525
What is taught regarding justification by faith and justification by works?
Paul: “A man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, ... for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified” ([Galatians ii, 16]). “If righteousness come by the law then Christ is dead in vain” ([21]). “To him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” ([Romans iv, 5]). “Therefore, we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law” ([iii, 28]).
James: “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” ([ii, 20]). “Ye see, then, how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” ([24]).
The church accepts the teachings of Paul and condemns or ignores the teachings of James. Martin Luther, in his “Table Talk,” thus defines the position of the Protestant church: “He that says the gospel requires works for salvation, I say flat and plain he is a liar.” “Every doer of the law and every moral worker is accursed, for he walketh in the presumption of his own righteousness.” “If men only believe enough in Christ they can commit adultery and murder a thousand times a day without periling their salvation.” Luther rejected and denounced the book of James because it teaches the efficacy of good works.
The English “Confession of Faith” affirms the following: “That we are justified by Faith only, is a most wholesome doctrine, and very full of comfort” (Art. XI). “Works done before the grace of Christ, and the inspiration of the Spirit, are not pleasant to God, forasmuch as they spring not of faith in Jesus Christ.... Yea rather, for that they are not done as God hath willed and commanded them to be done, we doubt not but they have the nature of sin” (Art. XIII).
“Morality! thou deadly bane,
Thy tens o’ thousands thou hast slain!
Vain is his hope, whose stay and trust is
In moral mercy, truth and justice!