LORD’S DAY 23
59. What does it help you now, that you believe all this?
That I am righteous in Christ before God, and an heir of eternal life.1Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; John 3:36; Titus 3:7; Romans 5:1; 8:16
60. How are you righteous before God?
Only by true faith in Jesus Christ;2Romans 3:21-25; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 3:9 that is, although my conscience accuses me, that I have grievously sinned against all the commandments of God, and have never kept any of them,3Romans 3:9-10 and am still prone always to all evil;4Romans 7:23 yet God, without any merit of mine,5Titus 3:5 of mere grace,6Romans 3:24; Ephesians 2:8 grants and imputes to me the perfect satisfaction,71 John 2:2 righteousness, and holiness of Christ,81 John 2:1; Romans 4:4-5; 2 Corinthians 5:19 as if I had never committed nor had any sin, and had myself accomplished all the obedience which Christ has fulfilled for me;92 Corinthians 5:21 if only I accept such benefit with a believing heart.10John 3:18; Romans 3:28; Romans 10:10
61. Why do you say that you are righteous by faith only?
Not that I am acceptable to God on account of the worthiness of my faith, but because only the satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of Christ is my righteousness before God;111 Corinthians 1:30; 2:2 and I can receive the same and make it my own in no other way than by faith only. 121 John 5:10; Isaiah 53:5; Galatians 3:22; Romans 4:16