Wesley Corpus

Thoughts on the Imputed Righteousness of Christ Source: The Works of John Wesley, Volume 10 (Zondervan) Author: John Wesley --- 1. A TRACT has lately been published in my name, con cerning the imputed righteousness of Christ. This calls me to explain myself upon that head; which I will do with all the clearness I can. But I quarrel with no man for thinking or speaking otherwise than I do: I blame none for using those expressions which he believes to be scriptural. If he quarrels with me for not using them, at least not so frequently as himself, I can only pity him, and wish him more of “the mind which was in Christ.” 2. “The righteousness of Christ” is an expression which I do not find in the Bible. “The righteousness of God” is an expression which I do find there. I believe this means, First, the mercy of God; as 2 Peter i. 1 : “Them that have obtained like precious faith with us, through the righteous ness of God.” How does it appear that “the righteousness of God” here, means either more or less than his mercy? “My mouth shall show forth thy righteousness and thy salvation;” thy mercy in delivering me. “I will make mention of thy righteousness only. Thy righteousness, O God, is very high.” (Psalm lxxi. 15, &c.) Here the “righte ousness of God” is expressly mentioned; but I will not take upon me to say, that it means the righteousness or mercy of the Son, any more than of the Holy Ghost. 3. I believe this expression means, Secondly, God’s method of justifying sinners. So Rom. i. 17: “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for therein is the righteousness of God,” his way of justifying sinners, “revealed.” “Now the righteousness of God is manifested; even the righteousness of God which is by faith;” (unless righteousness here also means mercy;) “Jesus Christ, whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of the sins that are past; that he might be just, and yet the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus.” (iii.