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…

For the full assurance of hope.] Because many who made profession of the Christian faith, were distracted with divers opinions, or else were inwrapped with many superstitions, he requires that they be so settled in the certainty of faith, that they now waver no more, nor remain in suspense, carried about as they had been wont with every new invention of mans brain. Now this commandment belongs to us all: for as the truth of God is sure and stable in it self, so also is it required that our faith which is built and rests it self thereupon be true, certain, and surmounting all doubtings. See here then what this Greek word Plerophoria imports, ¹to wit, an assured persuasion, whereby the spirit of every faithful man concludes and resolves in it self, that it is utterly unlawful to call into doubt or question those things which God (that cannot lie nor deceive) hath once pronounced. ²Hope, is here taken for faith, because of the affinity which is between them. Notwithstanding it seems the Apostle did expressly place it here, because he spake of perseverance. We may also gather from hence, how far faith is off from that general apprehension which is common both to the wicked and even to the Devils themselves. ³For they also believe that God is just and true: but yet notwithstanding from hence they conceive no good hope at all, because they do not therewithal apprehend the fatherly goodness of God in Christ. Let us know then that true faith is always coupled with hope.

For the full assurance of hope.] Because many who made profession of the Christian faith, were distracted with diuers opinions, or els were inwrapped with many superstitiōs, he requires that they be so setled in the certaintie of faith, that they now wauer no more, nor remaine in suspence, carried about as they had been wont with euery new inuention of mans braine. Now this commandement belongs to vs all: for as the truth of God is sure and stable in it selfe, so also is it required that our faith which is built and rests it self thereupon be true, certaine, and surmounting all doubtings. See here then what this Greeke word Plerophoria imports, ¹