Lord’s Day 24
Q62. Why can't the good we do make us right with God, or at least help make us right with him?
Because the righteousness which can pass God's scrutiny must be entirely perfect and must in every way measure up to the divine law. But even the very best we do in this life is imperfect and stained with sin.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Romans 3:20
“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”
Galatians 3:10
“For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.”
Deuteronomy 27:26
“Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.”
Isaiah 64:6
“But we are all as an unclean , and all our righteousnesses as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”
Commentary — Zacharias Ursinus (1616)
Thus far we have explained, and established the true doctrine of justification by faith. We must now refute the false doctrine of the Papists, according to which we are justified by works; or partly by faith, and partly by works. This is the argument which we employ; It is necessary that that righteousness which will stand in the judgment of God must be absolutely perfect, and conformable to the law in every respect. But our best works in this life are imperfect, and defiled with sin. Therefore our best works cannot be the whole, nor even a part of our righteousness before God. The major proposition of this syllogism is proven from the law, which declares: "He that doeth these things shall live in them." "Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them." (Lev. 18:5. Deut. 27:26.) The minor proposition is too plain to need any proof: for we do many things which we ought not to do, and leave many things undone, which we ought to do; yea, we mix much that is evil with the good we do; or in other words the good which we do, is done imperfectly. The complaints and daily prayers of the saints testify to the truth of this. "Forgive us our debts." "Enter not into judgment with thy servant, for in," &c. (Matt. 5:92. Ps. 143:2.) Therefore works which are imperfect cannot constitute perfect righteousness.
This is the first reason why we cannot be justified by our works, because our righteousness would be imperfect in as much as our works are imperfect. We may add many other reasons, such as these.
2. Because if our works were even perfect, yet they are still due from us, and so cannot acquit us, or make amends for past delinquencies. "When ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say we are unprofitable servants," &c. Luke 17:10.) 3. Our good works are not of us, but of God, who works them in us.