The Second Question

Whether a man may evidence his justification by his sanctification?

The state of the Question is thus unfolded.

First, to take a man's sanctification, for an evident cause or ground of his justification, is flat Popery.

Secondly, to take a man's sanctification, for an evident cause or ground of that faith whereby he is justified, is utterly unsafe; for faith is built upon Jesus, the Christ, the head corner stone (Ephesians 2:20; Matthew 16:16), and not upon works: a good work floweth from faith not faith from them.

Thirdly, to take common sanctification, that is, such a reformation and a change of life as floweth from a spirit of bondage, restraining from sin, and constraining to duty, and sometimes accompanied with enlargement and comforts in duty; yet without the sense and feeling of the need of Christ, and before union with him, to take such a sanctification for an evident sign of justification, is to build upon a false and sandy foundation.

Fourthly, that when a man has first attained assurance of his faith, of his justification, by the witness of the Spirit of Christ, in a free promise of grace, made to him in the blood of Christ (Acts 13:38, 39), he may discern, and take his sanctification as a secondary witness, or an evident sign or effect of his justification.

The Question being thus stated, I propound the Question thus;

Whether a man may gather the first evidence or assurance of his faith, of his justification, by his sanctification?

We hold in the negative part.