John Calvin Commentary John 8:47

"He that is of God heareth the words of God: for this cause ye hear [them] not, because ye are not of God." — John 8:47 (ASV)

He who is of God. Since He has a full right to take for granted that He is the ambassador of the heavenly Father and faithfully carries out the office entrusted to Him, His indignation against them grows stronger; for their impiety was no longer concealed, as they were so obstinate in rejecting the word of God.

He had shown that they could not bring forward anything which He had not taught as from the mouth of God. He concludes, therefore, that they have nothing in common with God, for they do not hear the words of God; and, without saying anything about Himself, He charges them with being at war with God. Besides, we are taught by this passage that there is no more evident sign of a reprobate mind than when one cannot endure the doctrine of Christ, even though, in other respects, it shone with angelic sanctity. Conversely, if we embrace that doctrine cheerfully, we have what may be called a visible seal of our election. For the one who has the word enjoys God Himself; but the one who rejects it excludes himself from righteousness and life. Therefore, there is nothing we ought to fear so much as to fall under that dreadful sentence.