A confession of faith made by common consent of divers reformed churches beyond the…A confession of fayth made by common consent of diuers reformed churches beyonde the…
A confession of faith made by common consent of divers reformed churches beyond the seas: with an exhortation to the reformation of the Church. Perused and allowed according to the Queens Majesties injunctions.A confession of fayth made by common consent of diuers reformed churches beyonde the seas: with an exhortation to the reformation of the Churche. Perused and allowed accordinge to the Queenes Maiesties iniunctions.
Theodore Beza 1519–1605London: printed by Henry Wykes for Lucas Harrison, 1568
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
The flesh therefore of Christ was neither fantastical, nor brought down from heaven, as Valentine and Martion dreamed. Furthermore, our lord Jesus Christ, had a soul, not void of sense & reason, as Apollinaris thought, 1neither had he flesh without a soul, as Eunomius taught, but a soul indeed with reason, and flesh with all her senses: by the which senses he felt and suffered true & unfeigned torments & griefs, at the time of his passion 2as he himself said: My soul is very heavy even to the death: and in John the .xij. Now my soul is troubled. &c.
The fleshe therfore of Christ was neither fantasticall, nor broughte downe from heauen, as Valentine and Martion dreamed. Furthermore, our lorde Iesus Christe, had a soule, not voide of sēce & reasō, as Appollinaris thought, 1neither had he fleshe without a soule, as Eunomius taughte, but a soule indeed with reason, and fleshe with all her senses: by the whiche senses he felt and suffered true & vnfained tormentes & griefes, at the time of his passion 2as he hymself saied: My soule is verie heauie euen to the death: and in Ihon the .xij. Now my soule is troubled. &c.
1Jesus Christ had a soul endued with reason.Iesus Christ had a soule indued with reason.
natures, a divine, and humane in our one Lord Jesus Christ, and further say, that they be joined or knit together, not confounded or mixed, but rather that the property of their natures remain safe in one person, united or joined together, for that we worship one Christ our Lord, and not two: I say one, true GOD, and true
⟨image 71⟩
man, as touching his divine nature, of like substance with his father: as
making two of one Christ, and breaking the unity of his person, so we willingly detest the madness of Eutiches, and Monothelites, or Monophysites, who deny the property of his human nature. Neither do we teach, that Christ his divine nature did suffer,
or that he as touching his human nature, remaineth to this day on the earth, or that his humanity is every where: neither do we think or teach, that Christ had no true body, after it was glorified, or that then it was deified, and so deified, that it kept not the properties of a body and soul, or that it was changed all together into a divine nature, and began to be only one substance. Wherefore we allow not the fond foolish quirks of Schuenkfeldius,
and such like subtle disputers, nor their intricate, obscure reasoning
⟨p. 28⟩
of this matter, wherein they agree not among them selves. Further more, we believe, that our Lord Jesus Christ suffered and died in deed, for us in the flesh, as Peter sayeth. We
detest therefore the Jacobites, and the Turks most impious madness, who abhor the passion of Christ. In the mean while we deny not, but that the Lord of glory, according to Pauls words, was crucified for us. For
devoutly and reverently we read, and use the common property of speech drawn out of the scriptures, and used of all the old writers, in expounding and reconciling the places of the scriptures, which seem to disagree. We believe and teach, that the same our Lord Jesus Christ, did rise from the dead in the self same true flesh, in the which he was crucified and died, and
that he raised not up an other body, in stead of that which was buried, nor that he became a spirit, whereas before he was flesh, but that he kept still his true body.
