Q. 60. How art thou righteous before God?

Question. How art thou righteous before God?

Answer. Only by a true faith in Jesus Christ (Rom. 3;28): so that though my conscience accuse me that I have grossly transgressed all the commands of God, and kept none of them, and am still inclined to all evil (Rom. 7;14): notwithstanding God, without any merit mine, but only of mere grace, grants and imputes to me the perfect satisfaction, righteousness and holiness of Christ (Rom. 3;24): even so, as if I never had had, nor committed any sin; yea, as if I had fully accomplished all that obedience which Christ hath accomplished for me (2 Cor. 5;21); inasmuch as I embrace such benefit with a believing heart (Rom. 10;10).

Proofs.

• [proof-1] Rom. 3;28.—Therefore we conclude, that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.— Gal. 2;16.—Phil. 3;9.—Eph. 2;8, 9.—Phil. 3;9.
• [proof-2] Rom. 7;14.—For the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.— Rom. 7;21-23.—Rom. 3;23.
• [proof-3] Rom. 3;24.—Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.— Rom. 4;6-8.—Rom. 3;25.—Rom. 5;18, 19.—Titus 3;5.—Eph. 2;5.
• [proof-4] 2 Cor. 5;21.—For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin: that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.— Isa. 1;18.—Micah 7;19.—2 Cor. 5;19.
• [proof-5] Rom. 10;10.—For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness.— Rom. 4;24.—John 3;16.