Justification Vindicated

by Robert Traill

Can sinners really be justified before God by faith alone? If so, can they go on to live as they please? Robert Traill suffered persecution, exile and prison for faithfulness to the gospel. He shows here, with rare clarity and grace, that only justification by faith alone, shows sinners the way to a holy God, makes them a holy and obedient people, gives them joyful assurance of acceptance with God.

Genres: Theology, Christian

84 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2002

Reviews

[Chris Wray · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Faith in Jesus Christ is neither work, nor condition, nor qualification, in justification; but is a mere instrument, receiving (as an empty hand receives the freely given alms) the righteousness of Christ....in its very act, it is a renouncing of all things but the gift of grace."

The Christian church stands or falls with the doctrine of justification by faith, and in this short book, Traill seeks to guard it against antinomianism on the one hand, and Arminianism and legalism on the other.

He both answers the Arminian objection that the orthodox doctrine of justification by faith is inherently Antinomian and also critiques and refutes the Arminian conception of justification. While focusing on both aims, he recognises that Arminianism is the more common error within the church.

Concerning justification, Traill clearly outlines the only two options available to us. Either we are justified on account of our own righteousness, or we are justified on account of the righteousness of another, Jesus Christ. He is unwavering in his critique of Arminianism as containing the seeds of a progress through Pelagianism, Popery and legalism, Socianism and outright apostasy: "There is not a minister that deals seriously with the souls of men but he finds an Arminian scheme of justification in every unrenewed heart."

He begins his argument in favour of the Reformed doctrine of justification through faith in Jesus Christ alone by making some preliminary points:

- Imputed righteousness does not imply that good works are of no value, but that they form no part of our justification.
- Justifying faith is a direct act of faith and not a reflexive act of faith.
- Faith is instrumental in justification, as Christ's righteousness is apprehended by faith.
- Christ is the second Adam, standing at the head of the redeemed as the first Adam stands at the head of all his natural offspring. As Adams' sin is ours in him, so Jesus's righteousness is ours in him.

He then goes on to describe some advantages of this true doctrine of justification. These are:

- It is a doctrine savoury and precious to all serious, godly persons.
- It is that doctrine only by which a convinced sinner can be dealt with effectually.
- This doctrine of free justification by faith alone has this advantage, that it suits all men's spirits and frames in their serious approaches to God in worship.
- This doctrine of justification by faith without any mixtures of man (by whatever names and titles they may be dignified or distinguished) has this undoubted advantage, that it is that to which all not judicially hardened and blinded do, or would, or must, betake themselves when dying.

He also describes some disadvantages of the true doctrine of justification:

- This doctrine is a spiritual mystery, and does not lie level with a natural understanding.
- Our opposers in this doctrine have the majority for them and against us, as they of old boasted.
- Natural reason is very fertile in its objections and cavils against the doctrine of the grace of God, and especially when this corrupt reason is polished by learning and string natural abilities.
- The great declension of some of the Reformed churches from the purity and simplicity of that doctrine they were first planted in.
- This doctrine lies under no small disadvantage from the spirit of the day we live in. "A light, frothy, trifling temper prevails generally; doctrines of great weight are talked of and treated about with a vain, unconcerned frame of spirit, as if men contended rather about opinions and school-points than about the oracles of God and matters of faith."

Next, Traill points out the signs of true Antinomianism, which are not at all displayed by the Reformed. He then helpfully critiques the opposition to such as evidencing either ignorance or prejudice. He shares some reflections that evidence a timeless wisdom concerning theological disputes:

- Many untrue statements are made designed to damage an opponent's reputation, either directly or by implication. (Calumnies is a great word!)
- Seeming zeal against an error being attacked (in this case, Antinomianism) can mask the opposite error (in this case, Arminianism, which is the more common error and always tends towards Pelagianism).
- In opposing real errors, it is easy to hint that there is a party that defends them, and that this party is represented by one's opponents.
- Expressions capable of good sense are deliberately misunderstood and misrepresented, despite the intention of the author.
- Love of peace makes many hold back from speaking freely on disputed topics in public.
- Caution must be exercised not to cloud the gospel in needless technical, theological language; in other words, the controversy should not become an end in itself.

The above can be summarised by the maxim that we must be honest and fair when representing our opponents, and state their arguments in a way that they would recognise and affirm.

He goes on to make some pleas to the wider church, so that good may come of the controversy he was engaged in. Again, these contain timeless wisdom:

- Let us not receive reports suddenly of one another. False reports are raised and rashly believed, and this is both the fruit and the fuel of contention.
- Let us make Christ crucified our great study as Christians, and the preaching of him our main work as ministers.
- Let us study hard and pray much to know the truth and cleave to it.
- Let us not run into extremes through the heat of contention.

This book, at a mere 75 pages, is an invaluable resource with its threefold combination of a faithful outline and defence of justification by faith in Jesus Christ alone, a robust and scriptural critique of Arminianism, and deep pastoral wisdom on how to conduct ourselves in these kinds of disputes.

[Jordan Litts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good. Traill encourages the reader to take up Dr. John Owen's (Vol. 5) work on justification for a deeper understanding.

[Thomas Ballantine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic defence of Gospel Justification against the twin heresies of Antinomianism and Arminianism

[Andy Schreiber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific little book on a massively important subject. Highly recommend it!

[Mark Wooten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trying to write some more thorough reviews so I went to substack.

https://open.substack.com/pub/aplacei...

