Since God has revealed Himself to us as a Father, we would be grievously ungrateful if we did not, in turn, reveal ourselves as His beloved children. Since Christ has cleansed us through the redeeming waters of His blood and the sacred act of baptism, it would be unbecoming for us to be defiled anew by sin. Since He has engrafted us into His body, we, as His cherished members, should vigilantly guard against any stain or contamination. Since our glorious Head ascended to heaven, it is fitting for us to detach our affections from earthly matters and, with our entire being, aspire to the heavenly realm. Since the Holy Spirit has consecrated us as temples of the Lord, our utmost endeavor should be to manifest the radiant glory of God and shield ourselves from the defilement of sin. Since our souls and bodies are destined for heavenly incorruptibility and an unfading crown, let us diligently strive to keep them pure and untainted, ready for the coming day of the Lord.
John Calvin. On the Christian Life.
