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…

As touching this word of holy things, or of the sanctuary, the Apostle expounds himself when he adds, of the true Tabernacle. But some may ask here, Objection. whether it was a false Tabernacle which Moses built, or made at random? For in these words there is a close opposition. I answer, that this trueth whereof he speaks, is not opposite to a lie; but to the figures only: as also when it is said, Joh. 1.17. The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Answer. This ancient Tabernacle then was no vain invention of man, but the image of the heavenly Tabernacle. Notwithstanding because there is difference between the shadow and the body; also between the signification, and the thing […] ⟨p. 162⟩speaks of the death of Christ, he respects not the outward act so much, as the spiritual fruit that came thereof. He suffered death after the common manner of men; ¹but in that he blotted out sins as a Priest, this was by a divine power. The shedding of his blood was a thing outward: but the purgation it wrought and yet worketh is a thing inward and spiritual. In a word, he died on earth, but the power and efficacy of his death reached to heaven. As touching that which followeth, some turn it thus; Of the number of those which offer gifts according to the law, &c. But the words of the Apostle have another signification: therefore I had rather resolve it thus; Whilst there are, or seeing there are Priests. For his meaning is to prove one of the two, either that Christ is not a Priest, if so be the Priesthood of the law remain, because it is without sacrifice: or rather that the sacrifices of the law do take an end as soon as Christ shows himself. But the first member is absurd, because it is not lawful to spoil Christ of his Priesthood. It remains then that we confess the order of the Levitical Priesthood to be now abolished.

As touching this word of holy things, or of the sanctuary, the Apostle expounds himselfe when he addes, of the true Tabernacle. But some may aske here, Obiection. whether it was a false Tabernacle which Moses built, or made at randon? For in these wordes there is a close opposition. I answer, that this trueth whereof he speaks, is not opposite to a lie; but to the figures onely: as also when it is said,