Wee acknowledge therefore twoo 1natures, a diuine, and humane in our one Lorde Iesus Christe, and further saie, that thei bee ioyned or knitte together, not confounded or mixte, but rather that the propertie of their natures remain safe in one persone, vnited or ioyned together, for that wee worshippe one Christe our Lorde, and not twoo: I saie one, true GOD, and true ⟨image 71⟩man, as touchyng his diuine nature, of like substaunce with his father: as 2touchyng his humanitie, of like substaunce with vs menne, and like in all poinctes, exceptyng synne. For as wée doe abhorre from the Nestorians opinion, 3makyng twoo of one Christ, and breakyng the vnitie of his persone, so we willynglie deteste the madnesse of Eutiches, and Molothelites, or Monophistices, who deny the propertie of his humain nature. Neither doe we teach, that Christe his diuine nature did suffer, 4or that he as touchyng his humain nature, remaineth to this daie on the yearth, or that his humanitie is euery where: neither do we thinke or teach, that Christe had no true bodie, after it was glorified, or that then it was deified, and so deified, that it kept not the properties of a bodie and soule, or that it was chaunged all together into a diuine nature, and begā to be onely one substaunce. Wherefore we allowe not the fonde foolishe quirkes of Schuenkfeldius, 5and suche like subtile disputers, nor their intricate, obscure reasonyng ⟨p. 28⟩of this matter, wherein thei agree not emong them selues. Further more, we beleue, that our Lorde Iesus Christe suffered and died in deede, for vs in the fleshe, as Peter saieth. Wee 6deteste therefore the Iacobits, and the Turkes moste impious madnes, who abhorre the passion of Christe. In the meane while wee denye not, but that the Lorde of glorie, according to Paules woordes, was crucified for vs. For 7deuoutlie and reuerentlie wee reade, and vse the cōmon propertie of speach drawen out of the scriptures, and vsed of all the olde writers, in expoundyng and recōcilyng the places of the scriptures, whiche seme to disagree. Wee beleue and teache, that the same our Lorde Iesus Christe, did rise from the dedde in the self same true fleshe, in the whiche he was crucified and died, and 8that he raised not vp an other bodie, in steede of that whiche was buried, nor that he became a spirite, whereas before he was fleshe, but that he kept stil his true bodie.
4Christ his divine nature suffered not, neither is his human nature every where.Christ his diuine nature suffred not, neither is his humaine nature euery where.
5Heresies.
61. Pet. 4. Christ touching his humanity suffered in deed.1. Pet. 4. Christe touching his humanitie suffred in deede.
Therefore, when his disciples thought that they saw the spirit ⟨image 72⟩of the Lord, he showed them his 1hands and feet, pierced with nails, and razed with wounds, adding these words: behold my hands and my feet, that it is I my self, handle me, and see, for a spirit hath no flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
Therfore, when his disciples thought that thei sawe the spirite ⟨image 72⟩of the Lorde, he shewed theim his 1handes and feete, pearsed with nailes, and rased with woūdes, addyng these woordes: beholde my handes and my feete, that it is I my self, handle me, and see, for a spirite hath no fleshe and bones, as ye see me haue.
In the self same his flesh we believe, 1that our Lord Jesus Christ, did ascend above all heavens that may be seen, into the very highest heaven, that is to wit, the seat of God, and place of the blessed, where he sitteth on the right hand of God the father: which 2right hand, although it signify equal glory and Majesty with God the father, yet it is taken for a certain place also, whereof the Lord speaketh, saying, that he would go away, and prepare 3a place for his Disciples. The Apostle Peter also witnesseth, that the 4heavens must contain Christ, until the time, that all things be restored. And he himself shall come again from heaven to the Judgement, at such time 5as there shall be in the world most wickedness: and Antichrist (true religion ⟨p. 29⟩being corrupted) shall overwhelm all with superstition and impiety, cruelly persecuting the church, embruing himself with the blood of God his saints, and consuming their bodies with fire: then, then I say, Christ will 6come to judge the quick & the dead, to receive his elect to his mercy, and to destroy Antichrist. For the dead shall rise, and they which are found living in that day, shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, and all the faithful shall be carried up into the air to meet Christ, and so from thence they shall with him enter into a blessed place, where they shall live with him world without end: but infidels and impious persons, shall descend with the Devils into hell fire, there to be 7burned for ever, and never to be delivered or released of their torments.
