What if you’re in the throes of sin and you pray to God for help?
Calvin’s commentary on Luke 18:9-14 is helpful in understanding his thinking:
10. Two men went up. Christ makes a comparison between the two men, both of whom, by going up to pray, seem to manifest the same ardor of piety, while yet they are exceedingly unlike. The Pharisee, possessing outward sanctity, approaches to God with a commendation which he pronounces on his whole life, and as if he had an undoubted right to offer the sacrifice of praise. The publican, on the other hand, as if he had been some outcast, and knew that he was unworthy to approach, presents himself with trembling and with humble confession. Christ affirms that the Pharisee was rejected, and that the prayers of the publican were acceptable to God. The reasons why the Pharisee was rejected are stated to be these two: he trusted in himself that he was righteous, and despised others.
You can read more, if you wish, at
http://biblehub.com/commentaries/calvin/luke/18.htm
Man can I relate to this. I was the Pharisee.
This commentary doesn’t address my question at all.