Commentary upon the Epistle to the Galatians

But now let us see by what means these two things so contrary & so repugnant may be reconciled together in this one person Christ.¹ Not only my sins and thine, but also the sins of the whole world, ⟨image 139⟩either past, present, or to come, do take hold upon him, and go about to condemn him, as also they do in deed condemn him. But because in the self same person, which is the highest, the greatest and the only sinner, there is also an everlasting and invincible righteousness: therefore these two do encounter together, the highest, the greatest and the only sin, and the highest, the greatest and the only righteousness. Here one of them must needs be overcome and give place to the other, seeing they fight together with so great force and power. The sin therefore of the whole world cometh upon righteousness with all main & might. In this combat what is done? Righteousness is everlasting, immortal and invincible.² Sin also is a most mighty and cruel Tyrant, ruling and reigning over the whole world, subduing and bringing all men into bondage. To conclude, sin is a strong and a mighty God, which devoureth all mankind,³ learned, unlearned, holy, mighty and wise men. This Tyrant (I say) flieth upon Christ, & will needs swallow him up, as he doth all other. But he seeth not that he is a person of invincible and everlasting righteousness. Therefore in this combat sin must needs be vanquished and killed,⁴ and righteousness must overcome, live, & reign. So in Christ all sin is vanquished, killed & buried, & righteousness remaineth a conqueror and reigneth for ever.

But now let vs see by what meanes these two thinges so contrary & so repugnant may be reconciled together in this one person Christ.¹ Not onely my sinnes and thine, but also the sinnes of the whole world, ⟨image 139⟩