In the self same his flesh we beleue, 1that our Lorde Iesus Christe, did ascende aboue all heauens that maie be séen, into the very highest heauen, that is to witte, the seate of God, and place of the blessed, where he sitteth on the right hande of God the father: whiche 2right hande, although it signifie equall glorie and Maiestie with God the father, yet it is taken for a certaine place also, whereof the Lorde speaketh, saiyng, that he would go awaie, and prepare 3a place for his Disciples. The Apostle Peter also witnesseth, that the 4heauens must containe Christe, vntill the tyme, that all thynges be restored. And he hymself shall come againe frō heauen to the Iudgemét, at suche time 5as there shal be in the world most wickednesse: and Antichriste (true religion ⟨p. 29⟩being corrupted) shall ouerwhelme all with supersticion and impietie, cruelly persecutyng the churche, embruyng himself with the blood of God his sainctes, and consumyng their bodies with fire: then, then I saie, Christ will 6come to iudge the quicke & the dedde, to receiue his electe to his mercie, and to destroye Antichriste. For the dedde shall rise, and thei whiche are founde liuyng in that daie, shal be chaūged in the twinckelyng of an yie, and all the faithfull shal be caried vp into the ayre to meete Christe, and so from thence thei shall with him enter into a blessed place, where thei shall liue with hym worlde without ende: but infidels and impious persones, shall descende with the Deuils into helle fire, there to bee 7burned for euer, and neuer to bee deliuered or released of their tormentes.
1Christ his true ascension into heaven.Christe his true ascenciō into heauen.
We condemn therefore all, which 1deny the true resurrection of the body, and those, who with John of Jerusalem (against whom Jerome wrote) think not a right of glorified bodies: We condemn those, who thought that the ⟨image 73⟩devils and all wicked men, should at the length be saved, and have an end of their punishments. For without exception the Lord hath said: Their fire is never quenched, & their worm doeth never dye. Moreover we condemn Jewish dreams, dreaming that before the day of Judgements, there shall be in the earth a golden world, wherein the godly (their wicked enemies being oppressed) shall possess the kingdoms of the earth. For we are far otherwise taught in the Gospel. Math. xxiiij. Luk. xxv. and xvij. Also in the doctrine of the Apostles. ij. Thess. ij. and. ij. Timo. iij. iiij. chapters. Furthermore our Lord by 2his death and passion, and by all things, which sithens his incarnation, he did and suffered for our sakes, hath reconciled our heavenly father to all 3believers, hath purged by his sacrifice our sin, hath unarmed death, broken the strength of condemnation and 4hell, hath by his resurrection from the dead, restored us to immortal life: for 5he is our righteousness, life, and resurrection: ⟨p. 30⟩to be short, he is the fullness, the perfection, and the discharge, the health, and most abundant sufficiency 6of all the faithful. For the Apostle sayeth, so it pleased the father, that all fullness should dwell in him, and in him ye are made perfect.
We condemne therefore all, which 1deny the true resurrection of the body, and those, who with Ihō of Ierusalem (against whom Ierome wrote) thinke not a right of glorified bodies: Wee condemne those, who thought that the ⟨image 73⟩deuilles and all wicked men, should at the length be saued, and haue an ende of their punishementes. For without exception the Lorde hath saied: Their fire is neuer quenched, & their worme dooeth neuer dye. Moreouer wee condemne Iewishe dreames, dreamyng that before the daie of Iudgements, there shal bee in the yearth a golden worlde, wherein the godlie (their wicked enemies beeyng oppressed) shall possesse the kyngdomes of the yearth. For we are farre otherwise taught in the Gospell. Math. xxiiij. Luk. xxv. and xvij. Also in the doctrine of the Apostles. ij. Thess. ij. and. ij. Timo. iij. iiij. chapiters. Furthermore our Lorde by 2his death and passion, and by all thinges, whiche sithens his incarnacion, he did and suffered for our sakes, hath reconciled our heauenlie father to all 3beleuers, hath purged by his sacrifice our synne, hath vnarmed death, broken the strength of condemnacion and 4hell, hath by his resurreccion from the dedde, restored vs to immortall life: for 5he is our rightuousnesse, life, and resurrection: ⟨p. 30⟩to be short, he is the fulnes, the perfection, and the discharge, the healthe, and moste aboundant sufficiencie 6of all the faithfull. For the Apostle saieth, so it pleased the father, that all fulnes should dwell in hym, and in hym ye are made perfecte.
