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…

Now although it be not the Apostles purpose in this place to show what Christ is in himself, but such a one as he declares himself unto us by effect: yet notwithstanding he doth sufficiently refute the Arians and Sabellians when he attributes that unto Christ which only appertains to God, and forthwith notes out two distinct substances in the Father and in the Sonne. For from hence we gather that he is one and the same God only with the Father, and yet that there is a distinction notwithstanding as touching the propriety: so as both of them hath his subsistence.

Now although it bee not the Apostles purpose in this place to shew what Christ is in himself, but such a one as he declares himselfe vnto vs by effect: yet notwithstanding hee doth sufficiently refute the Arrians and Sabellians when he attributes that vnto Christ which onely appertaines to God, and foorthwith notes out two distinct substances in the Father and in the Sonne. For from hence wee gather that he is one and the same God onely with the Father, and yet that there is a distinction notwithstanding as touching the proprietie: so as both of them hath his subsistence.

And bearing up all things] Properly it is, bearing all things. ⟨p. 14⟩But the word to bear is taken to maintain, or bear up, and to cause all creatures to continue in their estate. For his meaning is that all things would presently fall to ruin, if they were not upheld by his power. Notwithstanding when he saith by his word, this may be expounded as well of the Father as of the Son: but because the second exposition is the more received, and agreeth very well to the scope of the text, I am content to satisfy my self therein. Word for word it is by the word of his power: but according to the manner of the Hebrews, it is as much as if he had said by his mighty word. For whereas some do thus turn the text, that Christ maintains all things by his Fathers word, that is, by himself who is the word; it hath no colour at all. Besides, what need is there of so constrained an exposition? For when the Scripture calls Christ the word of the Father, it is not wont to use the word which is put here, that is, Rhema, but another, to wit, Logos. Wherefore the word doth here simply signify to will: and the sense is, that Christ who conserves the world by his only will, and as it were with his only beck; notwithstanding refused not to take upon him the office by which he made the purgation of our sins. And this is the second member of the doctrine which is handled in this Epistle. For the main groundwork of all the disputation consists in these two points: