They who, in their obedience, attain to the greatest height which is possible in this life, are so far from being able to supererogate, and to do more than God requires, as that they fall short of much which in duty they are bound to do.
"Supererogation" refers to the performance of that which is above and beyond requirement, such that duty is fulfilled, payment is met, and there is more to spare. According to the Confession, not even the most obedient, faithful, and righteous man is able to do more than God requires. This is contrary to Roman Catholic doctrine, which teaches that certain persons (the officially-designated saints) have surpassed God's requirements for righteousness and have merit and more to spare. This excess merit, not needed by the saints for their personal use, may be applied to less worthy sinners as if withdrawn from a merit bank. Indeed, Rome claims that there exists a "treasury of merit" that is available for rank-and-file believers. All this the Confession denies. Only one person has ever completely fulfilled all righteousness. The Lord Jesus Christ has alone provided satisfaction sufficient for everyone.
So far from being able to supererogate, we actually fall far short of God's requirements. None of us by his own efforts may expect God's reward. Instead, we are driven back upon Christ. We must rely entirely on him. We boast only in the cross.
Tomorrow: Our unprofitability.
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