So it is with the works of a believer. Being by his faith replaced
afresh in paradise and created anew, he does not need works for his
justification, but that he may not be idle, but may exercise his own
body and preserve it. His works are to be done freely, with the sole
object of pleasing God. Only we are not yet fully created anew in
perfect faith and love; these require to be increased, not, however,
through works, but through themselves.
A bishop, when he consecrates a church, confirms children, or performs
any other duty of his office, is not consecrated as bishop by these
works; nay, unless he had been previously consecrated as bishop, not one
of those works would have any validity; they would be foolish, childish,
and ridiculous. Thus a Christian, being consecrated by his faith, does
good works; but he is not by these works made a more sacred person, or
more a Christian. That is the effect of faith alone; nay, unless he were
previously a believer and a Christian, none of his works would have any
value at all; they would really be impious and damnable sins.
True, then, are these two sayings: "Good works do not make a good man,
but a good man does good works"; "Bad works do not make a bad man, but a
bad man does bad works." Thus it is always necessary that the substance
or person should be good before any good works can be done, and that
good works should follow and proceed from a good person.
Pages:
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52