Fine Outward Show and Appearance.

It is true that, if men put on some c, they will be accounted as righteous as can be, and their virtues will be commended everywhere… But we must remember that it is said in Acts 15:9 that God cleanses men’s hearts by faith.  And he had great reason to do so, for (as the prophet Jeremiah says) man’s heart is a pit of horrible confusion [17:9].  We ourselves do not perceive it, but God has clearer eyes than me.  Be that as it may, let us assure ourselves of this, that all the holiness which men imagine they have is but corruption and abominable before God, until such time as they are made one by the faith of the gospel. 

 Therefore note it for a settled point that no other holiness is accepted and acknowledged at God’s hand than the holiness of believers.  For except we first become Christians we are blind and can never render to God his due… 

Again, seeing that the spirit of perfection, the spirit of the fear of God, the spirit of righteousness and the spirit of purity abide and rest in Jesus Christ, it is certain that all such as are separated from him have nothing else in them but vice and all manner of uncleanness, however much the world may applaud them.

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Beware of mere outward religious show!  Men look on the outward appearance, and can be deceived by what they see.  But there is forgiveness with God, and hearts can be cleansed.  Any holiness that we might imagine we have is an abomination to God, “filthy rags,” Isaiah calls it.  Only the holiness of believers is acceptable before God; no other holiness exists.  Those outside of Him have nothing in them but evil, etc.  Therefore, the world’s applause is useless.  Hence the urgent need to become Christians.