The Conservative Reformation and Its Theology - Saint Mary ...

as scandalous and destructive of Christian discipline. That the works of a
man who trusts in them are pernicious, is not the fault of the works
themselves, but of his own vain trust, which, contrary to the express Word
of God, he puts in them. Good works in believers are the indications of
eternal salvation. It is God's will and express command that believers
should do good works. These the Holy Spirit works in them. These works
for Christ's sake are pleasing to God, and to them He hath promised a
glorious reward in the life that now is, and in that which is to come. In
these last times it is no less necessary that men should be exhorted to holy
living, should be reminded how necessary it is that they should exercise
themselves in good works to show forth their faith and gratitude toward
God, than it is necessary to beware lest they mingle good works in the
matter of justification. For by an Epicurean persuasion about faith, no less
than by a Papistical and Pharisaic trust in their own works and merits, can
men come under condemnation." 221
v. Of the Law and the Gospel. When the word Gospel is taken in its
general and widest sense, as embracing the entire teaching of Christ and of
His Apostles, it may be rightly said that it is a preaching of repentance and
remission of sins. But when the word Gospel is used in its specific and
proper sense, so that Moses as the teacher of the Law, and Christ the
teacher of the Gospel are contrasted, the Gospel is not a preaching of
penitence, and of reproof of sins, but none other than a most joyful
message, full of consolation, a precious setting forth of the grace and favor
of God obtained through the merits of Christ.
vi. Of the third use of the Law. The Law of God has not only a first
use, to-wit, to preserve external discipline, and a second use, to lead men to
the knowledge of their sins, but has also a third use, to wit, that it be
diligently taught unto regenerate men, to all of whom much of the flesh
still clings, that they may have a sure rule by which their entire life is to be
shaped and governed.
vii. Of the Lord's Supper. This was by pre-eminence the
221 Epitome 588-591. Solid. Declarat: 699-708.