Our works cannot justify us

Day 24 • Question 62

62 But why can our good works not be our righteousness before God, or at least a part of it?

Because the righteousness which can stand before God's judgment must be absolutely perfect and in complete agreement with the law of God. 1 Whereas even our best works in this life are all imperfect and defiled with sin. 2

Footnote 1

Deuteronomy 27:26

"'Cursed be anyone who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them.' And all the people shall say, 'Amen.'

Galatians 3:10

For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them."

Footnote 2

Isaiah 64:6

We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

53–65

Day 24 • Question 62

Footnote 1

Footnote 2

53–65