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…

Thirdly, §3we may learn from hence that there are no true signs and Sacraments in religion, but those which are referred to Christ. But we are withal to take great heed that whilst we endeavour to appropriate and to make our inventions to agree to Christ, that we do not transfigure him as the Papists do, that he should be no more like himself. For we have no authority to invent what we think to be good, but it only belongs to God to show what we ought to do. For it is said, according to the pattern which he showed thee.

Thirdly, §3we may learne from hence that there are no true signes and Sacraments in religion, but those which are referred to Christ. But we are withall to take great heede that whilest we endeuour to appropriate and to make our inuentions to agree to Christ, that we doe not transfigure him as the Papists doe, that hee should bee no more like himselfe. For we haue no authoritie to inuent what wee thinke to be good, but it only belongs to God to shew what we ought to doe. For it is said, according to the paterne which he shewed thee.

But now our high Priest, Ver. 6 &c.] Even as heretofore he gathered the excellency of the covenant by the dignity of the Priesthood, so now also he maintains, that the Priesthood of Christ is more excellent; because he is the Mediator and Ambassador of a better covenant. Both the one and the other were necessary, because it was needful that the Jews should be turned from the superstitious observation of ceremonies, which were so many impediments to hinder them from going directly to the pure and simple truth of the Gospel. Now the Apostle saith that it was reason ⟨p. 165⟩that both Moses and Aaron should give place to Christ, as to the more excellent: because the Gospel is a more excellent covenant than the law, and the death of Christ much more noble than the sacrifices of the law. But that which he adds is not without some difficulty; to wit, Objection. that the covenant of the Gospel was established upon better promises. For it is certain, that even the very same hope of eternal life which we now have, was set before the ancient Fathers which lived under the law. The grace of adoption being as common to them as to us. Their faith then must needs be built upon the same promises. Answer. But this comparison of the Apostle must be rather referred to the form than to the matter. For although God did promise them the same salvation, which he promiseth us now at this day, yet notwithstanding the measure, or manner of revelation was neither equal, nor alike. But if any will see more of this, let him have recourse to our Institution, and to that which is written upon the fourth and sith chapter of the Epistle to the Galatians.