He, therefore, who expects to merit grace by
his works, casts contempt on the merits and grace of Christ, and is
seeking the way to God, in his own strength, without the Saviour; who
nevertheless has told us, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." This
doctrine concerning faith, is incessantly inculcated by the Apostle Paul
(Ephes. ii), "Ye are saved by grace, through faith, and that not of
yourselves; it is the gift of God," not of works, &c. And, lest any one
should cavil at our interpretation, and charge it with novelty, we state
that this whole matter is supported by the testimony of the fathers. For
Augustine devotes many volumes to the defence of grace, and the
righteousness of faith, in opposition to the merit of good works. And
Ambrosius, on the calling of he Gentiles, &c., inculcates the same
doctrine. For thus he says, concerning the calling of the Gentiles:
"Redemption by the blood of Christ is of little value, nor is the honor
of human works subordinated to the mercy of God, if justification, which
is of grace, is supposed to be merited by previous works, so as to be
not the gift of him that bestows it, but the reward of him that earned
it." But, although this doctrine is despised by the inexperienced, the
consciences of the pious and timid find it a source of much consolation,
for they cannot attain peace of conscience in any works, but in faith
alone, when they entertain the confident belief that, for Christ's sake,
God is reconciled to them.
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