Of free justification

Upon what account, and how Faith justifies Fallen Sinners.

NOW because I have demonstrated, what the power of Faith is, and what it performeth, I must of necessity explain upon what account, and for what cause Faith procureth unto it self so great efficacy ¹and power of Justifying; how it is said to Justify alone without Works, and what Men the same Justifies, whether the righteous or the wicked? If the righteous, what need is there now of Justification or Faith, ⟨p. 38⟩when the Law is sufficient? If the wicked, whether those that are penitent and converted, or the impenitent and rebellious? If the Faith of Christ justifies the penitent, frees them from guilt, and makes them righteous of unrighteous, which neither you your self can deny: Why then do you inveigh against Luther so unmodestly and undeservedly? Does Luther either say or teach any ²other thing? Where does he at any time let loose the Reins to sin, or promise liberty to the wicked, or preach Justification otherways, than to those, who being reformed by Repentance, breathe after Christ, and join themselves to him by Faith? What? Will you shut out those from all hope of pardon? I trow not: And what remedy then will you show them? Will you send us to the Faith of Christ, or to the Sentence of the Law to heal our wounds? What if the Law gives no help here, and there is not any other thing in man, that can help righteousness once violated, ³except Faith only placed in Christ, which neither you your self can deny: And if this very Faith brings Salvation to none, but those that deplore the sins they have committed, which together with you Luther affirms, to what purpose are those out-cries against Luther so Tragical, and raised without any cause? Wherefore then dost thou deceive us, O Luther? For when thou didst condemn pious tears, and didst cast reproaches upon wise sorrowfulness, and didst plead that all works were