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…

Therefore in him is extant and manifest the truth and very thing of the figure.

Therefore in him is extante and manifest the truth and very thing of the figure.

12 Being buried with him by Baptism. He declareth as yet more plainly the manner of spiritual circumcision. namely for that we being buried with Christ, are partakers of his death. He doeth by name teach that we obtain that by Baptism that it may the better appear, that there is no use of Circumcision under the kingdom of Christ. For some might else object, Why puttest thou away Circumcision under this pretence, because the effect thereof is in Christ? Objection. was not Abraham circumcised also spiritually? and yet this letted not but that he should add a sign to the thing? outward Circumcision therefore is not superfluous, although the inward (Circumcision) be given by Christ. Answer. Paul preventeth such manner of objection, by making mention of Baptism. Christ, saith he, worketh in us spiritual Circumcision, that old sign which was in force under Moses not coming in place, but Baptism. Baptism than is the sign of the thing exhibited and plainly set out which Circumcision did figure while it was absent and away. It is an argument taken of the government ⟨p. 44⟩which God hath ordained. for they that hold still circumcision, devise a way of dispensation and government clean contrary to that which God hath appointed. In that he saith, We are buried with Christ, is more than to be crucified (with him). for burying setteth out a perpetual progress or continuance of mortification. Whereas he teacheth this is done by Baptism, as also he doth, Rom. 6 4. he speaketh as he is wont, attributing efficacy to the Sacrament, left in vain it should signify that which is not. By Baptism than we are buried with Christ, because Christ doth therewithal effectually perform mortification which in Baptism he signifieth: that the thing may be joined with the sign. In whom ye have also risen. He amplifieth the grace which we obtain in Christ, which goeth far before circumcision. We are not only grafted into the death of Christ, saith he, but we rise again also in newness of life. wherefore the more injurious are they against Christ, which assay to bring us again to Circumcision. And he addeth, By the faith. for verily by it we take hold of that which is offered unto us in Baptism. But what faith? (forsooth) of his Efficacy or working. whereby he meaneth that faith hath here foundation in the power of GOD.