1Heresies.
2The fruit of Christ his death and resurrection.The frute of Christe his death and resurrection.
For we teach and believe, that this 1Jesus Christ, our only and eternal Lord, is the saviour of all mankind, and of all the world: in whom by faith so many are saved, as were saved before the law, under the law, and during the time of the Gospel, and all 2that shall be saved before the end of the world. For the Lord himself sayeth in the Gospel, he that entereth not in by the door into the sheepfold, but climeth 3up an other way, he is a thief & a robber: I am the door of the sheep, 4Abraham saw my day, and was glad: In like manner Peter the Apostle saith: There is salvation in none other, but in Jesus Christ, neither is there among men, given any other name under heaven, whereby we must be saved. We believe therefore, that we shall be saved ⟨image 74⟩by the grace of God, even as our fathers were, according to Paul his saying, All our fathers did eat of the same spiritual meat, & did all drink the same spiritual drink. For they all 5drank of the spiritual rock, that followed them, and the rock was Christ. Therefore we read, that John also writeth, 6that Christ was that Lamb, which was killed from the beginning of the world: And that John the Baptiste witnessed, that Christ is the lamb 7of God, which taketh away the since of the world: Wherefore we openly profess and Preach, that Jesus Christ is the only redeemer and saviour of the world, a King and chief Priest, the true Messiah, and he that was looked for, I mean, that holy blessed one, whom all the figures of the law, and Prophesies of the Prophets, prefigured and promised. GOD hath fulfilled his promise, and hath sent him to us, so that we ought not to look hereafter for any other, neither resteth there any more now, but that we give all glory to Christ, and believe ⟨p. 31⟩in him, contenting our selves with him only, despising and rejecting all other helps to obtain life everlasting. For they are fallen from grace and make Christ to die in vain for them, 8which seek salvation in any other thing, then in Christ alone.
For we teache and beleue, that this 1Iesus Christe, our onely and eternall Lorde, is the sauiour of all mankinde, and of all the worlde: in whō by faithe so many are saued, as were saued before the lawe, vnder the lawe, and duryng the tyme of the Gospell, and all 2that shal bee saued before thende of the worlde. For the Lorde hymself saieth in the Gospell, he that entereth not in by the dore into the shepefolde, but climeth 3vp an other waie, he is a theife & a robber: I am the doore of the shepe, 4Abraham saw my daie, and was glad: In like maner Peter the Apostle saith: There is saluaciō in none other, but in Iesus Christe, neither is there emong mē, giuen any other name vnder heauen, whereby wee must be saued. We beleue therefore, that wee shal bee saued ⟨image 74⟩by the grace of God, euen as our fathers were, accordyng to Paule his saiyng, All our fathers did eate of the same spirituall meate, & did al drinke the same spirituall drinke. For thei all 5dranke of the spirituall rocke, that folowed thē, and the rocke was Christe. Therefore we read, that Ihon also writeth, 6that Christe was that Lambe, whiche was killed frō the beginnyng of the worlde: And that Ihō the Baptiste witnessed, that Christe is the lābe 7of God, whiche taketh awaie the synnes of the worlde: Wherefore we opē ly professe and Preache, that Iesus Christe is the onely redemer and sauiour of the worlde, a Kyng and chiefe Prieste, the true Messias, and he that was looked for, I meane, that holie blessed one, whom al the figures of the lawe, and Prophesies of the Prophetes, prefigured and promised. GOD hath fulfilled his promes, and hath sēt hym to vs, so that wee oughte not to looke hereafter for any other, neither resteth there any more now, but that wee giue all glorie to Christe, and beleue ⟨p. 31⟩in him, contēting our selues with hym onely, despising and reiectyng all other helpes to obtain life euerlasting. For they are fallen from grace and make Christ to die in vaine for them,
1That Christ is thouly saviour of the world.That Christ is thouly sauiour of the worlde.
