THE angels are greatly honoured in the Holy Scriptures, and yet the chief title that is given them is, that they are children of God. Now we, we, I say, poor worms of the earth, in whom there is nothing but filthiness, no, nor ought but corruption of sin, are matched with angels, insomuch that God openeth to us the kingdom of heaven, and intendeth to have us fellows with them, who are near about Him, and be made partakers of that glory. Truly it is only faith that makes us obtain that benefit. Then let us learn to renounce all other means that may be set before us; for when men offer us any other help, as though the faith that we have in Him were not sufficient, it is but a turning of us from the Lord Jesus Christ. We shall never conceive the fruit that is contained in our text, except we always bear in mind, that by the word faith, Paul means to exclude all the desert and worthiness that men suppose or imagine themselves able to bring with them to God. When they will needs go through with the matter by their own power and virtues, it is all one as if they would cut off a piece of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; but He cannot be rent in pieces, or divided. Therefore all the workings of our salvation must come of Him alone. We must not go about here and there seeking ways, but come right forth unto Him by the straight way of faith. Now let us fall down before the majesty of our good God with acknowledgment of our sins, praying Him to make us feel them in such wise, as it may lead us to true repentance, that we may mourn continually before His majesty, and be so abased in ourselves, as yet, notwithstanding, we may not doubt but that He accepteth us for our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake; and that we shall always obtain sure forgiveness of our sins, if we seek it in true faith, without wavering to the right hand or to the left, but only following the path which He hath shown us. We can never go wrong when we have the Sun of Righteousness shining upon us. May it please Him to grant this, not only to us, but to all people and nations on earth.—John Calvin.