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…

They which were called received the promise, &c.] The covenant which God hath made with us tends to this end, that we being adopted of him for his children, are at the last made inheritors of eternal life. The Apostle shows that we obtain so great a benefit by the means of Christ: from ⟨p. 187⟩whence it appears that the accomplishment of this his covenant is in him. As touching the promise of the eternal inheritance, he takes it for the heritage promised: as if he should have said, The promise of eternal life hath no otherwise had his effect towards us for our enjoying of it, but by the death of Christ. It is very sure that life was promised in old time to the Fathers, and the same which is now at this day, was from the beginning the heritage of the children of God: but we enter not into the possession of it, unless the blood of Christ do go before. He makes express mention of those which are called: to the end he might move the Jews with the greater care, who were partakers of this vocation. For it is a special favour of God when the knowledge of Christ is given us: and therefore so much the more ought we to take heed, that in despising so inestimable a treasure, our spirits do not wander elsewhere. Some take this word called here, for elected: but unfitly, as I think. For the Apostle teacheth here the very same thing that S. Paul doth Rom. 3.25. to wit, that righteousness and salvation was obtained for us by the blood of Christ, but we receive it by faith.

They which were called receiued the promise, &c.] The couenant which God hath made with vs tends to this end, that wee being adopted of him for his children, are at the last made inheritors of eternall life. The Apostle shewes that we obtaine so great a benefit by the meanes of Christ: from ⟨p. 187⟩whence it appeares that the accomplishment of this his couenant is in him. As touching the promise of the eternall inheritance, he takes it for the heritage promised: as if he should haue said, The promise of eternall life hath no otherwise had his effect towards vs for our enioying of it, but by the death of Christ. It is very sure that life was promised in old time to the Fathers, and the same which is now at this day, was from the beginning the heritage of the children of God: but wee enter not into the possession of it, vnlesse the blood of Christ doe goe before. He makes expresse mention of those which are called: to the end hee might moue the Iewes with the greater care, who were partakers of this vocation. For it is a speciall fauour of God when the knowledge of Christ is giuen vs: and therefore so much the more ought wee to take heede, that in despising so inestimable a treasure, our spirits doe not wander elsewhere. Some take this word called here, for elected: but vnfitly, as I thinke. For the Apostle teacheth here the very same thing that S. Paul doth