The gospel assigns a certain relation between faith and that righteousness of Christ which it embraces, on the one hand, and holy character and living on the other. The relation is that of means to end. It is true, indeed, that we are not reconciled to God by merits of our own works, for we have none that are worthy. But we are reconciled to him by the merits of another's work, in order to become capable of good works. God justifieth the ungodly, in order that, being justified, he may become godly by the inworking of the purchased grace.

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