By David Dickson
QUESTION I.
"ARE they who are effectually called and regenerated, having a new spirit created in them, farther sanctified, really and personally, through virtue of Christ's death, and resurrection, by his word and Spirit dwelling in them?"
Yes.
Well then, do not the Antinomians err, who maintain, That those who are justified, are sanctified only, by the imputed holiness of Christ; not by infusing inherent holiness, or any spiritual qualities into them, by the help of which they are enabled to live holily?
Yes.
By what reasons are they confuted?
1st, Because the apostle says, Follow peace and holiness with all men, without which, no man shall see God, Heb. 12.14.
2d, Because the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, and faith, Gal. 5.22.
3d, Because they who are in Christ bring forth good fruit, John 15.5.
4th, Because they who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts, Gal. 5.24,25.
5th, Because the apostle commands us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, Phil. 2.12.
6th, Because we ought to purify ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, 2 Cor. 7.1.
7th, Because we ought to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, 2 Pet. 3.18.
8th, Because the Lord circumcises the heart of the elect, that they may love the Lord their God, and taketh away the heart of stone, Deut. 30.6. Ezek. 36.26,27.
Quest. II. "Is sanctification imperfect in this life, there being some remnants of corruption abiding in every part?"
Yes; 1 John 1.10. Rom. 7.18,23. Phil. 3.12.
Well then, do not the Antinomians, and many of the Quakers err, who maintain, That those who are justified, are perfectly sanctified?
Yes.
Do not likewise the Papists, Socinians, and Anabaptists err, who maintain the same, but differ in the manner?
Yes.
By what reasons are they confuted?
But first consider, that the Antinomians defend, That the most perfect holiness of Christ is imputed to us, and is made ours, there being no inherent holiness in us, nor required of us.
But the Papists Socinians, Quakers, and Anabaptists affirm, and maintain a perfect inherent holiness in this life. They are confuted,
1st, Because there is no man that sinneth not, 1 Kings 8.46.
2d, Because if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us, 1 John 1.8.
3d, Because in many things we offend all, James 3.2.
4th, Because there is not a just man upon the earth that doeth good and sinneth not, Eccl. 7.20
5th, Because we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, Isa. 64.6.
6th, Because the psalmist prayeth, that God would not enter into judgment with him, for in thy sight, says he, shall no man be justified, Psalm 143.2
7th, Because no man can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin, Prov. 20.9.
8th, Because the apostle complains heavily concerning indwelling sin, Rom. 7.18,23.
9th, Because the saints are obliged to seek pardon of sin every day, Mat. 6.12.
10th, Because the Lord says, He that is holy, let him be holy still, Rev. 22.11.
