Answer: Not that I am acceptable to God, on
account of the worthiness of my faith; but because only the satisfaction,
righteousness, and holiness of Christ, is my righteousness before God; (a) and
that I cannot receive and apply the same to myself any other way than by faith
only. (b)
(a) 1 Cor.1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of
God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and
redemption: 1 Cor.2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save
Jesus Christ, and him crucified. (b) 1 John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son
of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a
liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
Question 62. But why cannot our good works be the
whole, or part of our righteousness before God?
Answer: Because, that the righteousness, which
can be approved of before the tribunal of God, must be absolutely perfect, (a)
and in all respects conformable to the divine law; and also, that our best
works in this life are all imperfect and defiled with sin. (b)
(a) Gal.3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law
are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not
in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. Deut.27:26
Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all
the people shall say, Amen. (b) Isa.64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing,
and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf;
and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Question 63. What! do not our good works merit,
which yet God will reward in this and in a future life?
Answer: This reward is not of merit, but of
grace. (a)
(a) Luke 17:10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done
all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we
have done that which was our duty to do.
Question 64. But does not this doctrine make men
careless and profane?
Answer: By no means: for it is impossible that
those, who are implanted into Christ by a true faith, should not bring forth
fruits of thankfulness. (a)
(a) Matt.7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit,
neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. John 15:5 I am the vine, ye
are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth
much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Of The
Sacraments
Question 65. Since then we are made partakers of
Christ and all his benefits by faith only, whence does this faith proceed?
Answer: From the Holy Ghost, (a) who works
faith in our hearts by the preaching of the gospel, and confirms it by the use
of the sacraments. (b)
(a) Eph.2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and
that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Eph.2:9 Not of works, lest any
man should boast. Eph.6:23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from
God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily,
verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he
cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Philip.1:29 For unto you it is given in
the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his
sake; (b) Matt.28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matt.28:20
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I
am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. 1 Pet.1:22 Seeing ye
have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned
love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
1 Pet.1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by
the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
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