In spite of proof-texting early Church writings (e.g., those of Marius Victorinus–see this lengthy and excellent discussion from Perry Robinson), Beeke and Smalley are forced to admit that:
. . . the early church fathers also planted seeds that
would lead to grave confusion about justification, not least of which was the
term merit (Latin meritum). Tertullian said, “We affirm that a
judgment has been ordained by God according to the merits of every man.” (Ad
Nationes, 1:19) He wrote, “A good deed has God as its debtor, just as an
evil has too; for a judge is a rewarder of every cause.” (On Repentance,
chap. 2) Tertullian said that repentance before baptism is the price and compensation
God requires for the forgiveness of sins, and repentance after baptism is the
satisfaction for further sins. (On Repentance, chaps 6-7) Cyprian (d.
258) wrote that the blood of Christ washes away the sins committed before
baptism, but good works must cleanse us from the guilt of later sins: “By works
of righteousness God is satisfied.” (On Works and Alms, chaps. 1-5) (Joel
R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley, Reformed Systematic Theology, 4 vols.
[Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway, 2021], 3:539)
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