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

23 Against such.) Some understand simply, that the Law was not set out against good works: because that of ill manners did spring good laws. but Paul speaketh this in a higher and more deep sense namely that where the Spirit ruleth, the Law beareth no longer the sway, for the Lord by framing our hearts unto his righteousness, delivereth us from the rigour of the Law, so that he will not deal with us according to the covenant thereof, nor hold our consciences under guiltiness. The law in the mean while ceaseth not to do his office, by teaching and exhorting: but the Spirit of adoption delivereth us from subjection, and so he scorneth the false Apostles, who by urging and enforcing the subjection of the Law, did not more bend themselves to unloose the yoke thereof: which Paul teacheth to be done, where the Spirit of GOD beareth sway: whereof it followeth, that they had no regard of spiritual righteousness.

23 Against such.) Some vnderstande simply, that the Lawe was not set out against good workes: because that of ill manners did spring good lawes. but Paule speaketh this in a higher and more deepe sence namely that where the Spirite ruleth, the Law beareth no longer the swaye, for the Lord by framing our hartes vnto his righteousnesse, deliuereth vs from the rigor of the Law, so that he will not deale with vs according to the couenaunt thereof, nor holde our consciences vnder guiltinesse. The law in the meane while ceaseth not to doe his office, by teaching and exhorting: but the Spirite of adoption deliuereth vs from subiection, and so he scorneth the false Apostles, who by vrging and enforcing the subiection of the Law, didde not more bende themselues to vnloose the yoke thereof: which Paule teacheth to be done, where the Spirite of GOD beareth swaye: whereof it followeth, that they had no regard of spirituall righteousnesse.

24. They that are Christs. He addeth this, that he may show that liberty belongeth unto all Christians, because they have renounced the flesh. And, he warneth the Galatians what true Christianity is as touching their life: that they should not profess falsely themselves to be Christians, (when they were not Christians in life). He hath used the word Crucified, that he might note (unto them), that the mortification of the flesh is the effect of the cross on Christ. neither is this the proper or own work of man, but we are grafted by the grace of God, into the fellowship of the death of Christ, that we should not any more live to our selves. Rom, 6.5. Than therefore shall we enjoy the privilege of the sons of GOD, if we be buried together with Christ by the true denying of our