31. It is true that nobody can do good of himself that is good. But to use this to dismiss any good of charity that a person does who refrains from evils as sins is a monstrous lie, for it is diametrically contrary to the Word, which commands a person to do such goods. To dismiss them is contrary to precepts of love toward God and love for the neighbor, commandments on which hang the Law and the Prophets. And it is to defame and supplant the whole of religion. For everyone knows that religion is the doing of good, and that each of us will be judged in accordance with his deeds.

Every person is so created as to be able to refrain from evils by the Lord’s power as though of himself, if he implores that power, and the good he does after that is good from the Lord.