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

IF we were such as we would be taken to be, that is to wit, if we were Christians: we should be well acquainted with this manner of speech of being justified by faith. But there are very few to be found even among those that boast themselves too have profited in the Gospel, which know what is meant by the righteousness whereof the Scripture speaketh so much. Howsoever the case stand, either we must have skill of that article, or else we can never have any assurance of our salvation, nor resort unto God at our need to call freely upon him. And that is the cause why S. Paul standeth so much upon that matter. The last Sunday we saw how Abraham was counted righteous because he had believed God: and I told you that thereby is showed us, that no man can bring any worthiness of his own, wherewith to win Gods favour, but that we must be fain to receive it [of his free gift.] For the word believing, hath a respect too the promise, insomuch that Gods free offering of himself unto Abraham, was the cause that Abraham was counted righteous, because he accepted the favour that was offered him of free gift, being well assured that of himself he had nothing but all iniquity and cursedness. And thereupon Saint Paul concludeth, that such as are of faith are the children of Abraham. It is certain that Abraham is the father of all the faithful, and of all Gods children: and therefore it followeth, that either we must be fashioned after his example, or else the gate of life and salvation is shut against us, and we be quite and clean banished out of Gods kingdom. Here Saint Paul showeth us the way: For we come not of Abraham as concerning the flesh, neither belong we aught at all unto him: and yet notwithstanding it behoveth us too be of his race: the only way whereof, is to be partners of the promise that was given unto him, and to receive it as he did, (here ye see what it is too be of faith) so that when we once know and find by proof that we cannot deserve any favour at Gods hand, nor be allowed for our own works & merits, we repose our whole trust in his goodness, & apply this promise to our selves, which is that he