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…

This is the blood of the Testament.] Vers. 20 If it be the blood of the Testament, the Testament then is not established and ratified without blood: neither is blood sufficient for purgation without the Testament: wherefore it is necessarily required that both of them be joined together. And we see also that the figure and outward sign was not given, till the law was expounded. For what Sacrament were it, ¹if the word did not go before? therefore the sign is but as a thing hanging and depending upon the word. And we must note withal that this word is not a mumbling of it like a charm used in some magical are, but that which is distinctly pronounced with a loud voice; and it must also be spoken to the people: all which the words of the covenant which was appointed unto you, do show. Therefore they abuse the Sacraments, nay they wickedly corrupt them, ²when as there is no exposition of the commandment added; which exposition is, as you would say, the life and soul of the Sacrament. The Papists then who separate the understanding of the things signified from the signs, do retain the dead elements only without any efficacy. This place admonisheth us, that all the promises of God are then profitable unto us, when they are established, and confirmed by the blood of Christ. For when S. Paul witnesseth, 2. Cor. 1.2. that all the promises of God are Yea and Amen in Christ, ³it is then performed when his blood is engraven in our hearts as a seal: or rather when we not only hear God speak: but do also therewithal see Christ presenting himself for a pledge of those things which the word uttereth. If so be this thought possess us: to wit, that all that which we read is not only written with ink, but with the blood of the Son of God: and that when the Gospel is preached this blood distilleth with the voice; surely we shall be so much the more attentive, and shall receive the word with much greater ⟨p. 192⟩reverence, than ever we did before.

This is the blood of the Testament.] Vers. 20 If it be the blood of the Testament, the Testament then is not established and ratified without blood: neither is blood sufficient for purgation without the Testament: wherefore it is necessarily required that both of them be ioyned together. And wee see also that the figure and outward signe was not giuen, till the law was expounded. For what Sacrament were it,