17. Prosper of Aquitaine (390–455): And just as there are no crimes so detestable that they can prevent the gift of grace, so too there can be no works so eminent that they are owed in condign [deserved] judgment that which is given freely. Would it not be a debasement of redemption in Christ’s blood, and would not God’s mercy be made secondary to human works, if justification, which is through grace, were owed in view of preceding merits, so that it were not the gift of a Donor, but the wages of a laborer?
18 (Prosper again) Faith that justifies a sinner cannot be had except for God’s gift, and it is not a reward for previous merits. This is the truth of the gospel that God has always made known and which satan and his emissaries have always tried to pervert. The natural, unsaved human mind cannot grasp the elegant and superb message of the grace of God - it seems man thinks he has to always add his 2¢ worth in order for it to be real. It is only by the Holy Spirit, opening hearts to receive the truth, that anyone can understand this wonderful truth.
Excellent series. Thank you.