God accepting our works?

Calvin's Institutes (1559)
Book 3 of 4 - How We Receive the Grace of Christ

Chapter 17 - The Law's Promises Agree with the Gospel

1. Justification is not in works, so we don't rely on works, so our assurance is only in Christ, so our hope is only in God's grace, "not by our worth." Rome says the benefits and rewards of the law (Deut 7:12-13; Jer 7:5-7; Deut 11:26; 30:15) are moot if justification is by faith alone. In truth, no one can merit the law's rewards; redemption frees us from the curse of the law.

2. Righteousness does not come partially by the law, but only through Christ - Gal 2:16.

3. The promises of the law didn't fall to the ground, though, but are fulfilled and given to us by faith in Christ. He reconciles us to Him "without the help of works."

4. They say works must be involved in justification, the way Cornelius is described in Acts 10:34-35. But Cornelius, to be so accepted by God, must have trusted in God's mercy, not in his own works.

5. God is pleased with our good works because He sees His own image and righteousness in them. "Regeneration is a renewal of the divine image in us." God embraces our good works only "in Christ rather than in themselves." God keeps His covenant of mercy with us in this way - Deut 7:9; 1 Kings 8:23; Neh 1:5; Deut 29:19.