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…

But Christ being come an high Priest, Vers. 11 &c.] Now he brings forth the truth of the things which were under the law, to the end that turning away their eyes from the figures, they might look unto Christ in whom the substance was to be found. For he which believes that all that which was then shadowed out, was truly manifested in Christ; will no longer entangle his mind about shadows, but will embrace the truth and the very body it self. Now we must diligently note the parts wherein he compares Christ, with the high Priest who was in old time under the Law. §1He said that the high Priest only, entered every year once into the Sanctuary with blood for the purgation of sins. Christ hath this in common with him, that he only is put into the dignity and office of the high Priest. But yet there is a difference, that Christ is come upon this, and hath brought with him eternal benefits, which causeth that his Priesthood is perpetual. ⟨p. 183⟩§2Secondly, the ancient Priest, & ours who is Christ, had this in common, that both of them entered into the Holiest of all by the Sanctuary: but in this they differ, that Christ only is entered into heaven, by the temple of his body. §3Whereas the most holy place was open to the high Priest only once a year, to make the purgation of sins, this did already somewhat darkly represent the only oblation of Christ. This once then is common to them both: but to the earthly Priest it was yearly: and to the heavenly Priest eternally until the consummation of the world. The offering of blood is common to them both: §4but there is great difference in the blood: because Christ offered not up the blood of beasts, but his own blood. §5Satisfaction was common to them both, but the satisfaction of the law was reiterated every year, because it was without efficacy: contrariwise, the satisfaction made by Christ, hath his efficacy always, and is the cause of eternal salvation. Thus there is scarcely a word which hath not his weight. Whereas others have turned it, Christ an high Priest present, &c. do not rightly express the Apostles meaning. For he signifies that the Levitical Priests having performed their office unto the time appointed for them, Christ was put into their place, as we have seen chap. 7.