Chap. XX. -- Of Sanctification.

Q. 1. Are we accounted righteous and saved for our faith, when we are thus freely called?

A. No, but merely by the imputation of the righteousness of Christ, apprehended and applied by faith; for which alone the Lord accepts us as holy and righteous. Isa. xliii. 25; Rom. iii. 23-26, iv. 5.

Q. 2. What, then, is our justification or righteousness before God?

A. The gracious, free act [79] of God, imputing the righteousness of Christ to a believing sinner, and for that speaking peace unto his conscience, in the pardon of his sin, -- pronouncing him to be just and accepted before him. Gen. xv. 6; Acts xiii. 38, 39; Luke xviii. 14; Rom. iii. 24, 26, 28, iv. 4-8; Gal. ii. 16.

Q. 3. Are we not, then, righteous before God by our own works?

A. No; for of themselves they can neither satisfy his justice, fulfil his law, nor endure his trial. Ps. cxxx. 3, 4, cxliii. 2; Isa. lxiv. 6; Luke xvii. 10.

[79] Legal and evangelical justification differ; first, on the part of the persons to be justified, -- the one requiring a person legally and perfectly righteous, -- the other a believing sinner; secondly, on the part of God, who in the one is a severe, righteous judge, -- in the other, a merciful, reconciled Father; thirdly, in the sentence, which in the one acquitteth, as having done nothing amiss, -- in the other, as having all amiss pardoned.

Q. 1. Is there nothing, then, required of us but faith only?

A. Yes; ^arepentance, and ^bholiness or new obedience. ^aActs xx. 21; Matt. iii. 2; Luke xiii. 3. ^b2 Tim. ii. 19; 1 Thess. iv. 7; Heb. xii. 14.

Q. 2. What is repentance?

A. Godly ^asorrow for every known [80] [81] sin committed against God, ^bwith a firm purpose of heart to cleave unto him for the future, ^cin the killing of sin, the quickening of all graces, to walk before him in newness of life. ^a2 Cor. vii. 9-11; Acts ii. 37; Ps. li. 17. ^bPs. xxxiv. 14; Isa. i. 16, 17; Ezek. xviii. 27, 28; Acts xiv. 15. ^cEph. iv. 21-24; Rom. vi. 12, 13, 18, 19, viii. 1; 2 Cor. v. 17; Gal. vi. 15.

Q. 3. Can we do this of ourselves?

A. No; it is a special gift and grace of God, which he bestoweth on whom he pleaseth. Lev. xx. 8; Deut. xxx. 6; Ezek. xi. 19, 20; 2 Tim. ii. 25; Acts xi. 18.

Q. 4. Wherein doth the being of true repentance consist, without which it is not acceptable?

A. In its [82] performance according to the Gospel rule, with faith and assured hope of divine mercy. Ps. li.; 1 John ii. 1, 2; 2 Cor. vii. 10, 11; Acts ii. 38; Matt. xxvi. 75.

Q. 5. What is that holiness which is required of us?

A. That ^auniversal, [83] [84] sincere obedience to the whole will of God, ^bin our hearts, minds, wills, and actions, ^cwhereby we are in some measure made conformable to Christ, our head. ^aPs. cxix. 9; 1 Sam. xv. 22; John xiv. 15; Rom. vi. 19; Heb. xii. 14; Tit. ii. 12; 2 Pet. i. 5-7; Isa. i. 16, 17. ^b1 Chron. xxviii. 9; Deut. vi. 5; Matt. xxii. 37. ^cRom. viii. 29; 1 Cor. xi. 1; Eph. ii. 21; Col. iii. 1-3; 2 Tim. ii. 11, 12.

Q. 6. Is this holiness or obedience in us perfect?

A. Yes, ^ain respect [85] of all the parts of it, but ^bnot in respect of the degrees wherein God requires it. ^a2 Kings xx. 3; Job i. 1; Matt. v. 48; Luke i. 6; 2 Cor. vii. 1; Eph. iv. 24; Tit. ii. 12. ^bIsa lxiv. 6; Ps. cxxx. 3; Exod. xxviii. 38; Phil. iii. 12.

Q. 7. Will God accept of that obedience which falls so short of what he requireth?

A. Yes, from them [86] whose persons he accepteth and justifieth freely in Jesus Christ. Rom. xii. 1; Phil. iv. 18; Heb. xiii. 16; 1 John iii. 22; Eph. i. 6.

Q. 8. What are the parts of this holiness?

A. ^aInternal, in the quickening of all graces, purging all sins; ^band external, in fervent and frequent prayers, alms, and all manner of righteousness. Particular precepts are innumerable. ^aHeb. ix. 14; Eph. iii. 16, 17; Rom. ii. 29, vi. 12. ^bMatt. v. 20; Rom. viii. 1, 2; Eph iv. 22, 23; Tit. ii. 12.

Q. 9. May not others perform these duties acceptably, as well as those that believe?

A. No; [87] all their performances in this kind are but abominable sins before the Lord. Prov. xv. 8; John ix. 31; Tit. i. 15; Heb. xi. 6.

[80] Repentance includeth, first, alteration of the mind into a hatred of sin, before loved; secondly, sorrow of the affections for sin committed; thirdly, change of the actions arising from both.

[81] Repentance is either legal, servile, and terrifying, from the spirit of bondage; or evangelical, filial, and comforting, from the spirit of free grace and liberty, which only is available.

[82] Every part of Popish repentance -- viz., contrition, confession, and satisfaction -- was performed by Judas.

[83] All faith and profession, without this holiness, is vain and of no effect.

[84] True faith can no more be without true holiness than true fire without heat.

[85] Merit of works in unprofitable servants, no way able to do their duty, is a Popish miracle.

[86] In Christ are our persons accepted freely, and for him our obedience.

[87] The best duties of unbelievers are but white sins.