1Ver, 2 6,2 7. the Epiftle to the Romans. as well the finnes done before Chrifls commingin the flefh,as thofe done fence his fiat camming, are forgiven Gods children which beleeve. TIM. What was the ufe of this? St L. To teach us, that the merit of Chrifts death, looketh backwards, and not onely forwards to them beleevers that lived in the world before his pafli- on, as wel as to them that lived after his death :and fo he is the Lamb (lain from the beginning of the world, Heb. 13.8. Apoc.i 3.4. For from the fall of Adam, no forgivenefs of linnes to any but through Chrift beleeved on. Ti m. Why is this added, [Through the patience of God?1 S r L. Becaufe he would fliew that God doth bear with thofe finners whom he will forgive. Ti M. What is the patience fGod ? S r L. It is that property whereby he fuffereth them long, exercifing it to- wards the Reprobate in taking from them all excufe;and towards the godly, in givingthem (pace of repentance. T i n. What may we learns from hence? S i L. First, to ufe patience towards filch as doe offend us, that we may be likeuntoGod. Secondly, not to mur- mure, though God doth very often for- bear offenders,becaufe they may be filch as God meaneth to forgive,and eternal- ly lave, to his own praife. DIALOGUE XVI. Verfe 26,27. To Phew at this time bis righteoufneffe, that be met be jut , and a ju ffifier of him which is of the faith ofJefus. Where is eben the rejoycing? It is excluded. By what Law? Of work? Nay, but by the Law offaith. Ti:aoTHEUS. WHat is the drift efthis Text? S r L. To Pet forth now fully the finallcapfeortrue end, for which God fheweth mercy to tanners, for the pardoning of their lins;, which was, to declare his righteoufneffe. Tr M. What is meant by this time? S i L. That time when the Apoftles lived and preached the Gofpel , and fo forwards to the end of the world ; nei- ther the linnes of former times , nor of times prefent or future,are forgiven any other way,then by faith in Jefus Chritt. I Tit M. What learn ye by this ? S r L. That there is but one way for forgi-.enefi of fins to a1 men which lived before and fence Chritt, even by faith in him. Therefore the Religiion, not of Papifts,but of Proteffants,is the ancient true Religion. T i ta. That be might be juff: erbat is that to fay? S r L. That is to fay, that he might be manifeft and known unto us to be juft, as he is in himfelf. God doth (hew himfelf to be jufl unto us -ward , two wayes. Firil, by punifhing our fins fe- verely in the perfon of his Sonne. Se- condly, in pardoning them mercifully unto us which beleeve, for his promife fake. For, as God is full in himfelf, fo this juftice is communicated to us through faith in Chrifl. T r M. Why is Godcalled a ju ffifìer? S I L. Becaufe he it was which gave his Son; as alto which offered him,and who doth impute him with his obedi- ence for righteoufneffe unto the belee- vers,which be of the faith of Jefus(that is to fay) whofoever he is that by faith etnbraceth Jefus. TT M. Why is faith required in them who are to be jutlified by Chriff ? S I L. That men may be Phut out from any matter of rejoycing in then - laves. For, if righteoufneffe came by works, wholly or in part; then we fhould have matter of rejoycing, be- caufe then we were acceptable to God for fomething which is in our felycs, and done by our felves: whereas faith carrieth us out of our (elves unto Chritt for righteoufneffe. T r M. But yet good worts are done by Gods grace, therefore glory belongeth to them, and we may rejoyce therein, as fruits of his grace. S r L. Yet it is we which doe there works by our underfranding and wits renewed ; 103 :
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=