{"collection":"chr","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/chr/ecf/105/1050868.htm","path":"chr/ecf/105/1050868.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/chr/ecf/105/1050868.htm","text":"Chapter 2 [II.]\u2014The Misrepresentation of the Pelagians Concerning the Use of the Old Law.\nThey declare \u201cthat we say that the law of the Old Testament was given not for the end that it might justify the obedient, but rather that it might become the cause of greater sin.\u201d Certainly, they do not understand what we say concerning the law; because we say what the apostle says, whom they do not understand. For who can say that they are not justified who are obedient to the law, when, unless they were justified, they could not be obedient? But we say, that by the law is effected that what God wills to be done is heard, but that by grace is effected that the law is obeyed. \u201cFor not the hearers of the law,\u201d says the apostle, \u201care just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.\u201d 2676 Therefore the law makes hearers of righteousness, grace makes doers. \u201cFor what was impossible to the law,\u201d says the same apostle, \u201cin that it was weak through the flesh, God sent His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.\u201d 2677 This is what we say;\u2014let them pray that they may one day understand it, and not dispute so as never to understand it. For it is impossible that the law should be fulfilled by the flesh, that is, by carnal presumption, in which the proud, who are ignorant of the righteousness of God,\u2014that is, which is of God to man, that he may be righteous,\u2014and desirous of establishing their own righteousness,\u2014as if by their own will, unassisted from above, the law could be fulfilled,\u2014are not subjected to the righteousness of God. 2678 Therefore the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in them who walk not according to the flesh\u2014that is, according to man, ignorant of the righteousness of God and desirous of establishing his own\u2014but walk according to the Spirit. But who walks according to the Spirit, except whosoever is led by the Spirit of God? \u201cFor as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.\u201d 2679 Therefore \u201cthe letter killeth, but the Spirit maketh alive.\u201d 2680 And the letter is not evil because it killeth; but it convicts the wicked of transgression. \u201cFor the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good. Was, then,\u201d says he, \u201cthat which is good made death unto me? By no means; but sin, that it might appear sin, worked death in me by that which is good, that it might become above measure a sinner or a sin by the commandment.\u201d 2681 This is what is the meaning of \u201cthe letter killeth.\u201d \u201cFor the sting of death is sin, but the p. 403 strength of sin is the law;\u201d 2682 because by the prohibition it increases the desires of sin, and thence slays a man unless grace by coming to his assistance makes him alive. 2683\nSee On the Spirit and the Letter, 6.","title":"Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Vol. V: A Treatise Agains...","type":"page"}