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…

12 As a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.

12 As a vesture shalt thou fold them vp, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy yeeres shall not faile.

IT may seem at the first blush that this testimony is unfitly alleged of Christ, and specially in a matter so doubtful, as this is whereof he entreateth. For the question is not as touching the glory of God, but of that which properly belongs and agreeth unto Christ. Now there is no mention of Christ in this place, but the majesty of God is rather set forth simply unto us therein. But although it be granted that no mention at all is made in this Psalm of Christ: yet we may evidently perceive that he is so pointed out in it, that no man need to doubt but that his kingdom is recommended as directly therein unto us, as if it were uttered in plain and express words. Therefore whatsoever is contained in it ought to be applied to the person of Christ. For whereas it is said in the former verses, Thou wilt arise and have compassion on Zion, that the Gentiles may fear thy name, and all the Kings of the earth thy glory. And again, when the people shall be gathered together, and the kingdoms to serve the Lord. All this you know was not fulfilled but in Christ. Truly we shall but lose our labour to seek this God by whom all the world was united into one faith, and into one spiritual worship, unless we seek him in Christ. So then all the whole contents of this Psalm, agreeth properly to the person of Christ. First, in that he is called the eternal God, Creator of heaven and earth. Secondly, that such a perpetuity is attributed unto him as is without change; by reason whereof his Majesty is exalted into the highest degree, and himself exempt out of the rank of all creatures.

IT may seeme at the first blush that this testimonie is vnfitly alleaged of Christ, and specially in a matter so doubtfull, as this is whereof he intreateth. For the question is not as touching the glorie of God, but of that which properly belongs and agreeth vnto Christ. Now there is no mention of Christ in this place, but the maiestie of God is rather set foorth simply vnto vs therein. But although it bee granted that no mention at all is made in this Psalme of Christ: yet we may euidently perceiue that hee is so pointed out in it, that no man neede to doubt but that his kingdome is recommended as directly therein vnto vs, as if it were vttered in plaine and expresse words. Therefore whatsoeuer is contained in it ought to be applied to the person of Christ. For whereas it is said in the former verses, Thou wilt arise and haue compassion on Sion, that the Gentiles may feare thy name, and all the Kings of the earth thy glorie. And again, when the people shall be gathered together, and the kingdomes to serue the Lord. All this you know was not fulfilled but in Christ. Truly we shall but lose our labour to seek this God by whom all the world was vnited into one faith, and into one spirituall worship, vnlesse wee seeke him in Christ. So then all the whole contents of this Psalme, agreeth properly to the person of Christ. First, in that hee is called the eternall God, Creator of heauen and earth. Secondly, that such a perpetuitie is attributed vnto him as is without change; by reason whereof his Maiestie is exalted into the highest degree, and himselfe exempt out of the ranke of all creatures.