So then they that are in the flesh
They that are in the flesh are the same who are said to be after
it, ( Romans
8:5 ) , and are there described. Such
cannot please God;
men, whilst unregenerate, and as such, cannot please God; for
though the persons of God's elect are wellpleasing to him always,
as considered in Christ, in whom they are loved with an
everlasting love, and were chosen in him, and all provisions
grace and glory made for them in him; yet as considered in
themselves, and whilst in the flesh, do not please him; for they
are straying from him, are alienated from his life, are destitute
of all grace, and particularly faith, without which it is
impossible to please him; are filthy and unclean, and hence,
whilst such have no enjoyment of him, or communion with him;
wherefore he sends his Spirit to work in them that which is
wellpleasing in his sight: but this is not to be understood so
much of persons, and their non-acceptableness to God, as of the
inability of unregenerate men to obtain the good will of God, or
make their peace with him; which they have no inclination to,
being enmity against him; and were they inclined to it, know not
how to go about it; nor can they draw nigh to God to treat with
him about terms of peace; nor can they do that which can procure
peace; Christ is the only person that can, make peace, and has
done it: or rather, of the impotency of natural men to do
anything which pleasing in the sight of God. There are many
things which are pleasing to him, such as prayer, praise, giving
of alms, keeping his commandments, and walking in his ways; but
these unregenerate men cannot do in any acceptable manner to God;
for they are without the Spirit, without Christ, without faith;
and in all they do have no view to the glory of God: they have
neither grace, nor strength, nor right principles, nor right
ends.
