A commentary of M. I. Calvin upon the Epistle to the GalatiansA commentarie of M. I. Caluine vpon the Epistle to the Galathians

18 If the inheritance be by the law.) Lest the adversaries should cavil, saying that that which they taught, did not belong to the dissolving or abrogating the covenant of God: he preventeth all their shifts affirming these two to be contrary, namely, that salvation cometh unto us by the Law, and by the promise▪ who dare expound this of only ceremonies, seeing that Paul doth comprehend generally all whatsoever is against the free promise? It is not than to be doubted, but that he excludeth all kind of works. and so he saith Ro. 4.14. If the inheritance be by the Law, faith is done away, and the promise of none effect. Why so? because salvation should hang upon this condition, If thou satisfy the Law. and therefore he doth by and by conclude, that (salvation) is of faith, that the promise may be certain. Let us therefore diligently remember why in the comparing of the promise and the law, the putting of the one overthroweth the other: namely because the promise hath respect unto faith, and the Law hath respect unto works. Faith receiveth that which is freely given: but unto works reward is given. and that is it which by and by he joineth, GOD gave unto Abraham not requiring the like recompense as it were, but promising freely. for if you understand it to be conditionally, this word Gave will never agree with it.

18 If the inheritaunce be by the law.) Lest the aduersaries shoulde cauill, saying that that which they taught, did not belong to the dissoluing or abrogating the couenaunt of God: he preuenteth all their shifts affirming these two to be contrarye, namely, that saluation commeth vnto vs by the Lawe, and by the promise▪ who dare expounde this of only ceremonyes, seing that Paule doth comprehende generallye all whatsoeuer is agaynste the free promise? It is not than to be doubted, but that he excludeth all kynde of workes. and so he sayth Ro. 4.14. If the inheritaunce be by the Law, faith is done away, and the promise of none effect. Why so? because saluation should hang vpon this condition, If thou satisfie the Law. and therefore hee doth by and by conclude, that (saluation) is of faith, that the promise may be certayne. Let vs therefore dilligently remember why in the comparing of the promise and the lawe, the putting of the one ouerthroweth the other: namely because the promise hath respect vnto faith, and the Lawe hath respecte vnto workes. Faith receaueth that whiche is freelye giuen: but vnto workes rewarde is giuen. and that is it whiche by and by hee ioyneth, GOD gaue vnto Abraham not requiring the like recompence as it were, but promising freelye. for if you vnderstande it to be conditionally, this worde Gaue will neuer agree with it.