In volume five of his Works, John Owenwrote extensively about justification by faith alone. After giving some Bible-based definitions of faith and justification, Owen brought up the Roman Catholic doctrine of double justification. Rome teaches that a person’s first justification is based on infused grace, faith, and Christ’s work. Second justification, for Rome, is the effect of first justification, and it is based on good works and love done according to the infused habit of grace. For example, the Canons of the Council of Trent (VI.10) talk about being “further justified” by good works.
Here’s what Owen had to say about two justifications:
This distinction was coined unto no other end but to bring in confusion into the whole doctrine of the gospel. Justification through the free grace of God, by faith in the blood of Christ, is evacuated by it. Sanctification is turned into a justification, and…
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