Sermons of M. John Calvin upon the Epistle of Saint Paul to the GalatiansSermons of M. Iohn Caluine vpon the Epistle of Saincte Paule to the Galathians

Even those that were called the ancient doctors, have perverted the kindly sense of the holy scripture, and were as utterly bewitched by Satan, and yet the wretched world hath bin so blind, that it could not perceive it. These kind of men have expounded this saying, that we be not justified by the deeds of the law, to import that we be not justified by the deeds of the law, to import that we be not justified by circumcision, or by abstaining from any certain kinds of meats, or by keeping such a holiday or such a feast, whereas notwithstanding S. Paul treateth of none of all those things. He matcheth Gods grace against all our works, and finally showeth that we cannot bring aught unto God, but that we must be fain to be admitted freely of him. That is S. Pauls drift. And if we should not set the same mark before our eyes, surely all the doctrine that is contained in this Epistle, would be but fond matter. Furthermore let us mark,¹ that S. Paul doth oftentimes say simply and without addition, that we be justified without works: like as in the third Chapter too the Romans, he saith we have a clear and sure proof of our righteousness, namely that we be righteous before God through the remission of our sins, and not by our works. He saith not there, by the works of the law▪ ⟨image 103⟩but he setteth it down single [without addition,] to the end that all mouths should be stopped, and all starting holes be taken away▪ Yet is it not without cause that he speaketh of the works of the law, to bring to nothing all the services that men can allege too bind God withal, as though they were able to become righteous of themselves. For as we shall see hereafter, although we were as perfect as Angels, yet could not that bind God at all, if it were not for that he of his own good will hath made this promise in his law,² he that doth these things shall live in them. Then if we go about to get favour at Gods hand for our own works sakes, we must not dispute philosopher-like, that God oweth us any wages or recompense for the seruis that we have done him: for we be his, and we cannot bind him by aught that we can do. How then may our works be recompensed as though they were available before God? Even because he hath promised so to do. It is the covenant which he hath made with us in saying, he that doth these things shall live in them.