For unto us was the Gospel preached.] Ver. 2 He admonisheth us that the very same doctrine by which God at this day calls us unto himself, and that which he ordained for the Fathers in old time, is all one. How so? to the end we might learn that the calling of God will profit us no more than it did them, if we ratify not the same by faith. This then is added by way of concession or granting: very true it is that the Gospel is preached to us; but least we should brag thereof in vain, he replies straight way, and tells us that the unbelievers to whom God did this honour, to make them partakers of so great a benefit, yet notwithstanding felt no fruit at all by it: and in like manner, that we shall feel no blessing by it, unless we receive it by faith. For this cause he ⟨p. 71⟩repeats hearing twice; 1to the end we might know that hearing will not profit us, though we have the Gospel preached, unless faith be joined therewithal. Moreover here we are to note the mutual relation which is between the word and faith: which is such, as the one cannot be separated from the other; for if faith be separate from the word, or the word from faith, neither of both will profit: not that the efficacy of the word depends on us. For let the whole world be a liar, yet God notwithstanding which cannot lie, 2will not cease therefore to be true. Tit. 1.2. But the word brings forth his fruit no other way in respect of us, but when faith gives it entrance.
For vnto vs was the Gospel preached.] Ver. 2 He admonisheth vs that the very same doctrine by which God at this day calles vs vnto himselfe, and that which he ordained for the Fathers in old time, is all one. How so? to the end we might learne that the calling of God will profit vs no more than it did them, if we ratifie not the same by faith. This then is added by way of concession or granting: very true it is that the Gospel is preached to vs; but least we should bragge thereof in vaine, he replies straight way, and tels vs that the vnbeleeuers to whom God did this honour, to make them partakers of so great a benefit, yet notwithstanding felt no fruit at all by it: and in like manner, that we shall feele no blessing by it, vnlesse we receiue it by faith. For this cause he ⟨p. 71⟩repeates hearing twice; 1to the end we might know that hearing will not profit vs, though we haue the Gospel preached, vnlesse faith be ioyned therewithall. Moreouer here we are to note the mutuall relation which is betweene the word and faith: which is such, as the one cannot be separated from the other; for if faith be separate from the word, or the word from faith, neither of both will profit: not that the efficacie of the word depends on vs. For let the whole world be a liar, yet God notwithstanding which cannot lie, 2will not cease therefore to be true. Tit. 1.2. But the word brings forth his fruite no other way in respect of vs, but when faith giues it entrance.
- 1Hearing prosits no•, unless faith be joined with it.Hearing prosits no•, vnlesse faith be ioyned with it.
- 2Faith gives the word entrance in respect of us.Faith giues the word entrance in respect of vs.
