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

6 Eor in Christ Jesus.) It is a reason showing wherefore they might now obtain righteousness in the Spirit: because Circumcision with the appurtenances thereof was abolished in Christ, that is to say in the kingdom of Christ, or in the church of Christ. for by a Synecdoche, ¹in the word Circumcision he setteth down the ceremonies, And so he putteth in mind, that there is no room left for them any more, and yet he granteth that they were not always unprofitable. for he teacheth that they were not abrogated, till after that Christ was revealed. And so withal is solved that question, why he speaketh hear so ⟨p. 119⟩contemptuously of Circumcision, as though it never had any thing availed. for mention is not made here of Circumcision, as in that it was once a Sacrament. it is not demanded of what force it was at that time in which it was not as yet grown out of use: but he affirmeth that under Christs kingdom, it was made all one with uncircumcision. namely for that the coming of Christ brought an end to all the ceremonies of the Law. But faith working by love. He setteth against Ceremonies another exercise, namely of love. Lest that the Jews should flatter themselves too much, as though they excelled in any notable thing. for about the end of the Epistle in stead of this piece he will use this, A new creature. It is as much than as if he had said, That God will not have us at these days to be occupied in ceremonies: but it is sufficient if we exercise our selves in charity. In the mean while he doeth not shut out our Sacraments, which are helps to faith. but briefly he confirmeth that which he hath touched, concerning the spiritual service of God. This place hath no difficulty, were it not that the Papists did slanderously wrest it to build up their righteousness of works. for when they are minded to refel that saying of ours, Faith only justifieth, than take they up this weapon, Objection. If that faith justifieth which worketh by charity, than, say they, it doth not justify alone. I answer, Answer. they understand not what they prate: much less what we teach. for we do not teach that the faith which justifieth is alone: but we affirm that it is always joined with good works. only we contend that it alone availeth unto justification.

6 Eor in Christ Iesus.) It is a reason shewing wherfore they might nowe obtaine righteousnes in the Spirite: because Circumcision with the appurtinaunces thereof was abolished in Christe, that is to say in the kingdom of Christe, or in the church of Christe. for by a Synecdoche,