Ignorance. Why, I believe Christ died for sinners, and that my sins will be forgiven, through God’s gracious acceptance of my sincerity and best endeavours to obey his laws.
Christian. 1. Thou believest then with a fantastical faith; for this faith is no where described in the word. 2. Thou believest with a false faith; because thou takest justification from the blood and righteousness of Christ, and appliest it to thy own. 3. This first maketh Christ not a justifier [♦]of thy person, but of thy actions; and of thy person, for the sake of thy actions. Therefore this faith is utterly deceitful, and will leave thee under wrath in the day of the Lord.
[♦] “rf” replaced with “of”
True justifying faith puts the soul, as sensible of its lost condition by the law, upon flying for refuge to the blood and righteousness of Christ. And this righteousness of his is not an act of grace, by which he maketh thy obedience acceptable to God for thy justification.
No, but Christ did and suffered what was required at our hands; and for the sake of what he did and suffered, we are pardoned and accepted of God.
Ignorance. And so you would have us do nothing! We may live as we list; since we are justified by faith alone!
Christian. As thy name is, so art thou. Thou art ignorant of the fruits of faith in the blood of Christ. He that believeth in Christ, loveth God; and whosoever loveth him keepeth his commandments.
Hopeful. Was Christ ever revealed to you?
Ignorance. What, you are for new revelations! And receiving the Holy Ghost, I suppose! I believe what both you and all the rest of you say about these matters, is all whim and enthusiasm, the effects of mere imagination, or a distempered brain.
Hopeful. Why, man, None knoweth the Son save he unto whom the Father revealeth him: and no man calleth Jesus Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.