Catechesis

Last, readers are to be reminded of this: the adversaries give the worst advice to godly consciences when they teach that forgiveness of sins is earned by works. Conscience, in seeking forgiveness through works, cannot be confident that the work will satisfy God. It is always tormented, and continually invents other works and other acts of worship, until it completely despairs. This course is described by Paul in Romans 4:5. There he proves that the promise of righteousness is not obtained by our works. We could never affirm that we had a reconciled God, for the Law always accuses. So the promise would be in vain and uncertain. He concludes that this promise of the forgiveness of sins and righteousness is received through faith, not because of works. This is Paul’s true, simple, and genuine meaning.—Ap V:164 (IV:285)