A commentary of M. John Calvin, upon the Epistle to the Colossians. And translated…A commentarie of M. Iohn Caluine, vpon the Epistle to the Colossians. And translated…

10 Which is renewed into knowledge. First he showeth that newness of life consisteth in knowledge: not for that naked and simple knowledge is sufficient, but he speaketh of the illuminating of the holy Ghost, which is lively and effectuous, so that not only it doth lighten being kindled with the light of truth, but doth transform and newly fashion the whole man. And this is that which straightway he addeth, that we are renewed after the Image of GOD. And the Image of GOD hath residence in the whole soul, when not reason alone, but also the will is right. Hereof also we learn, as well what is the end and final cause of our regeneration, that is to say that we may be made like unto God, and that his glory may shine out in us: as also what the image of God is, whereof mention is made in Moses Gen. 9.6. namely the rightness and integrity of the whole soul, so that man doeth represent the wisdom, righteousness & goodness of God as it were a looking glass. He doth speak somewhat otherwise to the Ephesians, but in the same sense: see the place cap 4.24. And withal Paul monisheth, that there is nothing more excellent whereunto the Colossians may aspire, because this must be our highest perfection and blessedness, (viZ) to bear the Image of God.

10 Which is renued into knowledge. Firste hee sheweth that newnesse of life consisteth in knowledge: not for that naked and simple knowledge is sufficient, but hee speaketh of the illuminating of the holye Ghost, which is liuely and effectuous, so that not only it doth lighten beeing kindled with the light of truth, but doth transforme and newlye fashion the whole man. And this is that whiche straightwaye hee addeth, that wee are renued after the Image of GOD. And the Image of GOD hath residence in the whole soule, when not reason alone, but also the will is righte. Hereof also wee learne, as well what is the ende and finall cause of our regeneration, that is to saye that we maye bee made like vnto God, and that his glorye may shine out in vs: as also what the image of God is, whereof mention is made in Moses Gen. 9.6. namely the rightnesse and integritie of the whole soule, so that man doeth represent the wisedome, righteousnesse & goodnesse of God as it were a loking glasse. Hee doth speake somewhat otherwise to the Ephesians, but in the same sence: see the place cap 4.24. And withall Paule monisheth, that there is nothing more excellent whereunto the Colossians may aspire, because this must bee our highest perfection and blessednesse, (viZ) to beare the Image of God.