In the third article there is nothing to offend, since the
entire Confession agrees with the Apostles' Creed and the
right rule of faith -viz. the Son of God became incarnate,
assumed human nature into the unity of his person, was born
of the Virgin Mary, truly suffered was crucified, died,
descended to hell, rose again on the third day, ascended to
heaven, and sat down at the right hand of the Father.


To Article IV

In the fourth article the condemnation of the Pelagians, who
thought that man can merit eternal life by his own powers
without the grace of God, is accepted as Catholic and in
accordance with the ancient councils, for the Holy Scriptures
expressly testify to this. John the Baptist says: "A man can
receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven," John
3:27 "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,
and comes down from the Father of lights," James l:17.
Therefore "our sufficiency is of God," 2 Cor 3:5. And Christ
says: "No man can come to me, Except the Father, which hath
sent me, draw him," John 6:44 And Paul: What hast thou that
thou didst not receive?" I Cor 4:7. For if any one should
intend to disapprove of the merits that men acquire by the
assistance of divine grace, he would agree with the
Manichaeans rather than with the Catholic Church. For it is
entirely contrary to holy Scripture to deny that our works
are meritorious. For St. Paul says "I have fought a good