The sermons of M. John Calvin, upon the Epistle of S. Paul too the…The sermons of M. Iohn Caluin, vpon the Epistle of S. Paule too the…

I Have declared already that we cannot be beloved of God, but by the means of his only son. For if the Angels of heaven be not worthy too be taken for Gods children, but by the means of a head and mediator: what shall become of us that cease not too provoke Gods wrath daily by our wicked doings, as folk that do in deed fight against him? God then must be fain too look upon us in the person of his only son, or else he must needs hate us and abhor us.¹ Too be short, our sins do set God and us so far at odds, that we cannot so soon come towards him, but by and by we feel his majesty utterly against us, and as it were armed too put us too utter confusion. But now remaineth too see, how God receiveth us into his favour by means of our Lord Jesus Christ. That is the thing which Saint Paul meaneth in adding, that in him we have redemption through his blood, that is too wit, forgiveness of our sins, according too the riches of Gods grace Here we be first of all done too understand, that the enmity which God beareth us, is not in respect of our nature, but in respect of our corruption. I say, it is not in respect of nature: for as in respect that God hath creased us, it is certain that he cannot hate us. But inasmuch as mankind is utterly marred and given over too all naughtiness, God must needs be as a mortal enemy too us, and as an adversary against us, till the remembrance of our sins be buried out of his sight. For we be subject too everlasting death, till we be restored again: by reason whereof, God being the fountain of all justice and righteousness, doth utterly hate and abhor the evil that he seeth in us. Therefore until such time as our sins be blotted out, it is unpossible for us too hope that God should either favour or love us. But let us mark here how S. Paul useth two words, too express how we be reconciled too God: First, he setteth down the Ransom or Redemption, which is all ⟨p. 23⟩[…]: and afterward the forgiveness of sins. Howe cometh it ••en too pass that Gods wrath is pacified, that we be made at one •ith him, yea and that he accepteth and avoweth us for his children? •t is by the pardoning of our fumes, sayeth S. Paul. And furthermore, because redemption is requisite thereunto: he matcheth that •ith it also.