Seeing therefore in the three former Chapters, he hath taught, that all men are sinners: & also showeth that only faith in Christ, is the way unto righteousness, and means to justification,1 by and by in this fourth Chap. he answereth to certain objections and cavils. As for the most part, when Christ or faith is taught (that is, that our works are nothing, that we are only justified by faith) straight ways certain Justiciaries object: If faith alone doth justify, then we must cease altogether to do good works, then good works are ⟨image 23⟩to be omitted and left undone. The Apostle answereth, proposing the example of Abraham: What shall we say then, that Abraham our Father hath hath found concerning the flesh? Did he merit nothing at all by his works? He concludeth, that Abraham was justified only by faith without any works, insomuch that the Scripture saith, that Abraham (before he was circumcised) believed GOD, and it was counted and reputed unto him for righteousness. Gen. 15.6. If therefore the work of circumcision which GOD commanded (which was a precious work of obedience) profited Abraham nothing to justification, then it is most sure & certain, that there is none other work ⟨image 23⟩which is available to justification.2 But as circumcision being an outward sign, was unto Abraham a seal of his righteousness by faith: so good works are only an external sign, which doth not justify, but which doth signify unto men, that a man is inwardly justified before God, and they do testify and approve as certain signs and fruits, that lively faith, which worketh in the heart. By this, as by the most grave, weighty, and authentic example, the Apostle doth con firm, & build out of the Scriptures his doctrine of faith delivered out, and taught in the third Chapter. Furthermore, the Apostle allegeth the testimony of David in the 32. Psal. to prove this matter. Also in ⟨image 24⟩most plain words he affirmeth that a man is justified by the imputation of righteousness, without works: although (as I have said before) works do follow those that are justified by Faith.
Seeing therfore in the three former Chapters, hee hath taught, that all men are sinners: & also sheweth that only faith in Christ, is the way vnto righteousnesse, and meanes to justification,1 by and by in this fourth Chap. he answereth to certaine objections and cauils. As for the most part, when Christ or faith is taught (that is, that our works are nothing, that wee are onely justified by faith) streight wayes certaine Iusticiaries object: If faith alone doth justifie, then we must cease altogether to doe good workes, then good works are ⟨image 23⟩to be omitted and left vndone. The Apostle answereth, proposing the example of Abraham: What shall wee say then, that Abraham our Father hath hath found concerning the flesh? Did hee merite nothing at all by his workes? He concludeth, that Abraham was justified onely by faith without any workes, insomuch that the Scripture saith, that Abraham (before he was circumcised) beleeved GOD, and it was counted and reputed vnto him for righteousnesse. Gen. 15.6. If therefore the worke of circumcision which GOD commaunded (which was a precious worke of obedience) profited Abraham nothing to justification, then it is most sure & certaine, that there is none other worke ⟨image 23⟩which is available to justification.2 But as circumcision being an outward signe, was vnto Abraham a seale of his righteousnes by faith: so good works are onely an externall signe, which doth not justifie, but which doth signifie vnto men, that a man is inwardly justified before God, and they doe testifie and approue as certaine signes and fruits, that liuelie faith, which worketh in the heart. By this, as by the most graue, weighty, and authentik example, the Apostle doth cō firme, & build out of the Scriptures his doctrine of faith delivered out, and taught in the third Chapter. Furthermore, the Apostle allegeth the testimonie of David in the 32. Psal. to proue this matter. Also in ⟨image 24⟩most plaine words hee affirmeth that a man is justified by the imputation of righteousnesse, without works: althogh (as I haue said before) workes doe follow those that are justified by Faith.
- 1Chap. 4.
- 2An apt similitude.
