The sense is not that faith only in the beginning lays hold of righteousness and salvation, and then resigns its office to the works as though thereafter they had to sustain faith, the righteousness received, and salvation. But in order that the promise, not only of receiving, but also of retaining righteousness and salvation, may be firm and sure to us, St. Paul ascribes to faith not only the entrance to grace, but also that we stand in grace and boast of the future glory, that is, the beginning, middle, and end he ascribes all to faith alone (Rom 5:2). Likewise: they were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith (Rom 11:20). He will present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith (Col 1:22). By the power of God we are kept through faith for a salvation. Likewise: obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls (1 Pet 1:5, 9).
Since, then, it is evident from God's Word that faith is the proper and only means by which righteousness and salvation are not only received, but also preserved by God, … whatever elsewhere is set forth in the same sense, is justly to be rejected: namely, that our good works preserve salvation, or that the righteousness of faith which has been received, or even faith itself, is either entirely or in part kept and preserved by our works.
Since, then, it is evident from God's Word that faith is the proper and only means by which righteousness and salvation are not only received, but also preserved by God, … whatever elsewhere is set forth in the same sense, is justly to be rejected: namely, that our good works preserve salvation, or that the righteousness of faith which has been received, or even faith itself, is either entirely or in part kept and preserved by our works.
Formula of Concord IV.34-35
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