Questions of religion cast abroad in Helvetia by the adversaries of the sameQuestions of religion cast abroad in Helvetia by the aduersaries of the same

The Answer.

The Answere.

The grace of God and¹ merits of Christ cannot be coupled with our works. For Paul saith plainly: If we be justified by grace, then not by works: for else grace were no grace: ⟨p. 55⟩But if we be justified by works, then is it not by grace, for else works are no works. Rom. 11. The like doth the Apostle teach. Rom 4. And in the second Chapter to the Galatians, he saith: I make not the grace of God of none effect: for if righteousness come by the law, then died Christ in vain. For if we were able to deserve eternal life, what need had Christ to suffer? ²But here is objected unto us, that the merits of man be made effectual through the merits of Christ: but this they find not in the holy scripture, for they teach that righteousness and salvation is bestowed upon us for Christs sake, and not for our works: and how then might they teach, that our works are made meritorious through the merits of Christ? But these men cannot abide that all things which we receive, should be referred to the free mercies of God, but they would have some part with it. And therefore herein they diligently labour, that although they are constrained to grant the glory to Christ, that yet nevertheless in ⟨image 66⟩the wrapping up, they might pluck somewhat to themselves. And to this³