Every one knows what shame means, it implies somewhat that is disgraceful, somewhat connected with sin. Hence, where sin is not, there is not properly speaking, shame. So that our first parents in the garden, before sin entered into the world, knew nothing of shame. For it is expressly said, "And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed." (Genesis 2:25) But after the fall, instantly a conscious sense of sin made them attempt to hide themselves from the presence of the Lord, amidst the trees of the garden. (Genesis 3:7-8) What a sweet thought is it, that as a sense of sin induceth shame, so a consciousness that sin is done away in Christ takes away that shame, and induceth holy boldness. Hence John saith, when speaking of Christ, "And now, little children, abide in him, that when he shall appear we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming." (1 John 2:28)