Now in few words to speak much concerning this matter, whatsoever is decreed by the scriptures of the mystery of our Lord Jesus Christ his incarnation, and comprehended in the holy sacraments, and concluded in the first. iiij. most godly Synods, holden 1at Nice, Constantinople, Ephesus and Calcedon, whatsoever is contained in the Creed of that blessed man Athanasius, or in the like, we believe it with a sincere hart, we freely & plainly confess with unfeigned lips, condemning all other opinions contrary to them. Thus we defend in all points, the true and catholic Christian faith, knowing that in the fore named Creeds, nothing is contained, that is not agreeable to the word of God, or plainly and truly setteth not forth ⟨image 75⟩the Christian faith.
Nowe in fewe woordes to speake muche concerning this matter, whatsoeuer is decreed by the scriptures of the misterie of our Lorde Iesus Christ his incarnacion, and comprehended in the holy sacramētes, and concluded in the first. iiij. moste godly Synodes, holden 1at Nice, Constantinople, Ephesus and Calcedon, whatsoeuer is conteined in the Crede of that blessed manne Athanasius, or in the like, we beleue it with a sincere hart, we frelie & plainly confesse with vnfained lippes, cōdemnyng all other opinions contrary to theim. Thus wee defende in all poinctes, the true and catholike Christian faith, knowyng that in the fore named Credes, nothyng is contained, that is not agreable to the woorde of God, or plainlie and truely setteth not forthe ⟨image 75⟩the Christian faithe.
1The approved Credes of counsels.The approued Credes of counsels.
WE teach that in the law of 1God, is declared to us his will, what he would, and what he would not have us to do, what is good and just, what is evil and unjust. Therefore we confess, that it is a good and a holy law, 2and that this law was both written with the finger of God, in the hearts of men, and is called the law of nature: and also that it was graven with the finger of God, in the two Tables of 3Moses, and at large expounded in his books: we divide it (for plains sake) into three parts: Whereof the first is the Moral law, which is contained in the ten commandments: The second is, the Ceremonial Law, which entreateth of Ceremonies, and 4worshipping of God: The third is, the Judicial Law, which consisteth in Civill matters.
WE teache that in the lawe of 1God, is declared to vs his will, what he would, and what he would not haue vs to doe, what is good and iuste, what is euill and vniuste. Therefore wée confesse, that it is a good and a holie lawe, 2and that this lawe was bothe written with the finger of God, in the hartes of men, and is called the lawe of nature: and also that it was grauen with the finger of God, in the twoo Tables of 3Moises, and at large expounded in his bookes: we deuide it (for plaines sake) into three partes: Whereof the first is the Morall lawe, whiche is conteined in the tenne commaundementes: The seconde is, the Ceremoniall Lawe, which intreateth of Ceremonies, and 4worshippyng of God: The third is, the Iudiciall Lawe, whiche consisteth in Ciuill matters.
1The law of God declareth his will.The lawe of God declareth his will.
2Rom. 2. The law of nature.Rom. 2. The lawe of nature.
3The two Tables of Moses. Three kind of laws.The twoo Tables of Moyses. Three kinde of lawes.
