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

but that they must rest wholly upon Gods word, so as it may be both in their heart and in their mouth. For he that believeth with his heart that our Lord Jesus Christ dyed,¹ and confesseth with his mouth that he is risen again, shall by that means obtain righteousness before God. We see then that Saint Paul uttereth himself the more at large, to the intent that we should understand, that his separating of the righteousness of the Law from the righteousness of faith, is too show that they be unmatchable, and can no more be joined together than fire and water. True it is that there is no contrariety betwixt the Law and the Gospel, as I have said afore: for we know that both twain of them do come of God. But here it behoveth us too take Gods meaning in such wise as he declareth it to us: which is, that by setting the righteousness of the Law before us, he intendeth to humble us and to make us condemn our selves when we come before him, which thing we would never do, if he should not bewray our wretchedness. Therefore when he saith that we shall be justified by keeping of the Law: it is all one as if he should say, wretched wights, what worthiness or valour ween you to be in your selves? Weigh my commandments, and consider what they import, and therewithal bethink your selves how every of you hath lived: and ye shall be as good as drowned in despair. When God hath said so, he addeth the remedy: Come (saith he) to the doctrine of the Gospel. And what a manner a one is that? Saint Paul allegeth here the saying of Habakkuk,² how that the righteous shall live by faith. And in the same place which I have alleged he openeth himself, how that it behoveth to resort wholly to our Lord Jesus Christ. For the word that ought too be in our mouth, and in our heart, to bring us unto God, and too open us the kingdom of heaven, is not a word that serveth to hold us down here beneath, nor too make men believe that God will allow of our own deserts, nor too puff us up with pride: no, but too hold us fast to our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore when we know that our sins are wiped out by the death and passion of our Lord Jesus Christ:

but that they must rest wholly vppon Gods woorde, so as it may be both in their heart and in their mouth. For hee that beleeueth with his heart that our Lord Iesus Christ dyed,¹