1245. But when merit or righteousness is placed in the works there is then no faith in them, for it is not of faith to believe that man can merit salvation of himself, or make himself righteous by his works. When, therefore, the faith is of such a character, and is such in the works, it then condemns man, for the man himself and thus the love of self and injustice are in the works. 1748, Mar. 8.