Article 23. That our justification consists in the forgiveness of sin, and the imputation of Christ’s righteousness

Article 23. That our justification consists in the forgiveness of sin, and the imputation of Christ’s righteousness

We believe that our salvation consists in the remission of our sins for Jesus Christ’s sake, and that therein our righteousness before God is implied: as David and Paul teach us, declaring this to be the happiness of man, that God imputes righteousness to him without works. And the same apostle saith, that we are justified freely, by his grace, through the redemption which is in Jesus Christ. And therefore we always hold fast this foundation, ascribing all the glory to God, humbling ourselves before him, and acknowledging ourselves to be such as we really are, without presuming to trust in any thing in ourselves, or in any merit of ours, relying and resting upon the obedience of Christ crucified alone, which becomes ours, when we believe in him: this is sufficient to cover all our iniquities, and to give us confidence, in approaching to God; freeing the conscience of fear, terror, and dread, without following the example of our first father, Adam, who, trembling, attempted to cover himself with fig-leaves.—And verily, if we should appear before God relying on ourselves, or on any other creature, though ever so little, we should, alas! be consumed. And therefore every one must pray with David; O Lord, enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.