The Institution of Christian Religion

But to him that worketh not, but believeth in him that justifieth the unrighteous, his faith is imputed unto righteousness. Could he speak more evidently than in so saying? that there is no righteousness of faith but where there are no works to which any reward is due: and that only then faith is imputed unto righteousness, when righteousness is given by grace that is not due.

But to him that worketh not, but beleueth in him that iusti•ieth the vnrighteous, his fayth is imputed vnto righteousnesse. Could he speake more euidently than in so sayeng? that there is no righteousnesse of faith but where there are no workes to whiche any reward is due: and that only then fayth is imputed vnto righteousnesse, when righteousnesse is geuen by grace that is not due.

Now let us examine how true that is, which is said in the definition, that the righteousness of faith is the reconciliation with God, which consisteth upon the only forgiveness of sins. We must alway return to this principle, that the wrath of God resteth upon all men, so long as they continue to be sinners. That hath Isaiah excellently well set out in these words:¹ The hand of the Lord is not shortened, that he is not able to save: nor his ear dulled that he can not hear: but your iniquities have made disagreement between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you that he heareth you not. We hear that sin is the division between man and God, and the turning away of Gods face from the sinner. Neither can it otherwise be. For it is disagreeing from his righteousness to have any fellowship with sin.² Wherefore the Apostle teacheth that man is enemy to God till he be restored into favour by Christ. Whom therefore the Lord receiveth into joining with him, him he is said to justify: because he can neither receive him into favour nor join him with himself, but he must of a sinner make him righteous. And we further say, that this is done by the forgiveness of sins. For if they whom the Lord hath reconciled to himself be judged by their works, they shall be found still sinners in deed, who yet must be free & clean from sin. It is certain therefore that they whom God embraceth, are no otherwise made righteous, but because they are cleansed by having the spots of there sins wiped away by forgiveness, tha such a righteousness may in one word be called the forgiveness of sins.