But he withal condemn'd and spoil'd The law can justify no man Thus favor sinful men, and free The chief of sinners, guilty me. b y Col. ii. 14, 15. Blotting out the hand-writing of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross: and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Rom. viii. 3. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God did, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh. end of the law for righteousIsa. xlv. 24. Surely shall one z Rom. x. 4. For Christ is the ness, to every one that believeth. say, In the Lord have I righteousness and strength. Jer. xxiii. 6. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. a Rom. iii. 19, 20. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for by the law is the knowledge of sin. b The law of works as fulfilled by Christ, can, and does so. The gospel, too, acquitteth none The gospel justify a saint. f Rom. viii. 3. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God, sending his own Son, in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Ver. 33, 34. Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea, rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. It is God that justifieth; c Rom. iii. 21, 22. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God, which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all, and upon all them that believe, for there is no difference. d Rom. iv. 5. To him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. e 1 Cor. i. 30. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. Col. ii. 10. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power. All perfect persons it controls, g f Matt. ix. 13. I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Rom. iii. 10. There is none righteous, no, not one. Chap. ix. 30-32. What shall we say then? That the Gentiles which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith: but Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore, because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. Chap. x. 3. Israel being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 1 Tim. i. 15. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. g Matt. xxi. 31. Jesus saith unto them [the Pharisees], Verily I say unto you, that the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. Luke xviii. 9-14. And Jesus spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you this man went down to his house justified rather than the other for every one that exalteth himself, shall be abased: and Yet still no man its grace partakes, The law withstands the gospel path, j he that humbleth himself, shall be exalted. Ver. 21, 22. And he [the ruler] said, All these have kept from my youth up. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come, follow me. h Rom. iv. 5, 6. To him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works. ¿ Titus ii. 11--14. The grace of God that bringeth salvation, hath appeared to all men; teaching us, that denying ungodliness, and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God even our Saviour Jesus Christ: who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works. Chap. iii. 4. 5. After that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Ver. 8. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works: these things are good and profitable unto men. The gospel thwarts the legal way, 1 Hence, though the gospel's comely frame j 1 Cor. xv. 56. The strength of sin is the law. Rom. vi. 14. Sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Chap. x. 3. Israel being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. k Isa. xlii. 21. The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness' sake, he will magnify the law and make it honorable. Matt. iii. 17. And lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. / Rom. ix. 31-33. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law: for they stumbled at that stumblingstone; as it is written, Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling-stone, and rock of offence; and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. m Rom. vii. 7. What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. Ver. 10. And the commandment which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. Ver. 12. Wherefore the law is holy; and the commandment holy, and just, and good. n Rom. x. 5-9. For Moses describeth the righteousness which |