Commentary upon the Prophecy of Isaiah

In the next place he shows the means by which we may feel the virtue and power of Christs death; to wit, by his knowledge. This word knowledge, or doctrine, may be read in a double sense; to wit, in the active, or passive: but in whether of them you read it, we shall easily see the Prophets meaning. Neither shall the Jews be able to cavil so impudently, but we will force them to confess that which is here said; to wit, that Christ is the only Doctor and author of righteousness: for the Prophet manifests so much by the effect, saying, that he shall justify many. Thus then men shall not only learn in the school of Christ, to define what this righteousness is, but themselves also shall be made just, ¹really and effectually thereby.

In the next place he shewes the meanes by which we may feele the vertue and power of Christs death; to wit, by his knowledge. This word knowledge, or doctrine, may be read in a double sense; to wit, in the actiue, or passiue: but in whether of them you reade it, we shall easilie see the Prophets meaning. Neither shall the Iewes be able to cauill so impudently, but wee will force them to confesse that which is heere said; to wit, that Christ is the onely Doctor and author of righteousnesse: for the Prophet manifests so much by the effect, saying, that he shall iustifie many. Thus then men shall not only learne in the schoole of Christ, to define what this righteousnes is, but themselues also shall be made iust, ¹really and effectually thereby.

1. 1Note.

¹And here behold the difference between the righteousness of the law, and that of faith. For albeit the law shows what it it to be just; yet Saint Paul shows it is impossible to obtain righteousness by it. Which he proves by experience, in regard the law is but a looking glass, serving to manifest unto us our own unrighteousness: