Wesley Corpus

Almost every text quoted in this and the following letter in. support of that particular form of expression is distorted above measure from the plain, obvious meaning which is pointed out by the context. I shall instance in a few, and just set down their true meaning without any farther remarks. To 'show unto man His uprightness,' to convince him of God's justice in so punishing him. 'He shall receive the blessing,' pardon, 'from the Lord, and righteousness,' holiness, 'from the God of his salvation'; the God who saveth him both from the guilt and from the power of sin . I will 'make mention of Thy righteousness only.' Of Thy mercy; so the word frequently means in the Old Testament. So it unquestionably means in that text, 'In' or by 'Thy righteousness shall they be exalted' . 'Sion shall be redeemed with judgment,' after severe punishment, 'and her converts with righteousness,' with the tender mercy of God following that punishment . 'In,' or through, 'the Lord I have righteousness and strength,' justification and sanctification; 'He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation,' saved me from the guilt and power of sin: both of which are again expressed by, 'He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness' . 'My righteousness,' My mercy, 'shall not be abolished' . 'To make reconciliation for iniquity,' to atone for all our sins, 'and to bring in everlasting righteousness,' spotless holiness into our souls. And this righteousness is not human, but divine. It is the gift and the work of God. 'The Lord our Righteousness,' the author both of our justification and sanctification . 'What righteousness shall give us peace at the last day, inherent or imputed' Both. Christ died for us and lives in us, 'that we may have boldness in the day of judgment.' 'That have obtained like precious faith through the righteousness,' the mercy, 'of our Lord.' 'Seek ye the kingdom Of God and His righteousness,' the holiness which springs from God reigning in you. (Letter 5, p, 131.) 'Therein is revealed the righteousness of God,' God's method of justifying sinners .