from perfect. As long as we have this body, sin will dwell in our flesh. Then,
too, we sometimes drive away the Holy Spirit; we fall into sin, like Peter,
David, and other holy men. Nevertheless we may always take recourse to this
fact, "that our sins are covered," and that "God will not lay them to our
charge." Sin is not held against us for Christ's sake. Where Christ and faith
are lacking, there is no remission or covering of sins, but only condemnation.

After we have taught faith in Christ, we teach good works. "Since you have
found Christ by faith," we say, "begin now to work and do well. Love God and
your neighbor. Call upon God, give thanks unto Him, praise Him, confess Him.
These are good works. Let them flow from a cheerful heart, because you have
remission of sin in Christ."

When crosses and afflictions come our way, we bear them patiently. "For
Christ's yoke is easy, and His burden is light." When sin has been pardoned,
and the conscience has been eased of its dreadful load, a Christian can endure
all things in Christ.

To give a short definition of a Christian: A Christian is not somebody chalks
sin, because of his faith in Christ. This doctrine brings comfort to
consciences in serious trouble. When a person is a Christian he is above law
and sin. When the Law accuses him, and sin wants to drive the wits out of
him, a Christian looks to Christ. A Christian is free. He has no master except
Christ. A Christian is greater than the whole world.


VERSE 16. Even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be
justified.

The true way of becoming a Christian is to be justified by faith in Jesus