We believe, that in this Law of God, the will of God and all necessary 1precepts for our whole life, is fully ⟨p. 31⟩taught: for otherwise God would not forbid to add any thing to his law, or to take ought therefrom. Neither would 2he have had commanded, to walk uprightly in this law, declining neither to the right, nor left hand. We teach also, that this Law is not given to man, to the end he should be justified, 3by the keeping and observing it, but rather, that by the knowledge of the law, he might acknowledge his infirmity; sin and condemnation, and despair of any help by his own strength might be converted to Christ, through faith: For the Apostle sayeth plainly: The law causeth wrath: And Gal. iij. 4By the law cometh knowledge of our since: For if there had been a law given, which could have given life, surely righteousness should a been by the law: but the scripture concludeth all under sin, that the promise through faith in Jesus Christ, should be given to them that believe: wherefore the law was a school master, to bring us to Christ, that we made be made righteous by faith. Neither could, nor ⟨image 76⟩yet any flesh is able, to satisfy the law 5of God, and to fulfil it, for the weakness that is in our flesh, and still remaineth in us, even to our last gasp. Again the Apostle sayeth, that which 6the law could not (because it was weakened by the flesh) that God performed, by sending his own soon, in the form of flesh, subject to sin. Therefore Christ is the perfection of 7the Law, and hath fulfilled it for us: who, as he did bear the curse of the law, while he was made accursed for our sakes, so he maketh us by faith, 8partakers of his fulfilling the Law, his righteousness and obedience being accepted, as though it were ours. In this respect therefore, the law of God 9is abolished, in that it doeth no more condemn us, nor cause wrath to fall upon us: For we are under grace, not under the law. Moreover, Christ hath fulfilled all the figures of the Law, wherefore the shadow ceased, when the body came, for that now in Christ we have the truth, and all fullness. Notwithstanding, we do not therefore ⟨p. 33⟩disdain or despise the law, for we remember the words of the Lord, saying: I came not to break the law, 10and the Prophets, but to fulfil them.
Wee beleue, that in this Lawe of God, the will of God and all necessary 1preceptes for our whole life, is fullie ⟨p. 31⟩taught: for otherwise God would not forbid to adde any thing to his lawe, or to take ought therfro. Neither would 2he haue had commaūded, to walke vprightly in this law, declinyng neither to the right, nor left hande. We teache also, that this Lawe is not geuen to man, to the ende he should be iustified, 3by the keepyng and obseruyng it, but rather, that by the knowledge of the lawe, he might acknowledge his infirmitie; sinne and condēnacion, and dispaire of any helpe by his owne strēgth might be conuerted to Christ, through faithe: For the Apostle saieth plainlie: The lawe causeth wrath: And Gal. iij. 4By the law cometh knowledge of our synnes: For if there had been a lawe giuen, whiche could haue giuen life, surely rightuousnes should a been by the lawe: but the scripture concludeth all vnder synne, that the promes thorowe faithe in Iesus Christe, should be giuen to theim that beleue: wherefore the lawe was a schole master, to bring vs to Christe, that wée made bee made rightuous by faith. Neither could, nor ⟨image 76⟩yet any flesh is able, to satisfie the law 5of God, and to fulfill it, for the weakenes that is in our fleshe, and still remaineth in vs, euen to our laste gaspe. Againe the Apostle saieth, that whiche 6the law could not (bicause it was weakened by the fleshe) that God performed, by sendyng his owne soonne, in the forme of fleshe, subiecte to synne. Therefore Christe is the perfection of 7the Lawe, and hath fulfilled it for vs: who, as he did beare the cursse of the lawe, while he was made accursed for our sakes, so he maketh vs by faithe, 8partakers of his fulfillyng the Lawe, his rightuousnes and obediēce beyng accepted, as though it were ours. In this respect therefore, the lawe of God
We know that, in the law is showed sundry kinds of virtues and vices, we are not ignorant, that if the law be expounded by the Gospel, it is profitable to the church, and therefore we affirm that the reading thereof, ought not to be banished out of the church: For although Moses face was covered with a Veil, yet the Apostle affirmeth that Veil, to be taken away and abolished by Christ. We condemn all that the old and new heretics 1have taught, against the law of God.
We knowe that, in the law is shewed sundrie kindes of vertues and vices, we are not ignoraunt, that if the lawe be expounded by the Gospell, it is profitable to the churche, and therefore we affirme that the reading therof, ought not to bée banished out of the churche: For although Moises face was couered with a Vele, yet the Apostle affirmeth that Vele, to be taken awaie and abolished by Christe. Wee condemne all that the olde and newe heretikes 1haue taught, against the lawe of God.
