Chapter IX: CONCERNING FAITH AND WORKS

CONCERNING FAITH AND WORKS

We confess that there is forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus Christ the crucified. Although this faith is continually exercised, signalized, and thus confirmed by works of love, yet do we not ascribe to works, which are the fruit of faith, the righteousness and satisfaction for our sins. On the contrary, we ascribe it solely to a genuine trust and faith in the shed blood of the Lamb of God. For we freely confess that all things are granted to us in Christ, Who is our righteousness, holiness, redemption, the way, the truth, the wisdom and the life. Therefore the works of believers are not for the satisfaction of their sins, but solely for the purpose of showing in some degree our gratitude to the Lord God for the great kindness He has shown us in Christ.

Scripture: Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; Luke 7:48; Luke 7:50; John 3:15; John 3:36; John 5:24; John 6:28; John 6:35; John 6:40; John 6:47; Romans 3:21; Romans 4; Romans 10:4; Galatians 2:16; Romans 3:27; Ephesians 2:8; Ephesians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Romans 8:32; Ephesians 2:9; John 14:6