e  There  are  many  expressions  both  in  the  Old  and  New  Testament
which  seem  to  assert  salvation  by  works  :  but  they  are  only  declara
tive  of  the  character  of  those  that  shall  be  finally  saved,  or  of  God's
gracious  determination  to  reward  those  works  which  flow  from  faith.
If  they  were  interpreted  in  any  other  way,  they  would  invalidate  the
whole  Gospel.
f  Rom.  iv.  16.      g  Jam.  ii.  19.      h  2  Tim.  iii.  16.   See  the  Greek.
1  The  Apostle  does  not  deny  that  circumcision  is  of  any  avail
merely  because  it  is  a  ceremonial  work,  but  because  it  is  a  work  ;
and  because  dependence  on  it  would  rob  Christ  of  his  glory.  His
argument  therefore  excludes  works  of  whatever  kind  they  be.  Com
pare  Gal.  ii.  16.
2080. j         THE  OFFICE  AND  OPERATION   OF   FAITH.  209

as  of  no  avail  with  respect  to  justification  before  God.  How
ever  necessary,  however  valuable,  our  obedience  may  be  if  per
formed  aright,  it  ceases  to  be  valuable  the  moment  we  depend
upon  it.  This  is  clearly  stated  in  the  text  and  context k;  and
St.  Paul  himself  was  practically  persuaded  of  this  doctrine1.
