Galatians 2:17

For the better vnderstanding of the latter part of this chapter, it must be obserued, that Paul directs his speach not onely to Peter, but also to the Iewes that stood by, beeing maintainers of iustification by the law.

Some thinke, that in this verse Paul makes an obiection in the person of the false Apostles, on this manner. If we be iustified by Christ alone, without the obseruation of the law, then there is no difference betweene vs Iewes and the Gentiles; but we are as deepe sinners as they: and if this be so, then Christ is the minister of sinne. And then they say, to this Paul answers, God forbid. But I somewhat doubt, whether this be the sense of the words, because Paul doth not make a direct confutation of this obiection in the words following.

Therefore I rather suppose, that Paul continues his former speach, euen to the ende of the chapter: and that in these words he vseth a third reason, to disswade Peter from haulting, betweene the Iewes and Gentiles. And the reason will the better appeare, if we search the meaning of the words. If, while we be iustified by Christ, that is, by faith in Christ, without the workes of the law. We are found sinners, that is, found in our sinnes, not fully iustified, but are further to be iustified by the workes of the law. Is Christ the Minister of sinne? that is, doth it not hence follow, that Christ ministred vnto vs occasion of sinne, in that he hath caused vs to renounce the iustice of the law? God forbid, that is, ye doe all hold it with me as a blasphemie, that Christ should be the minister of sinne.

The argument then is framed thus. If beeing iustified by Christ, we remaine sinners, and are further to be iustified by the law, then Christ is the minister of sinne: but Christ is no minister of sinne: therefore they which are iustified, neede not further to be iustified by the law.

The vse. First, we learne hence, that it is a blasphemie to make Christ the minister of sinne, who is the minister of righteousnes, yea iustice it selfe. Isa. 53. 11. Dan. 9. 25. He brings euerlasting righteousnes. Ioh. 1. He is the lambe of God that takes away the sinnes of the world. Of this all the Prophets giue testimonie. Act. 10. 43. Therefore Atheists are no better then deuills, that recken him among the false Prophets of the world. And many of them that professe Christ are greatly to be blamed, that make Christ the greatest sinner in the world: because Christ died for them: therefore they presume of mercie, and take libertie to liue as they list.

Againe, Paul here teacheth, that they which are iustified by Christ, are perfectly to be iustified; and neede not further to be iustified by any thing out of Christ; as by the workes of the law. It may be obiected, that they which are iustified feele themselues to be sinners. Rom. 7. 14. Ans. The corruption of original sinne, is in them that are iustified: yet is it not imputed to them by God, and withall, it hath receiued his deadly wound by the death of Christ. Therefore they which are iustified, are not reputed sinners before God. Againe, it may be obiected, that they which are iustified, must confesse themselues to be sinners to the very death. Ans. Confession of sinne is not a cause, but a way for the obtaining of pardon. Prou. 28. 14. 1. Ioh. 1. 9. The vncouering of our sinnes is the way to couer them, before God. The sinnes therefore of men iustified, vpon their humble and serious confession, are not sinnes imputed, but couered.

Vpon this doctrine it followes, that there is not a second iustification, by workes, as the Papists teach. For he that is iustified by Christ, is fully iustified, and neede not further be iustified by any thing out of Christ, as by the law. Againe, the same persons teach, that our sinnes are done away by the death of Christ, and we iustified in our baptisme: and that if we fall, and sinne after baptisme, we must doe workes of penance that we may satisfie Gods iustice, and be further iustified by our works and sufferings. But then, by their leaues, after we are iustified by Christ, we are found sinners, and we are further to be iustified, by our owne workes. Now this is the point, which Paul here confuteth.

Againe, by this doctrine we learne, that Christ alone is by himselfe sufficient, for our iustification. In him (saith Paul) are we complete, Col. 2. 14. He is a well of grace and life neuer dried vp. Ioh. 4. 14. Thirdly, we must content our selues with him alone, and with his obedience for our iustification, despising (in respect of him) all merits, and satisfactions done by man.

Lastly, here we see what must be the care of men in this world, namely, to seeke to be iustified by the faith of Christ. It was Pauls principall desire to be found in Christ, hauing not his owne righteousnes, but the righteousnes which is by the faith of Christ. Phil. 3. 10. The like desire should be in vs all.