I remember a story of a certain prelate, who, after many arguments in vain urged to convince the Earl of _Rochester_ of the invisible realities of another world, took his leave of his lordship with some such words as these: “Well, my lord, if there be no hell, I am safe; but if there should be such a thing as hell, what will become of you?” I apply this to those that oppose the doctrine now insisted on. If there be no such thing as the doctrine of an imputed righteousness, those who hold it, and bring forth fruit unto holiness, are safe; but if there be such a thing (as there certainly is) what will become of you that deny it? It is no difficult matter to determine. Your portion must be in the lake of fire and brimstone for ever and ever. Since you will rely upon your works, by your works you shall be judged. They shall be weighed in the balance of the sanctuary; and they will be found wanting. By your works therefore shall you be condemned; and you, being out of CHRIST, shall find GOD, to your poor wretched souls, a consuming fire.
The great _Stoddard_ of _Northampton_ in _New-England_, has therefore well intitled a book which he wrote (and which I would take this opportunity to recommend) “The Safety of appearing in the Righteousness of CHRIST.” For why should I lean upon a broken reed, when I can have the rock of ages to stand upon, that never can be moved?
And now, before I come to a more particular application, give me leave, in the apostle’s language, triumphantly to cry out, “Where is the scribe, where the disputer?” Where is the reasoning infidel of this generation? Can any thing appear more reasonable, even according to your own way of arguing, than the doctrine here laid down? Have you not felt a convincing power go along with the word? Why then will you not believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST, that so he may become the LORD _your_ righteousness?
But it is time for me to come a little closer to your consciences.
Brethren, though some may be offended at this doctrine, and may account it foolishness; yet, to many of you, I doubt not but it is precious, it being agreeable to the form of sound words, which from your infancy has been delivered to you; and, coming from a quarter, you would least have expected, may be received with more pleasure and satisfaction. But give me leave to ask you one question; Can you say, the LORD our righteousness? I say, the LORD _our_ righteousness. For entertaining this doctrine in your heads, without receiving the LORD JESUS CHRIST savingly by a lively faith into your hearts, will but increase your damnation. As I have often told you, so I tell you again, an unapplied CHRIST is no CHRIST at all. Can you then, with believing _Thomas_, cry out, “My LORD and my GOD?” Is CHRIST your sanctification, as well as your outward righteousness? For the word righteousness, in the text, not only implies CHRIST’s personal righteousness imputed to us, but also holiness wrought in us. These two, GOD has joined together. He never did, he never does, he never will put them asunder. If you are justified by the blood, you are also sanctified by the Spirit of our LORD. Can you then in this sense say, The LORD our righteousness? Were you ever made to abhor yourselves for your actual and original sins, and to lothe your own righteousness; for, as the prophet beautifully expresses it, “your righteousness is as filthy rags?” Were you ever made to see and admire the all-sufficiency of CHRIST’s righteousness, and excited by the Spirit of GOD to hunger and thirst after it? Could you ever say, my soul is athirst for CHRIST, yea, even for the righteousness of CHRIST? O when shall I come to appear before the presence of my GOD in the righteousness of CHRIST! nothing but CHRIST! nothing but CHRIST! Give me CHRIST, O GOD, and I am satisfied! my soul shall praise thee for ever.