We also say, that love must follow faith, as Paul tells us, Gal. 5:6 : “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision ; but faith, which worketh by love.” But we must not, therefore, put our trust in love, or build upon it, as if we obtain the remission of sins and reconciliation with God on account of love or through it. Neither do we obtain forgiveness of sins for the sake of other works which follow, but through faith alone. The promises of God cannot be taken hold of by works, but by faith alone. Faith, properly speaking, or fides proprie dicta, is, when our hearts and the Holy Ghost in us, declare that the promises of God are true and certain ; this is the faith, of which the Scriptures speak. Now, before we perform or accomplish any thing, faith does nothing but receive and accept gifts ; it is therefore counted to us for righteousness, as it was to Abraham, before we love, before we keep the law, or do any work.
Nevertheless it is true, that fruits and works follow, and that faith is not a mere historical knowledge, but a new light in the heart, and an energetic operation of the Holy Spirit, by which we are regenerated, and which gives comfort and life to the affrighted conscience. Since this faith alone obtains remission of sin, and renders us acceptable in the sight of God, it is accompanied by the Holy Ghost, and it should be styled, rather than the love which follows, gratia gratum faciens ; that is, the grace which renders acceptable. (Henkel Translation, p. 178-179).