imputed, and righteounesse as the thing whereunto it is imputed. In the last phrase, imputation commeth in betwixt righteousnesse it selfe as the thing imputed, and life as the end whereunto it is imputed.
This passage whereof we now speake, is diversly interpreted by Orthodox Divines, but all aiming at the same truth, and meeting in the maine, being rather severall expressions of the same truth, then different interpretations. The first is, That faith is imputed unto righteousnesse, that the obedience of Christ apprehended by faith, may be righteousnesse unto the apprehender. For faith and beleeving ever implieth the possession of Christ and his obedience in our hearts; and the imputation of faith unto righteousnesse, is the thing that makes Christ possessed by faith to be our righteousnesse. Christs obedience is righteousnesse in it selfe, so that it is neither our faith, nor Gods imputation of our faith, that makes his obedience to be righteousnesse: but imputation of faith to us as ours, maketh the obedience of Christ possessed by faith (being righteousnesse in it selfe) to be our righteousnesse. For as the making of that, whereby we obtaine possession to be ours, maketh the thing possessed also to be ours: so that imputation of faith (which is a gift supernaturall and not within our power) maketh Christs obedience to be that unto us, which it is in itselfe though it were never imputed unto us. And to confirme this exposition, that of the Apostle is alleadged: Rom. 10.10.With the heart man beleeveth unto righteousnesse, and with the mouth he confesseth unto salvation. In which sentence, the Greeke word which is rendred [unto] cannot be rendred [for] without darkning, if not perverting the true sence and meaning of that place. For we are said to believe with the heart unto righteousnesse, in the same sence and meaning, wherein we are said to confesse with the mouth unto salvation. Neither is there any reason why faith should be said to be imputed unto righteousnesse in any other sence, as concerning the word [unto] then we are said to believe unto righteousnesse: but in all reason the Greeke word which we render, unto, must in both these phrases be taken in one and the same sence: that is, as we believe with the heart, to this end that we might by faith (as the only apt and meete instrument, and only covenient and effectuall meane to apprehend and possesse) attaine to the possession of the righteousnesse of God in Christ: even so the Lord our Godimputeth
