the geneva catechism 4
Yes indeed. But there is some infirmity in us, so that no man acquits himself perfectly in it.
225. Why then does the Lord require a perfection which is beyond our ability? He requires nothing which we are not bound to perform. Nevertheless, provided we take care to conform our life to what we are told here, although we are very far from reaching perfection, the Lord does not impute our faults to us.
226. Do you speak of all men in general, or of believers only? He who is not yet regenerated by the Spirit of God cannot begin to do the least of the commandments. Moreover, even if a person could be found who had fulfilled some part of the law, he would not acquit himself before God, for our Lord pronounces that all those who have not fulfilled all the things contained in it, will be accursed (Deut. 27:26; Gal. 3:10).
227. Hence we must conclude that the law has a two-fold office, in accordance with the fact that there are two classes of men. Yes, in regard to unbelievers it seems but to convict and make them inexcusable before God (Rom. 3:3). And this is what Paul says, that it is the ministry of death, and condemnation (2 Cor. 3:6,9). In regard to believers, it has a very different use.
228. What? First, in that it shows them that they cannot justify themselves by their works, it humbles them and disposes them to seek their salvation in Jesus Christ (Rom. 3:3). Secondly, inasmuch as it requires of them much more than they are able to perform, it admonishes them to pray unto the Lord, that He may give them strength and power (Gal. 4:6), and at the same time reminds them of their perpetual quilt, that they may not presume to be proud. Thirdly it is a kind of bridle, by which they are kept in the fear of God.
229. We say then that although during this mortal life we will never fulfill the Law, such perfection is not required of us in vain, for it shows us the mark at which we ought to aim, that each of us, according to the grace God has bestowed on him, may strive continually to press toward it, and to