A commentary on the whole Epistle to the Hebrews. By M. John Calvin. Translated…A commentarie on the vvhole Epistle to the Hebrevves. By M. Iohn Caluin. Translated…

Therefore he saith, the beginning, signifying thereby that faith is only begun. Seeing the Greek word Hypostasis sometimes signifieth assurance, it may be taken in this signification. Nevertheless, I think it not from the purpose to use the word substance, as some others have translated: although I do interpret it a little otherwise. For others think that faith is called by that name, because the whole being of man without it, is nothing else but vanity: but I say it is because we rest in it: there being none other stay whereupon we can stand. And this epithet sure, agreeth thereunto very well. For we shall be sure and out of danger of falling, if so be we be built upon faith. The sum then is, that it behoveth that the faith whereof we have but the beginning, do still go on forward, firmly and constantly unto the end.

Therefore he saith, the beginning, signifying thereby that faith is onely begun. Seeing the Greeke word Hypostasis sometimes signifieth assurance, it may be taken in this signification. Neuerthelesse, I thinke it not from the purpose to vse the word substance, as some others haue translated: although I doe interpret it a little otherwise. For others think that faith is called by that name, because the whole being of man without it, is nothing els but vanitie: but I say it is because we rest in it: there being none other stay whereupon wee can stand. And this epithite sure, agreeth thereunto very well. For we shall be sure and out of danger of falling, if so be wee be built vpon faith. The summe then is, that it behoueth that the faith whereof wee haue but the beginning, doe still goe on forward, firmely and constantly vnto the end.

So long as it is said, &c.] Verse 15 He signifies that the occasion to profit never fails as long as we live, because God calls us every day. For although faith answers to the preaching of the word; so even as the use of preaching is continual all the course of our life, there must be also continual goings forward and increases in faith. These words, so long as it is said, do import as much as if he should have said; Seeing it is so that God ceaseth not to speak, it shall not be enough once to have received the Gospel with a cheerful readiness, if we yield not our selves obedient, persevering in the same teachableness day by day even unto the end.