So, we are finally nearing the end of Melachthons response to the Confutation regarding Repentance. The argument is simple - perhaps too much so for the sophisticated, yet that doesnt mean it is wrong in substance. Coming from the Scholastics is the argument that faith is formed by our love for God, hence love (and good works done in love) must come before trusting Gods good will (they would argue: how can you know God is gracious toward you if you arent doing what He says?). Our (Evangelical) response: neither our love nor our works can make up for our sin, nor should our works ever be compared to what Christ has done for us. Hence, we must trust Him first (we have no other option, really) - and then love and works will come of their own..... To may, this seems like a war of words, but it really shapes the whole Christian life - are you constantly trying to live up to the Law (good luck with that)? Or are you living from the grace that sets you free (in which case, why wouldnt you want to do what you are given in love to do)? Rejoice, you are loved..... Here, read on..... For let us imagine that love is present, let us imagine that works are present, yet neither love nor works can be a propitiation for sin [or be of as much value as Christ]. And they cannot even be opposed to the wrath and judgment of God, according to Ps. 143:2: Enter not into judgment with Thy servant; for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified. Neither ought the honor of Christ to be transferred to our works. For these reasons Paul contends that we are not justified by the Law, and he opposes to the Law the promise of the remission of sins, which is granted for Christs sake, and teaches that we freely receive the remission of sins for Christs sake. Paul calls us away from the Law to this promise. Upon this promise he bids us look [and regard the Lord Christ our treasure], which certainly will be void if we are justified by the Law before we are justified through the promise, or if we obtain the remission of sins on account of our own righteousness. But it is evident that the promise was given us and Christ was tendered to us for the very reason that we cannot do the works of the Law. Therefore it is necessary that we are reconciled by the promise before we do the works of the Law. The promise, however, is received only by faith. Therefore it is necessary for contrite persons to apprehend by faith the promise of the remission of sins granted for Christs sake, and to be confident that freely for Christs sake they have a reconciled Father. This is the meaning of Paul, Rom. 4:16, where he says: Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace, to the end the promise might be sure. And Gal. 3:22: The Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given them that believe, i.e., all are under sin, neither can they be freed otherwise than by apprehending by faith the promise of the remission of sins. Therefore we must by faith accept the remission of sins before we do the works of the Law; although, as has been said above, love follows faith, because the regenerate receive the Holy Ghost, and accordingly begin [to become friendly to the Law and] to do the works of the Law. [Apology XII (V).78-82]
Posted on: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 19:54:28 +0000