Commentary on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 2.pdf

<strong>Commentary</strong> on Matthew, Mark, Luke - Volume 2
We have no right, therefore, to deny that the keeping of the law is righteousness, by which any
man who kept the law perfectly — if there were such a man — would obtain life for himself. But
as we are all destitute of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23,) nothing but cursing will be found in the
law; and nothing remains for us but to betake ourselves to the undeserved gift of righteousness.
And therefore Paul lays down a twofold righteousness, the righteousness of the law, (Romans 10:5,)
and the righteousness of faith, (Romans 10:6.) He makes the first to consist in works, and the
second, in the free grace of Christ.
Hence we infer, that this reply of Christ is legal, because it was proper that the young man who
inquired about the righteousness of works should first be taught that no man is accounted righteous
before God unless he has fulfilled the law, 620 (which is impossible,) that, convinced of his weakness,
he might betake himself to the assistance of faith. I acknowledge, therefore, that, as God has
promised the reward of eternal life to those who keep his law, we ought to hold by this way, if the
weakness of our flesh did not prevent; but Scripture teaches us, that it is through our own fault that
it becomes necessary for us to receive as a gift what we cannot obtain by works. If it be objected,
that it is in vain to hold out to us the righteousness which is in the law, (Romans 10:5,) which no
man will ever be able to reach, I reply, since it is the first part of instruction, by which we are led
to the righteousness which is obtained by prayer, it is far from being superfluous; and, therefore,
when Paul says, that the doers of the law are justified, (Romans 2:13,) he excludes all from the
righteousness of the law.
This passage sets aside all the inventions which the Papists have contrived in order to obtain
salvation. For not only are they mistaken in wishing to lay God under obligation to them by their
good works, to bestow salvation as a debt; but when they apply themselves to do what is right, they
leave out of view the doctrine of the law, and attend chiefly to their pretended devotions, as they
call them, not that they openly reject the law of God, but that they greatly prefer human traditions.
621 But what does Christ say? That the only worship of which God approves is that which he has
prescribed; because obedience is better to him than all sacrifices, 622 (1 Samuel 15:22.) So then,
while the Papists are employed in frivolous traditions, let every man who endeavors to regulate his
life by obedience to Christ direct his whole attention to keep the commandments of the law.
18. Thou shalt not murder It is surprising that, though Christ intended to show that we are bound
to obey the whole law, he should mention the second table only; but he did so, because from the
duties of charity the disposition of every man is better ascertained. Piety towards God holds, no
620 “Sinon qu'il ait accompli toute la loy de poinct en poinct;” — “unless he has fulfilled all the law in every point."
621 “D’autant qu’ils font bien plus grand cas de leurs traditions humaines, que des commandemens de Dieu;” — “because they
set far higher value on their human traditions than on the commandments of God.”
622 “Pource qu’il estime plus obeissance que tous les sacrifices du monde;” — “because he esteems obedience more than all
the sacrifices in the world.”
278
John Calvin