Catechesis: Righteousness of Faith

Out of pure grace for the sake of the only Mediator, Christ, without any works and merit, people are righteous before God in the way stated above (i.e., they are received into grace). The Holy Spirit is also given to them. He renews and sanctifies and works in them love for God for their neighbor. But the beginning of renewal is imperfect in this life. Still dwells in the flesh, even in the regenerate. Therefore, the righteousness of faith before God comes from the free crediting of Christ’s righteousness, without the addition of our works. So our sins are forgiven us and covered and not charged against us.—FC SD III:23