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…

4 For it is unpossible that the blood of Bulls and goats should take away sins.

4 For it is vnpossible that the blood of Bulls and goats should take away sinnes.

For the law having the shadow, Vers. 1 &c.] He borrows this similitude from the art of painting: for he takes this word shadow in this place, otherwise than it is taken, Col. 2.17. where S. Paul calls the old ceremonies, shadows, because they had not the very substance of the things in them, which they did represent. But the Apostle saith here, they were like rude draughts, which are but the shadows of the lively painting. For painters are wont to draw that which they purpose to ⟨p. 201⟩counterfeit or represent with a coal, ¹before they set on the lively colours with the pencil. The Apostle then puts this difference between the law and the Gospel: to wit, that that which at this day is drawn and painted with fresh and lively colours, was only shadowed out under the law by a rude or gross draught. Thus he yet again confirms that which he said before, to wit, that the law was no vain thing, neither the ceremonies thereof unprofitable. For although it had not the perfect image of heavenly things, as if the workman had put his last endeavour to it, yet even this rough draught was greatly profitable to the Ancient Fathers: albeit our condition be now much better. And let us observe, that even those things which are now set before our eyes, were showed to them a far off. ²And therefore both we, and they have the same Christ, the same righteousness, the same sanctification, and the same salvation: there is no difference or diversity, but in the manner of setting them forth. I think by these words of good things to come, he means eternal good things. I confess indeed that the kingdom of Christ which we now enjoy, was long ago foretold to come: but the words of the Apostle signify that we have the lively portraiture of good things to come. He means then that sample and spiritual pattern, the full enjoying whereof is deferred until the day of the resurrection, and to the world to come. And yet I do again confess that these good things began to be revealed from the beginning of Christ his kingdom: but the question is now, that the good things to come in this place are not only so called in regard of the old Testament, but because we also do yet hope and wait for them.