John 8:46

In the third place, Christ in this reply, doth vindicate himselfe, and so prevents an objection, and aggravates their infidelitie; For whereas they might object against the former challenge, in ver. 45. wherefore should we beleeve thee, and leave our own Religion for thy saying whom we know not? Christ answers, that since none of them could convince him of any sin, and his doctrine was the very truth, therefore they could not but sinne hainously, in not giving him credite, whoever he were. Whence learn, 1. As Christs publike Messengers are obliged to be irreprehensible, and true in their doctrine; so this was eminently and singularly true of Christ, who was the spotlesse Lamb of God and infallibly true in all his doctrine; for he was without sinne, and said the truth. 2. It is not sufficient to condemne any, that malicious men do calumniate and traduce them, unlesse they can also argue and make it out; for Christ requires of his accusers, that they convince him of sinne, or, by arguing make it clear, that what they assert is true. 3. Christ was so perfectly spotlesse and innocent, that albeit he lay buried under calumnies, yet none of his most malicious adversaries could ever make it good that he was guilty of one sinne; for, saith he, which of you convinceth me of sinne? 4. Albeit the blamelesse carriage of men doth serve much to make away for their doctrine, and doth aggravate their sinne who despise it; Yet should not be a snare to draw others to receive any thing they say, unlesse it be made clear that it is truth; Therefore, in grounding this challenge, Christ adds this to that of his sinlesnesse, I say the truth. 5. As the doctrine of innocent and infallible Christ ought, without contraversie, to be credited; so their consciences may look for a sad account and challenge, who will not do so: for, saith he, If I say the truth, why do ye not beleeve me? And it holds out also this general, that no prejudice should hinder men from embracing that which is held out to be truth.