The Gospel doubtless is contrary to the Law: for the law causeth wrath, declareth the curse, but the Gospel preacheth grace, & blessing. Ihō. i. 1sayeth, the law was given by Moses, 2but grace and truth, sprang by Jesus ⟨image 77⟩Christ: Yet notwithstanding it is most certain, that they, who were before the law, and under the law, were not altogether destitute of the Gospel: For they had marvellous large promises of the Gospel, as these: The seed of the 3woman, shall break the serpents head, and in thy feed shall all nations be blessed. The sceptre shall not be taken away from Judah, until Silo come: The Lord shall raise up a Prophet, from the middest of his brethren.
THe Gospell doubtlesse is cō trarie to the Lawe: for the lawe causeth wrathe, declareth the curse, but the Gospell preacheth grace, & blessyng. Ihō. i. 1saieth, the lawe was giuen by Moises, 2but grace and truthe, sprang by Iesus ⟨image 77⟩Christ: Yet notwithstāding it is moste certain, that thei, who were before the lawe, and vnder the lawe, wer not altogether destitute of the Gospell: For thei had maruelous large promises of the Gospell, as these: The séede of the 3woman, shal breake the serpentes hed, and in thy féede shall all nacions bee blessed. The scepter shall not be taken awaie from Iudah, vntill Silo come: The Lorde shall raise vp a Prophette, from the middest of his brethren.
And surely we acknowledge, that 1our forefathers had two kinds of promises revealed to them, as we have to us: Some were of earthly matters, as are the promises of the land of Canaan, of victories, and such as are to this day made to us, concerning our daily bread: Some other were then, and now also, be of heavenly and eternal things: that is to wit, of gods grace, of remission of since, and life everlasting, by faith in Jesus Christ. Our forefathers had in like manner, not only outward and earthly, but also Spiritual and Celestial promises in ⟨p. 34⟩Christ: For of salvation speaketh Peter. 2The Prophets have inquired and searched, who prophesied of the grace, that should come unto us. &c. Of this also the Apostle Paul writeth. Ro. i. The Gospel of GOD was promised before by gods Prophets, in the holy scriptures: Hereby then it is evident, that the old fathers, were not quite destitute of all the Gospel.
And surely wee acknowledge, that 1our forefathers had two kindes of promises reueled to them, as wée haue to vs: Some were of yearthly matters, as are the promises of the land of Canaan, of victories, and suche as are to this daie made to vs, concernyng our daiely bread: Some other were then, and now also, be of heauenly and eternall thynges: that is to witte, of gods grace, of remission of synnes, and life euerlasting, by faithe in Iesus Christ. Our forfathers had in like maner, not onely outward and yearthly, but also Spirituall and Celestiall promises in ⟨p. 34⟩Christe: For of saluacion speaketh Peter. 2The Prophetes haue inquired and searched, who prophesied of the grace, that should come vnto vs. &c. Of this also the Apostle Paule writeth. Ro. i. The Gospell of GOD was promised before by gods Prophetes, in the holie scriptures: Hereby then it is euidente, that the old fathers, were not quite destitute of all the Gospell.
But although they had the Gospel 1after this sort, in the writings of the Prophets, whereby they obtained salvation in Christ by faith: yet the gospel is properly called, that glad and happy message, by the which, first by John Baptiste, then by Jesus Christ himself our Lord, afterward by his Apostles, and their successors, it was preached to the world, that GOD had now performed that, which he promised from the beginning of the world, in sending, or rather giving to us his only soon, and in him atonement with the father, forgiveness of sin, all fullness, and life everlasting. Therefore the Gospel is truly ⟨image 78⟩called that history, which is written of the four Evangelists, declaring how these things were done, and fulfilled of Christ, and what he taught and did. And that they, which believe in him, have all abundance of grace: The preaching and writing of the Apostles, wherein they show unto us, how the Son of God is given to us of his father, and in him all life and salvation, is in like manner truly said, to be the doctrine of the Gospel: So that even to this day (if it be sincerely preached) it loseth not so worthy a name.
