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…

For it is unpossible that the blood of goats, &c.] Vers. 4 He confirmeth the former sentence by the same reason which he alleged heretofore, to wit, that the blood of beasts did not purge mens souls. True it is, the Jews had therein a sign, and pledge of their true purgation, but it was another way: to wit, because the blood of a calf signified the blood of Christ. But here the Apostle disputes of the value of the blood of beasts in it self: and therefore he doth rightly take away from them the virtue of purging. We are here then to understand a close opposition, which is not expressed: as if he had said, It is no marvel if the ancient sacrifices were weak and feeble, so as there was necessity they should be offered without ceasing: for there was nothing in them but the blood of beasts, which pierced not unto the soul: but the blood of Christ is a far other thing. We must not therefore measure the oblation which he made, according to those oblations which went before.

For it is vnpossible that the blood of goates, &c.] Vers. 4 He confirmeth the former sentence by the same reason which he alleaged heretofore, to wit, that the blood of beasts did not purge mens soules. True it is, the Iewes had therein a signe, and pledge of their true purgation, but it was another way: to wit, because the blood of a calfe signified the blood of Christ. But here the Apostle disputes of the value of the blood of beasts in it selfe: and therfore he doth rightly take away from them the vertue of purging. We are here then to vnderstand a close opposition, which is not expressed: as if hee had said, It is no marueile if the ancient sacrifices were weake and feeble, so as there was necessitie they should bee offered without ceasing: for there was nothing in them but the blood of beasts, which pearced not vnto the soule: but the blood of Christ is a farre other thing. We must not therfore measure the oblation which hee made, according to those oblations which went before.

5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not: ¹but a body hast thou ordained me.