This dissertation shows that two fundamentally different philosophical, theological, and practical systems supported and expressed the doctrine of justification in the theologies of Richard Baxter and Benjamin Keach. Chapter 1 provides a general introduction to the topic, describing the historical setting of the debate between Baxter and Keach.

Chapter 2 provides biographical summaries of Richard Baxter and Benjamin Keach. Both had to endure persecution at the hands of the English government. Neither man had any formal theological training, but both men were committed pastors who labored in their callings to shepherd Christ's church through careful reflection upon and application of Holy Scripture.

Chapter 3 summarizes Richard Baxter's doctrine of justification by examining seven of his most important works on the topic. Operating on a nominalist paradigm, Baxter assumed that God may justly declare an unholy act to be holy in justification. Baxter viewed the covenant of grace as holding out the promise of justification and eternal life on the condition of keeping the "mild law" of the covenant. Practically, Baxter believed that believers should be motivated by fear of failing to attain final justification and eternal life.

Chapter 4 is a summary of Benjamin Keach's doctrine of justification. Keach operated on the assumptions of philosophical realist, believing that God cannot justly change his law to make it easier for fallen sinners to obey. Keach's theological method was rooted in federal theology's doctrine that Christ merited the justification of the elect by means of the intra-Trinitarian covenant of grace. Keach's doctrine of justification was foundational to his entire pastoral theology and approach to preaching and motivating sinners to live godly lives.

Chapter 5 compares, contrasts, and analyzes the systems of Baxter and Keach. The chapter analyzes their respective underlying presuppositions (philosophies), theological frameworks, and practical implications. It demonstrates the root differences between the two systems.