Wesley Corpus

W. says, Whoever desires to find favour with God should “cease from evil and learn to do well,’” &c. Does not the Bible say so? Who can deny it? “Nay, but Mr. W. asks, “If this be not in order to find favour, what does he do them for?’” And I ask it again. Let Mr. H., or any one else, give me an answer. So, if there is any contradiction here, it is not I contradict myself, but Isaiah and our Lord that contradict St. Paul. Against justification by the For justification by the act of act of believing. believing. 54. “But do not you put “The faith which is said to faith in the room of Christ be imputed to Abraham for and his righteousness? No; righteousness, is faith pro I take particular care to put perly taken; and not the each of these in its proper righteousness of Christ ap place.” prehended by faith.” This is putting “each of these in its proper place.” The righteousness of Christ is the meritorious cause of our justification: That is its proper place. Faith in Him that gave himself for us is the condition of justification: That is its proper place. I am justified through the righteousness of Christ, as the price; through faith, as the condition. I do not say, neither does Goodwin, Faith is that for which we were accepted; but we both say, Faith is that through which we are accepted. We are justified, we are accepted of God, for the sake of Christ, through faith. Now, certainly, there is no contra diction in this, unless a contradiction to Mr. H.’s notions. 55. “Although we have “That which is the condi faith, hope, and love, yet we tion of justification is not the must renounce the merit of righteousness of Christ.” all, as far too weak to deserve Most true; otherwise we our justification; for which confound the condition with we must trust only to the the meritorious cause spoken merits of Christ.” of in the opposite column. Justification by faith alone is articulus stantis vel cadentis ecclesiae.* All who do not hold it must perish ever lastingly. Justification by faith alone is not articulus stantis vel ca dentis ecclesiae. Some may doubt of it, yea, deny it, and yet not perish everlastingly. (Page 127.) * A doctrine without which there can be no Christian Church. MR.