Paul's Passing Thoughts

Originally published June 6, 2013

In his commentary on the Catholic Epistles, volume 45, Calvin states the following:

“Secondly, this passage shows that the gratuitous pardon of sins is given us not only once, but that it is a benefit perpetually residing in the Church, and daily offered to the faithful. For the Apostle here addresses the faithful; as doubtless no man has ever been, nor ever will be, who can otherwise please God, since all are guilty before him; for however strong a desire there may be in us of acting rightly, we always go haltingly to God. Yet what is half done obtains no approval with God. In the meantime, by new sins we continually separate ourselves, as far as we can, from the grace of God. Thus it is, that all the saints have need of the daily forgiveness of sins; for this alone keeps us in the family of God” (John Calvin: Commentaries on the Catholic Epistles. The Calvin Translation Society 1855. Editor: John Owen, p. 165 ¶4).

Calvin is clearly stating here that sin in sanctification separates us from grace:

by new sins we continually separate ourselves, as far as we can, from the grace of God.

Hence, there is no distinction between sonship and justification. Sin can only separate us from grace, and not intimacy with the Father. Sonship, which should be under the auspices of sanctification, is fused with justification. Then the shocker:

Thus it is, that all the saints have need of the daily forgiveness of sins; for this alone keeps us in the family of God.

Notice also that this “gratuitous pardon” is “offered” daily. So in the same way we are initially offered salvation for forgiveness of sins, we have to continually accept this daily offer of forgiveness. And moreover, that “keeps us” in the family of God. “We must preach the gospel to ourselves every day.” Sound familiar?

Now we know why.

paul