Systematic Theology (Vol 3) - Hodge - X - Chapter 17 (Faith) continued

Required reading
Systematic Theology by Charles Hodge (Vol 3) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Continue Chapter 17 by reading up to the heading '10. Departures from the Protestant Doctrine. Osiander'.

My summary
Hodge continues to teach us about the doctrine of justification.

Firstly we look at different views of justification by faith:
(i) faith is the source of that moral excellence on account of which we are accepted of God (the Pelagian and rationalist view);
(ii) faith is a mere assent (the Romanist view);
(iii) faith is the ground of justification (the Remonstrant or Arminian view);
(iv) faith is merely the instrumental cause of justification (the Protestant view).

Secondly Hodge answers the following objections to the Protestant doctrine of justification:
(i) the doctrine leads to license;
(ii) the doctrine destroys the gratuitous nature of justification;
(iii) it is absurd that one man should be righteous with the righteousness of another;
(iv) Christ was under the same obligation to obey the law and to take his share of human suffering as other men and therefore his righteousness could not be imputed;
(v) believers recognise themselves as justly exposed to condemnation for their present shortcomings so they cannot be justified;
(vi) the doctrine concerns only that which is outward (legal relations) and disregards the true nature of the mystical union.

What grabbed me
I liked the clear statement of the Protestant doctrine on the role of faith in justification: 'The common doctrine of Protestants on this subject is that faith is merely the instrumental cause of justification. It is the act of receiving and resting upon Christ, and has no other relation to the end than any other act by which a proffered good is accepted. This is clearly the doctrine of Scripture, (1.) Because we are constantly said to be justified by, or through faith. (2.) Because the faith which justifies is described as a looking, as a receiving, as a coming, as a fleeing for refuge, as a laying hold of, and as a calling upon. (3.) Because the ground to which our justification is referred, and that on which the sinner's trust is placed, is declared to be the blood, the death, the righteousness, the obedience of Christ. (4.) Because the fact that Christ is a ransom, a sacrifice, and as such effects our salvation, of necessity supposes that the faith which interests us in the merit of his work is a simple act of trust. (5.) Because any other view of the case is inconsistent with the gratuitous nature of justification, with the honour of Christ, and with the comfort and confidence of the believer.'

Christ is the one who saves us, not our faith.

Next week's reading
Continue Chapter 17 by reading up to the heading '11. Modern views on Justification. Rationalistic Theories'.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.