[We cannot please God but by obeying his law. All ex- ternal compliances are worthless in his eyes, if not accompanied with the love and devotion of the soul. But such obedience cannot be rendered by the carnal mind ; and consequently they who are in the flesh, that is, are under the influence of a carnal mind, " cannot please God :" they may be admired by their fellow-creatures ; but whatever they do will be an abomination in the sight of God.
This is so plain, that it scarcely admits of any confirmation : yet it may be confirmed by the Articles of our Church, which plainly and unequivocally speak the same language b.]
On the whole then we may learn, from this subject,
1. The grounds and reasons of the Gospel —
[The principal doctrines of the Gospel have their founda- tion, not in any arbitrary appointment of the Deity, but in the nature and necessities of man. We must seek reconciliation with God through Christ, because we are " enemies to him in our minds by wicked works." We must seek the renewing influences of the Spirit, because our nature is altogether cor- rupt, and incapable of either serving or enjoying God. When therefore we hear of the indispensable necessity of being born again, and of the impossibility of being saved except by faith in Christ, let us remember that these are not the dogmas of a party, but doctrines consequent upon our fallen state, and therefore of universal and infinite importance : and that, if we were to be silent on these subjects, we should be unfaithful to our trust, and betray your souls to everlasting ruin.]
2. The suitableness and excellence of its provi- sions—
[If man were commanded to reconcile himself to God, or to renovate his own nature, he must sit down in despair. Darkness could as soon generate light, as fallen man could effect either of these things. But we are not left without hope : God has provided such a Saviour as we want, to mediate between him and us : and such an Agent as we want, to form us anew after the Divine image. Let us then embrace this Gospel, and seek to experience its blessings. Let us, as guilty creatures, implore remission through the blood of Jesus ; and, as corrupt creatures, beg the Holy Spirit to work effectually in us, and to render us meet for a heavenly inheritance.]
" Art. X. & XIII.