That we obtain remission of sins through faith alone in Christ.
We think our opponents must acknowledge, that above all things remission of sins is necessary to justification; for we are all born in sin. Hence we infer: That, when we obtain remission of sin, we are righteous and pious in the sight of God; according to Psalm 32:1, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven.” But solely through faith in Christ, not through love, nor on account of love or works, do we obtain the remission of sin, although love follows faith. It must follow therefore, that we are justified by faith alone. For the sinner’s justification means, that he is changed into a pious being, and born anew by the Holy Ghost. *
(Henkel Translation, p. 171, * This is the first or major proposition; and now follows the minor, i.e., the other proposition of the preceding argument.).