But yet farther; this will not
complete our acceptation with God. The old quarrel may be laid
aside, and yet no new friendship begun; we may be not sinners, and yet not
be so far righteous as to have a right to the kingdom of heaven. Adam had
no right to life because he was innocent; he must, moreover, “do this,” and
then he shall “live.” He must not only have a negative
righteousness, — he was not guilty of any thing; but also a
positive righteousness, — he must do all things.