A17643:417
Commentary upon the Epistle to the Romans
A commentary upon the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romans, written in Latin by M. John Calvin, and newly translated into English by Christopher Rosdell preacher. Whereunto is added a necessary table for the better and more ready finding out of certain principal matters contained in this workA commentarie vpon the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romanes, written in Latine by M. Iohn Caluin, and newely translated into Englishe by Christopher Rosdell preacher. Whereunto is added a necessarie table for the better and more readie finding out of certayne principall matters conteyned in this worke
London: printed by Thomas Dawson for John Harison and George Bishop, 1583London: printed by Thomas Dawson for Iohn Harison and George Bishop, 1583
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
18 Therefore as by the offence of one condemnation came upon all men: so by the justification of one, justification of life is come upon all men.
18 Therefore as by the offence of one condemnatiō came vpon all men: so by the iustification of one, iustification of life is come vpon all men.
18 This is an imperfect speech, which may be made perfect if the words condemnation and justification be read in the nominative case, as sure they must be resolved if you will have the sense perfect. And it is the general conclusion of that comparison which went before. For now, having omitted the mention of the interposed correction, he knitteth up that similitude, as by the offence of one we are made sinners: so the righteousness of Christ is effectual to justify us: although he putteth not dikaiosunen, That is, the righteousness of Christ, but dikaioma, that is, the justification of Christ: that he might admonish, how Christ is not just privately to himself, but that righteousness wherewithal he was endued doeth extend further,1 namely, that be might enrich the faithful with the gift bestowed upon him. He maketh it a grace common to all, because it is offered to all, not that all men ⟨p. 69⟩are partakers of it indeed. For albeit Christ suffered for the sins of the whole world, and be indifferently through the goodness of God offered unto all, yet all do not receive him. And those two words which he used of late may be repeated in this sense, as by the judgement of God it came to pass, that the sin of one should redound to the condemnation of many, so shall grace be effectual to the justification of many. Justification of life (in my judgement) is taken for absolution, which restoreth life unto us, as though he called it a quickening justification. For thence cometh the hope of salvation, if God be merciful unto us: and of necessity we must be just, that we may be acceptable to him. Therefore life cometh of justification.