A17643:102
Commentary upon the Epistle to the Romans
A commentary upon the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romans, written in Latin by M. John Calvin, and newly translated into English by Christopher Rosdell preacher. Whereunto is added a necessary table for the better and more ready finding out of certain principal matters contained in this workA commentarie vpon the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romanes, written in Latine by M. Iohn Caluin, and newely translated into Englishe by Christopher Rosdell preacher. Whereunto is added a necessarie table for the better and more readie finding out of certayne principall matters conteyned in this worke
London: printed by Thomas Dawson for John Harison and George Bishop, 1583London: printed by Thomas Dawson for Iohn Harison and George Bishop, 1583
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
17 For the righteousness of God. This is an exposition & confirmation of the former sentence, namely,1 that the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation, For if we seek for salvation ⟨image 24⟩that is to say, life with God, first we must seek for righteousness,2 whereby we being reconciled unto GOD, through his mercy may obtain life, which consisteth only in his benevolence. For seeing God hateth unrighteousness, we must needs be righteous before we can be loved of him. Therefore he signifieth that we can not obtain salvation otherwhere then in the Gospel: because GOD doeth not else where manifest unto us his righteousness, which only delivereth us from destruction. And this righteousness which is the groundwork of our salvation is revealed in the Gospel: whereupon the Gospel is called the power of God unto salvation: So he reasoneth from the cause unto the effect. Moreover, note how rare and precious a treasure the Lord doeth bestow upon us in the Gospel, namely, the communication of his righteousness.3 By the righteousness of God I understand that righteousness which is approved before the tribunal seat of God: as on the contrary he is wont to call that the righteousness of men, which in the opinion of men is reckoned and counted for righteousness, although indeed it be but a smoke. And yet I doubt not but Paul alludeth unto many Prophesies, where the spirit of God often celebrateth the righteousness of God in the kingdom of Christ to come. Others expound it for righteousness which is given unto us of God. And surely I confess the words will bear this sense: because God doeth justify us by the Gospel: therefore he saveth. Yet that former interpretation seemeth unto me to be more agreeing: Although I do not greatly stand upon that matter. That is more weighty, where some think this righteousness doth not only consist in the free remission of sins: but partly also in the grace of regeneration. But I do understand it, that we are therefore restored into life, because God hath freely reconciled us unto himself: as we shall show more at large afterward in his place. And whereas he said before to every one that believeth, now he saith from faith: for righteousness is offered by the Gospel, & is received by faith.