While this doctrine remaineth pure and uncorrupt, Christians are made judges over all kinds of doctrine. They can pronounce sentence against the Pope, that he is condemned with all his kingdom, because he so walketh, and so teacheth that by the merit of congruence we must come to grace, and that afterward by the merit of worthiness we are received into heaven. This, saith the Christian, is not the right way to justify us, neither doth this way lead to heaven. Not by work going before grace, shall I deserve grace, not by my work following grace shall I deserve eternal life; but to him that believeth, sin is pardoned, and righteousness imputeth. This truth, and this confidence, maketh him the child of God, and heir of His Kingdom; for in hope he possesseth already everlasting life, assured unto him by promise. Through faith in Christ therefore all things are given unto us, grace, peace, forgiveness of sins, salvation, and everlasting life, and not for the merit of
congruence and worthiness.
Martin Luther, Kregel, Galatians 2:15-16, p. 72f.
