Eph. 2;8, 9.—For by grace are ye saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works lest any man should boast.—Phil. 3;9.—Isa. 61;10.
Rom. 10;4.—For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.—Rom. 3;24, 25.—1 Cor. 1;30.—Rom. 5;18, 19.
Rom. 3;22.—Even the righteousness of God, which is by faith in Jesus Christ, unto all and upon all them that believe.—Heb. 11;7.—Rom. 4;3.—1 John 5;10.
24. LORD’S DAY.
62. But why cannot our good works be the whole or part of our righteousness before God?
Because that the righteousness which can be approved before the tribunal of God, must be absolutely perfect, and in all respects conformable to the divine law (Gal. 3;10); and also, that our best works in this life are all imperfect and defiled with sin (Isa. 64;6).
Gal. 3;10.—Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.—Deut. 6;5.—James 2;10.
Isa. 64;6.—But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.—Phil. 3;12, 13.—James 3;2.
63. What! do not our good works merit, which yet God will reward in this and a future life?
This reward is not of merit (Luke 17;10): but of grace (Eph. 1;6).
Luke 17;10.—When ye shall have done all these things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.—Rom. 11;35, 36.—Rom. 11;6.