But although thei had the Gospell 1after this sorte, in the writynges of the Prophetes, wherby thei obtained saluacion in Christ by faithe: yet the gospell is properly called, that glad and happie message, by the whiche, first by Ihon Baptiste, then by Iesus Christe hymself our Lorde, afterwarde by his Apostles, and their successours, it was preached to the worlde, that GOD had nowe performed that, whiche he promised from the beginnyng of the worlde, in sendyng, or rather giuyng to vs his onely soonne, and in hym attonement with the father, forgiuenes of synne, all fulnesse, and life euerlastyng. Therefore the Gospell is truely ⟨image 78⟩called that historie, whiche is written of the fower Euangelistes, declaryng how these thinges were doen, and fulfilled of Christe, and what he taughte and did. And that thei, whiche beleue in him, haue all aboundaunce of grace: The preachyng and writing of the Apostles, wherein thei shewe vnto vs, how the sonne of God is giuen to vs of his father, and in hym all life and saluacion, is in like maner truely said, to be the doctrine of the Gospell: So that euē to this daie (if it be sincerely preached) it loseth not so worthie a name.
1What the gospel properly is.What the gospell properly is.
The preaching of the gospel, is called 1also by the apostle, the Spirit, & the service of the Spirit, because that it is made of great efficacy, & lively by faith in the ears, or rather in the hearts of believers, by the holy ghost illuminating them. For the letter, which is contrary to the spirit, doeth surely signify every outward thing, but chiefly the doctrine of the law, which causeth wrath to unbelievers, and provoketh to sin, without the aide of the spirit, and faith working in their minds: For the ⟨p. 35⟩which cause, the Apostle calleth it also the ministry of death. For here unto belongeth that saying of his: the letter killeth, but the spirit quickeneth. The false Prophets preached the gospel corruptly, mingling the Law therewith, as though Christ could not 2save us, without the law: Such as the Ebionites are said to be, who sprang of the heretic Hebeō: Such were the Nazarenes, which were in old time called Minei, whom every one we con damn: Preaching the Gospel purely, teaching, that by the spirit alone, and not by the law, believers are justified. But of this matter we will entreat hereafter more at large, in the title of Justification.
The preaching of the gospell, is called 1also by the apostle, the Spirit, & the seruice of the Spirit, because that it is made of great efficacy, & liuely by faith in the eares, or rather in ye hartes of beleuers, by the holy ghost illuminating thē. For the letter, whiche is contrary to the spirit, doeth surely signifie euery outward thyng, but chiefly the doctrin of the lawe, whiche causeth wrathe to vnbeleuers, and prouoketh to synne, without the aide of the spirit, and faith woorkyng in their mindes: For the ⟨p. 35⟩whiche cause, the Apostle calleth it also the ministerie of death. For here vnto belōgeth that saiyng of his: the letter killeth, but the spirite quicekneth. The false Prophetes preached the gospell corruptly, mingelyng the Lawe therewith, as though Christ could not 2saue vs, without the lawe: Suche as ye Hebionites are said to be, who sprang of the heretike Hebeō: Suche wer the Nazareans, whiche were in olde tyme called Minei, whom euery one we cō demne: Preachyng the Gospell purely, teachyng, that by the spirite alone, and not by the lawe, beleuers are iustified. But of this matter we will intreate hereafter more at large, in the title of Iustificacion.
is abolished, in that it dooeth no more condemne vs, nor cause wrathe to fall vpon vs: For we are vnder grace, not vnder the lawe. Moreouer, Christ hath fulfilled all the figures of the Lawe, wherefore the shadowe ceassed, when the bodie came, for that now in Christ wee haue the truthe, and all fulnesse. Notwithstandyng, we dooe not therefore
⟨p. 33⟩
disdain or dispise the lawe, for we remember the woordes of the Lorde, saiyng: I came not to breake the lawe,
