2 I O The Continuation of yuf1ification, the continuation of our 7uftification to depend on our own works, fetting afide that ambiguous term of merit. For it is on the account of the Righteoufnefsof Chrift they fay, that our ownworks, or imperfectobedience, is fo accepted with God, as that the continuation of our Juftification depends thereon. But the Apoftle gives us another account hereof 5 Rom. 5. I, 2, 3. For he diftinguifheth three things our .Accef into the Grace of God. (2) Our (landing in that. Grace. (3 ) Our Glorying in that {talon againft all oppofiti- on. By the firft he expreffeth our abfolute juiliflëation. By the fecond our continuation in the {fate whereinto we are ad- mitted thereby; and by the third, the affurance of that con- tinuation, notwithftanding all the oppofitions we meet with- al. And all thefe he afcribeth equally unto Faith, without the intermixture of any other cauf or condition. And other places exprefs to the fame purpofe might be pleaded. 3. The examples of them that did believe and were jufti- feed which are recorded in the Scripture, do all bear witnefs unto the fame Truth. The continuation of the yuilification of Abrahambefore God, is declared to have been by Faith only; Rom. 4. 3. For the inftance of his Juftification given by the Apoftle from Gen. 15.6. was long after he was jufti- fted abfolutely. And if our fri yssftification and the con- tinuation of it,did not depend abfolutely on the fame caufe, the inftance of the one could not be produced for a proof, of the way and means of the other, as here they are. And David when a juftified Believer, not only placeth the Blefied nefs of man in the free Remi ion of fins, in oppofition unto his own works in general; Rom. 4. 6,7. but in his own par- ticular cafe, afcribeth the continuation of his juflification and acceptation before God, unto Grace, Mercy,, and forgiven s° alone; which are rlo.otherwife received but by Faith. P x4 T 30. 34 4, 5. Pfal. 143.2. All other works and duties, of obedience do accompany Faith in the continuation of our- ,uJli
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