The Marrow of True Justification

by Benjamin Keach

"This work was first published in 1692, and makes for a great read still today both in addressing false teaching and in promoting the positive Reformation view of justification by faith alone in Jesus Christ and His imputed righteousness. This is one of the best works ever written on the subject. Here the central theme of the Christian gospel and the sure ground of the believer's hope is expounded with profound scriptural clarity. How the churches of today would benefit if pastors would preach this doctrine in contemporary dress as thoroughly, polemically, and winsomely as Keach did in his own day." Dr. Joel R. Beeke

Genres: Theology, Audiobook

Paperback

First published April 1, 2007

About the author

Benjamin Keach (1640-1704) was a Particular Baptist preacher in London whose name was given to Keach’s Catechism.

Originally from Buckinghamshire, Keach worked as a tailor during his early years. He was baptized at the age of 15 and began preaching at 18. He was the minister of the congregation at Winslow before moving in 1668 to the church at Horse-lie-down, Southwark where he remained for 36 years as pastor (1668-1704). This congregation later became the New Park Street Church and then moved to the Metropolitan Tabernacle under the pastorship of Charles Spurgeon. It was as representative of this church that Keach went to the 1689 General Assembly and subscribed the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith. Keach was one of the seven men who sent out the invitation to the 1689 General Assembly. The signing of the confession was no mute doctrinal assent on the part of the church, for in the same year they entered into a Solemn Covenant which reflected, at the practical and congregational level, some of the doctrines of the confession. There was a secession from Horse-lie-down in 1673 and the Old Kent Road congregation was formed. Spurgeon later republished the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith for use in the congregation.

Keach wrote 43 works, of which his “Parables and Metaphors of Scripture” may be the best known. He wrote a work entitled “The Child’s Instructor” which immediately brought him under persecution and he was fined and pilloried in 1664. He is attributed with the writing of a catechism commonly known as “Keach’s Catechism”, although it is most likely that the original was compiled by William Collins. (From The Digital Puritan)

Reviews

[Patrick McWilliams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Clearly distinguishes between the true gospel of justification by faith alone in Christ alone and the myriad of false gospels that seek to introduce our own obedience/holiness/covenant faithfulness/etc. into the picture. Ought to be read by every pastor and thoughtful Christian.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

A reformed Baptist Gem on the chief article of faith, that Justification is by faith Alone, through grace Alone, in Christ Alone, for the glory of God Alone as shown in Scripture Alone.
Highly recommend it.

[Eli · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sound and straightforward explanation of justification.

[Han · Rating 5 out of 5]

“1. The First shall be a use of Caution to both Saints and Sinners, to take heed who you hear; it greatly concerns you; for the Times are perilous, the Devil is endeavoring to strike at the Root, even at the Foundation itself, beware lest you are deceived and carried away with hose poisonous and abominable Doctrubes that are fomented at this present time in and about this City. We ought to keep clean from all Errors; but especially such a are Capital ones. I am afraid many good Christians are not sensible of the sad danger they are in. I cannot see but that the Doctrine some Men strive to promote, is but little better than Popery in a new Dress. NAR one of the worst branches of it too. Shall any who pretend to be true Preachers of the Gospel, go about to mix their own Works or heir sincere Obedience with Christ’s Rughteousness; May, to put their Obeidience in the room and place of Christ’s Obeidenxe, as that in which they trust and desire to be found?
2. Let me exhort you all to stand fast in the precious Faith you have received; particularly about the great Doctrine if Justiifcation, give your selves to Prayer, and to the due and careful study or God’s Word. And beware lest ye also being led away with the error of wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. But, grow in Grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be Glory both now and forevermore. Amen. 2 Peter 3.17,18”
Benjamin Keach in The Marrow it True Justification

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent concise defense of justification by faith alone. Christ and his righteousness alone is the ground for the believer's justification. Keach refutes various false doctrines such as neonomianism (faith + works/covenant faithfulness), papists, socinians, and arminians. Christ as the object of faith saves sinners by his perfect righteousness imputed to them.

This is an excellent use of law/gospel distinction and helps to properly interpret the second London confession chapters on justification and good works in their historical context. Keach refutes any "evangelical obedience" as contributing to justification.

[Jordan Embree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Joel Beeke noted that Keach’s work here is “one of the best works ever written on the subject of justification.” I certainly co-sign that sentiment and frankly am not aware of anything more helpful out there. Keach is clear, grounded in the testimony of Holy Scripture, and his polemical approach is quite helpful to refute any looking to compete with God’s free grace in justification. This book, particularly the doctrine it exposes, will surely inflame your heart for Jesus Christ and enable you to fly to Him and His righteousness alone by faith.

[Johnny Zacchio jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing treatment of Justification. This was theologically precise and devotional. God is faithful to justify the UNGODLY. It honestly makes me wonder why Richard Baxter is so well-received in the broader Reformed world. According to the Reformed confessions and Keach's critique of him, he does not sound like a friend of the gospel at all. May this treatment guard us from Baxter's teachings and other Neonomians like him.

[Mario Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, an excellent collection of two sermons on being justified on the merits of Christ work alone and not by our own good works or by Christ and our good works working together for our justification.

They are sermons and so they read as sermons

I sometimes wonder what it would be like to hear lengthy, technical sermons like these in modern times.

[Richard Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent, albeit brief and somewhat limited presentation and explanation of Justification by faith alone as well as a response to various objections to it and perversions of it.

Good and true in all it says including the clear rejection of adding obedience or any other sort of works to faith as a condition of justification.

[Simon Wartanian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sweet doctrine of justification by faith alone is opened by the excellent Benjamin Keach for the encouragement and consolation of God's people especially proving that we are not justified by works but by the imputed righteousness of Christ our Lord.

[Lachlan Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good Biblical argument for the Reformed understanding of Justification by faith alone.

[Justin Dillehay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good in places, though a bit dated due to the false positions he's interacting with. Short enough to be worth reading, though there are better treatments out there.

[Calvert Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great work. It needs to be updated in language and reformatted to make it more accessible.