John Calvin on Luke 17:10

10. We have done what we were bound to do. That is, “we have brought nothing of our own, but have only done what we were bound by the law to do ” Christ speaks here of an entire observance of the law, which is nowhere to be found; for the most perfect of all men is still at a great distance from that righteousness which the law demands. The present question is not, Are we justified by works? but, Is the observance of the law meritorious of any reward from God? This latter question is answered in the negative; for God holds us for his slaves, and therefore reckons all that can proceed from us to be his just right. Nay, though it were true, that a reward is due to the observance of the law in respect of merit, it will not therefore follow that any man is justified by the merits of works; for we all fail: and not only is our obedience imperfect, but there is not a single part of it that corresponds exactly to the judgment of God.

Luke 18:1-8

Luke 18:1-8

1. And he spake also a parable to them, that they ought always to pray, and not to grow weary: 2. Saying, There was a judge in a city, who neither feared God, nor regarded man. 3. And there was a widow in that city, who came to him, saying, Do me justice on my adversary. 4. And he refused for some time, “Et par un temps il n’en voulut rien faire;” — “and for a time he would do nothing in it.” but afterwards said within himself, Though I neither fear God, nor regard man, 5. Yet because this widow is troublesome to me, “Pourtant que ceste vefue me donne fascherie;” —”because this widow gives me annoyance.” I will do her justice, lest by coming perpetually she weary me out. “Et me rompe la teste.”. 6. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 7. And will not God avenge his elect, who cry to him night and day, even though he forbear with respect to them? “Combien qu’il il differe de se courroucer pour eux; ou, et aura-il patience quant a eux?” — “Though he delay to be offended on their account; or, and will he have patience in reference to them?” 8. I tell you that he will speedily avenge them. But when the Son of man shall come, will he find faith on the earth? “Pensez-vous qu’il trouve foy en terre?” — “Do you think that he will find faith on the earth?”