Calvin on the Law

There are two righteousnesses of the law. The one is spiritual--perfect love to God, and to our neighbours: it is contained in doctrine, and had never an existence in the life of any man. The other is literal--such as appears in the view of man, while, in the mean time, hypocrisy reigns in the heart, and there is in the sight of God nothing but iniquity. Thus, the law has two aspects; the one has an eye to God, the other to men. Paul, then, was in the judgment of men holy, and free from all censure--a rare commendation, certainly, and almost unrivalled; yet let us observe in what esteem he held it. [ed. note: Philippians 3:7,8] John Calvin, Commentary on Philippians 3:6.