[Adam T. Calvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert Traill's work stands the test of time. Though it would seem dated (written in the early-mid 19th century), it still speaks to the polarized views non-reformed Christians have when it comes to the doctrine of justification.

From the Scriptures, he forcefully shows that while the Reformed view of the doctrine of justification is clearly Biblical contra the view that Arminians held (hold), it also does not in the slightest give license to Christians for antinomianism (something for which some Arminians of his time would charge).

Rather, the Reformed view of the doctrine of justification naturally leads to piety lived out in a life filled with love for God and man from the peace of Jesus Christ because of the justification they've experienced and the grace they experience on a daily basis.

[James Horgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a surprisingly well written and relevant short book. Robert Traill was a Scot who started his ministry after the Restoration. He was a wanted man in Scotland so exercised his calling in presbyterian churches England. He was a doughty defender of the doctrine of justification by faith as expressed in the Westminster Confession and defended it against errors of his day.

These errors were twofold. Some had republished works of Tobias Crisp, an antinomian whose views suggested that once we were justified we could live as we wanted since God had forgiven us. Others, who were the stronger party, followed Richard Baxter's neonomian views that were were justified by gospel obedience. That party regarded, falsely, the preaching of Traill and others like him as antinomian since justification was based solely upon the free grace of God.

Traill strongly defends the true doctrine from the charge of lawlessness, showing this charge was also raised against Wycliffe and Tyndale, but that holiness was stressed by them and Traill.

The key issues are understanding the nature of the imputed righteousness of Christ, differentiating the direct act of faith which justifies from the reflex act of faith which sees the effect of belief, that faith is not a work but a hand that receives a gift, and that Christ is truly the second Adam.

He follows with the advantages of the true doctrine. It is the delight of the saved, the only way to deal with our sin and it is our only hope in death.

It has disadvantages too. It is spiritual mystery. Working for life natural man understands. Believing for life, he understands not. It is opposed by most of the world (and the visible church), the ignorant, formalists, proud sinners, those zealous in natural religion. Many churches who once held it have declined from it.

Traill goes on to show why the charge of antinomianism is false before briefly expounding the doctrine as found in the Westminster Standards an concludes showing why the doctrine is vitally important.

What are we to believe? Not that we is in Christ, that our sins are pardoned and we are justified; but we are to believe God's record concerning Christ, and this record is that God gives (offers) to us eternal life in his Son Jesus Christ, and that all that with the heart believe this report, and rest their souls on these glad tidings, shall be saved. And that we are to believe that we may be justified.

I have Traill's works in my library and I look forward to reading more of him.

[Valerie Romero · Rating 4 out of 5]

ok, this book was hard. hard bc i wasn't sure which side he was on... hard bc it seemed he was not on the same side as some that he mentions.... but after a long break (and some other books) getting back to it was not only easier, but my head was more after the wonderful comfort and hope that justification affords <3

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brutal. Although I've thought the things that Traill wrote about concerning Arminians and Antinomians, I would never have the courage to say it. Traill takes them both to task and leaves no prisoners. Biblical front to back and nails in place the Doctrine of Justification.

[Adam Kareus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at the importance and truth of the doctrine of Justification by faith alone. While written for its time and addressing many of the issues of that day, it still is a great overview of the doctrine as well as a good encouragement for us today.

[Tim Franks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another classic of the Puritan age on the defending the crucial doctrine of the reformation, justification by faith alone. Very faithful to God's Word and a great challenge to read to help minister better to this current church age.

[Jesus Salgado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does the doctrine of justification of faith alone lead to being anti-law? Robert Trail does a great job of demonstrating the right understanding we should have when it comes to this biblical truth.

[Trevor Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fine book on justification, but not the one I would point people to on any given day. This was more polemical than explanatory.

[Stephen Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice primer with a few excellent short quotes. Though at times I wished he defined the definitions he was opposing with more precision, as a positive defense of the doctrine, it was quite good.

[Crazycalvinist O'flaherty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little tract at 70 odd pages is easily readable Justification is the heart of the gospel and our belief system falls or stands on our view of justification in many ways. This book, along with Walter Marhsall's gospel mystery of Sanctification, are both good works on tthis subject, and I have read Marshall's book also. Another one highly recommend by Traill is Dr. Owen's wok on justification.

We cannot afford to over look this doctrine, because it is to critical to the whole of our belief system. It's like the house of cards, you pull one down, the rest will fall, and the doctrine of justification really is the centre of the gospel, which is why it was the battle cry that started the protestant reformation.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contention over the doctrine of justification has been (and remains) a central issue among Christians. A right understanding of it is necessary in order to have assurance of salvation and proper motivation in holy living. Traill tackles this issue with the usual Puritan blend of precision and practicality, addressing concerns against false doctrines and reinforcing the validity of justification by faith in Christ alone. The language is archaic at times but the content is thoroughly relevant.

[Hobart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet, sound and to the point. Traill defends the "old Protestant doctrine" of justification against charges of Antinomianism common in his day, as well as distinguishing it from the growing prevalence of Arminianism. He is gracious, passionate, full of Puritan fervor (and I mean that in the most laudable fashion) and he has teeth when it comes to defending the gospel truths he holds dear.

Great stuff. The church ever needs more like him.

[Jimmy]

Short work on the Reformed view of justification. Expect the doctrinal devotional flavor that one would expect of Puritan work. The book is largely an attempt to defend against the charge that the Protestant doctrine of justification will lead to antinominalism. This works shows that this is not the necessary implication of Reformed soteriology.

[Justin Andrusk · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a nice short read on the Protestant doctrine of justification by faith alone.