“For the Scriptures declare that Christ is not the lawgiver; as it is said, ‘The law was given by Moses; but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.’ Therefore the ministers of the gospel ought not to teach the law. Christians are not ruled by the law, but by the spirit of regeneration; according as it is said, ‘Ye are not under the law, but under grace.’ Therefore the law ought not to be taught in the church of Christ.
“2. That the justification of sinners is an immanent and eternal act of God, not only preceding all acts of sin, but the existence of the sinner himself.
“For nothing new can arise in God; on which account, he calls things that are not, as though they were; and the apostle saith, ‘Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places, in Christ Jesus, before the foundation of the world.’ Besides, Christ was set up from everlasting, not only as the Head of the church, but as the surety of his [pg 129] people; by virtue of which engagement, the Father decreed never to impute unto them their sins. (See 2 Cor. 5: 19.)
“3. That justification by faith is no more than a manifestation to us of what was done before we had a being.
“For it is thus expressed, in Heb. 11:1: ‘Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.’ We are justified only by Christ; but by faith we perceive it, and by faith rejoice in it, as we apprehend it to be our own.
“4. That men ought not to doubt of their faith, nor question whether they believe in Christ.
“For we are commanded to ‘draw near in full assurance of faith.’ (Heb. 10:22.) ‘He that believeth on the Son of God, hath the witness in himself,’ (2 John 5:10;) i. e., he has as much evidence as can be desired.
“5. That God sees no sin in believers; and they are not bound to confess sin, mourn for it, or pray that it may be forgiven.
“For God has declared, (Heb. 10:17,) ‘Their sins and iniquities I will remember no more.’ And in Jer. 50:20, ‘In those days, and in that time, saith the Lord, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found; for I will pardon them whom I reserve.’
“6. That God is not angry with the elect, nor doth he punish them for their sins.