardon, and renew their faith and repentance?
Yes. Psalm 89. 31, 32, 33. Psalm 32. 5. Psalm 51. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. Matth. 26. 75. 1 Cor. 11: 30, 32.
Well then, do not the Antinomians err, who maintain, that GODS love, and favour, towards those, that are once-justified, cannot consist with his anger and chastisement towards them?
Yes.
By what reasons are they confuted?
(1) Because, Christ says, as many, as I love, I rebuke and chasten; Rev. 3. 19. (2) Because, David was chastened, for his Adultery, and Murder; 2 Sam. 12, 10. (3) Because, the Lord says, if my children forsake my Law, and walk not in my judgements, then will I visit their transgressions, with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes; Psalm 89. 30, 31. (4) Because, God was provoked, with the sins of the Corinthians, for which he punished them; 1 Cor. 10. 22. And 1 Cor. 11. 30.
Quest: VII.
IS the Iustification of Believers, under the Old Testament, one and the same in all respects with the justification of Believers, under the New Testament?
Yes. Gal. 3. 9, 13, 14. Rom. 4. 22, 23, 24. Heb. 13. 8.
Well then, do not the Socinians err, who maintain, that the manner of justification, is not one, and the same, under both the Testaments?
Yes.
By what reasons are they confuted?
(1) Because, Abraham was justified by Faith in Christ; Gen. 15. 6. And he believed in the Lord, and it was counted to him for righteousness. That is, God of his meer Grace, held him righteous, and justified that had no righteousness in himself, whereby to subsist and stand before his justice seat, and that through Faith in his promises, and in the promised Mediator, (2) Because Isaiah teacheth, that both himself and other Believers; were justified by the knowledge of Christ, Chap. 53 11. (3) Because, the holy Ghost expresly testifies, that Christ died for the Believers under the Old Testament; Heb. 9. 15. (4) Because, the justification of believing Iews under the old Testament, and believers under the New, are compared between themselves as equal; Acts 15. 11.
CHAP. XII. Of ADOPTION.
Question I.
ARE those who are taken into the number, and enjoy the liberties, and priviledges of the Children of God, and have his Name put upon them, and receive the Spirit of Adoption, are they (I say) ever cast off?
No.
Are they sealed to the day of Redemption, and inherit the promises, as heirs of everlasting Salvation?
Yes. Lam. 3. 3. Eph. 4. 30. 1 Pet. 1. 5.
Well then, do not the Lutherians err; who maintain, that the Chlidren of God, some of them, may be cast off, for a time totally, though not finally?
Yes.
Do not likewise, the Arminians, Quakers, and Socinians err, who maintain, that those who have received the grace of Adoption, may be cast off totally and finally?
Yes.
By what reasons are they confuted?
(1) Because, all the children of God are keeped through faith unto Salvation; 1 Peter 1. 5: (2) Because, Christ hath prayed, for the preseverance of all Believers; Iohn 17: 20: Iohn 11: 26: And all those, that are adopted, are the children of God by faith; Gal. 3: 26: (3) Because, no man, that is born again, as are all the children of God, doth sin; that is, he▪ suffers not sin to reign over him, for his seed remaineth in him; that is, Gods seed, whereby he is born again, namely the Word of God; 1 Peter 1: 23: Iohn 3: 5, 6: Remaineth in him, that is, doth not totally perish, but abideth thence foreward, working the fruits of regeneration once begun in them; Phi: 1, 6: See 1 Iohn 3, 9: (4) Because, all the children of God, request the Father, by the Son, that he may grant them perseverance to salvation; Matth: 6: 13: which perseverance is most needful to them, for that end; Matth: 24: 13. But Believers, when they seek things needful to Salvation, in the name of Christ, according to his promise, are alwayes heard; Iohn 14: 13, 14: Iohn 16: 23. (5) Because, the Gifts and Calling of GOD are without Repentance; Rom: 11: 29. (6) Because, all those who are justified are glorified; Rom: 8: 30: But all who are Adopted, are endued with Faith, and are justified; Gal: 3: 26. (7) Because, Christ keepeth all his Adopted Ones, that none can pluck them out of his hand, or his Fathers hand; Iohn 10: 27, 28, 29. (8) Because, perseverance is a gift promised by GOD to all the Elect, in the covenant of Grace; Ezek: 36: 26, 27, 28. Ezek: 11: 19, 20: Ierem: 31: 31, 32, 33. (9) Because, justifying Grace is a Well of Water springing up into everlasting life, in every man, to whom it is given; Iohn 4: 14. And the Saints are like unto trees, planted by the rivers of waters, which bring forth their fruit in their season; Psalm 1. 3.
