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…

Moreover, I doubt not but the Apostle of set purpose alludes ⟨p. 76⟩to the Sabbath day, to the end he might withdraw the Jews from the external observation of it. For the abolishing thereof cannot be understood, unless we know the spiritual end for which it was instituted. And therefore the Apostle under this one, aims at two things. For in praising the excellency of Gods grace, §1he draws us to receive it by faith: §2and yet in the mean while, he shows by the way the true manner of observing the Sabbath: to the end the Jews should no longer abuse themselves by staying in the outward ceremony. True it is, he speaks not directly of the abolishing thereof, because it was not his purpose; but in showing that this ceremony had another end; he thus draws them by little and little from that superstitious opinion which they had of it. For whosoever understands that the commandment had an other end besides the external rest, or an earthly observation; such a one looking unto Christ, knows by and by that the use of the ceremony is abolished by his coming. For as soon as the body appears, the shadows vanish away. Wherefore a man ought always in the first place, carefully to show that Christ is the end of the law.

Moreouer, I doubt not but the Apostle of set purpose alludes ⟨p. 76⟩to the Sabbath day, to the ende he might withdrawe the Iewes from the externall obseruation of it. For the abolishing thereof cannot be vnderstood, vnlesse we know the spirituall ende for which it was instituted. And therefore the Apostle vnder this one, aimes at two things. For in praising the excellencie of Gods grace, §1he drawes vs to receiue it by faith: §2and yet in the meane while, he shewes by the way the true manner of obseruing the Sabbath: to the ende the Iewes should no longer abuse themselues by staying in the outward ceremonie. True it is, he speakes not directly of the abolishing thereof, because it was not his purpose; but in shewing that this ceremonie had another end; he thus draws them by litle and litle from that superstitious opinion which they had of it. For whosoeuer vnderstands that the commandement had an other ende besides the externall rest, or an earthly obseruation; such a one looking vnto Christ, knowes by and by that the vse of the ceremony is abolished by his comming. For as soone as the bodie appeares, the shadows vanish away. Wherefore a man ought alwaies in the first place, carefully to shew that Christ is the end of the law.