We must learn to discern all laws, yea, even the law of God, and all works, from the promise of the Gospel, and from faith, that we may define Christ rightly. For Christ is no law, and therefore He is no exactor of the law and works, but “He is the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world” (St. John 1:29). This doth faith alone lay hold of, and not charity, which yet, as a certain thankfulness must follow faith. Wherefore victory over sin and death, salvation and everlasting life, came not by the law, nor by the works of the
law, nor yet by the power of free will, but by Jesus Christ only and alone.
Martin Luther, Kregel, Galatians, 2:15-16, p. 74.