CHAP. XIII. Of SANCTIFICATION.
Question I.
ARE they who are effectually Called, and Regenerated, having a new Spirit created in them, farther sanctified, really and personally, through the vertue of Christs death, and resurrection, by his Word and Spirit dwelling in them?
Yes. 1 Cor. 6. 11. Acts 20: 32. Phil: 3: 10▪ Rom: 6: 5, 6. Iohn 17. 17.
Well then, do not the Antinomians err, who maintain, That those who are justified, are sanctified onelyonly, by the imputed holiness of Christ; not by infusing inherent holyness, or any Spiritual qualities into them, by the help of which, they are enabled to live holily?
Yes.
By what reasons are they confuted?
(1) Because, the Apostle says, follow peace and holiness with all Men, without which no man shall see God; Heb. 12. 14. (2) Because, the fruit of the Spirit, is Love, Joy, Peace, long-suffering, Gentleness, and Faith; Gal. 5. 22. (3) Because, they who are in Christ, bring forth good fruit; Iohn 15. 5. (4) Because, they who belong to Christ, have crucified the Flesh with the affections, and lusts; Gal. 5. 24, 25. (5) Because, the Apostle commands us, to work out our salvation, with fear and with trembling; Phil. 2. 12. (6) Because, we ought to purify our selves, from all filthiness of the Flesh, and Spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God; 2 Cor. 7. 1. (7) Because, we ought to grow in Grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; 2 Pet. 3. 18. (8) Because, the Lord circumcises the hearts of the Elect, that they may love the Lord their God, and taketh away the heart of stone; Deut. 30. 6. Ezek. 36. 26, 27.
Quest. II.
IS Sanctification imperfect in this life, there being some remnants of corruption abiding in every part?
Yes. 1 Iohn 1. 10. Rom. 7. 18, 23. Ps: 3. 12.
Well then, do not the Antinomians, and many of the Quakers err, who maintain, That those who are justified, are perfectly sanctified?
Yes.
Do not likewise the Papists, Socinians, and Anabaptists err, who maintain, the same, but differ in the manner?
Yes.
By what reasons are they confuted?
But first consider, that the Antinomians defend, that the most perfect holiness of Christ is imputed to us, and is made ours, there being no inherent holiness in us, nor required of us.
But the Papists, Socinians, Quakers, and Anabaptists affirm, and maintain a perfect inherent holiness, in this life.
They are confuted?
(1) Because, there is no man that sinneth not; 1 Kings 8. 46. (2) Because, if we say, we have no sin, we deceive our selves, and the truth is not in us, 1 Iohn 1. 8▪ (3) Because, in many things, we offend all; Iames 3. 2. (4) Because, there is not a just man upon the earth, that doth good, and sinneth not; Eccles. 7. 20. (5) Because, we are all, as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy raggs; Isaiah 64. 6. (6) Because, the Psalmist prayeth, that GOD would not enter into judgement with him, for in thy sight (says he) shall no man be justified; Psal. 143. 2. (7) Because, no man can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin; Prov. 20. 9. (8) Because, the Apostle complains heavily, concerning indwelling sin; Rom. 7. 18, 23. (9) Because, the Saints are obliged, to seek pardon of sin every day; Matth. 6. 12. (10) Because, the Lord sayes, he that is holy, let him be holy still▪ Rev: 22. 11.