Paul's Passing Thoughts

Is the word getting out about the true Reformation gospel? I was doing some browsing today and found the following quotation by Lance Ketchum:

“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” (Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol. 45: Catholic Epistles).

This quote is from Calvin’s commentary on 1John 1:9. The following conclusions can be drawn from the citation:

1. The pardon of sin that saves us is NOT a onetime and once-for-all pardon.

2. There no distinction between repentance for salvation verses repentance in sanctification to restore intimacy with the Father.

3. You have to be a member of the church in order to receive forgiveness.

4. Daily repentance “keeps” us saved.

5. Christians are unable to obey or please God.

6. Christians are still under the law.

Thanks to Lance Ketchum for this find.

paul