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…

Jesus Christ yesterday, Vers. 8 &c.] The only means which causeth us to persevere in the true faith is, if we keep the foundation, not recoiling back from it so much as an hairs breadth. ¹For his knowledge is but mere vanity that knows not Christ, yea although he should therewith comprehend both heaven and earth. For all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hid in him, Coloss. 3.3. Here therefore we have an excellent place, out of which we learn that there is none other rule of true knowledge, but to rest all our senses in Christ alone. Moreover, because the Apostle had to deal with the Jews, he showeth that Christ hath always held the same principality which he now holds at this day: and that he shall be always like unto himself even to the end of the world. He was yesterday (saith he) and to day, he is also the same for ever. By these words he signifies, that the same Christ which hath been now manifested in the world, hath reigned from the beginning of the world: and that it ⟨p. 321⟩is not lawful to go any further, being once come to him. Yesterday then comprehends all the time of the old Testament: and to the end they should not look for some sudden change afterwards, because the publishing of the Gospel was yet but newly begun, he saith that Christ was so revealed newly unto them, that the same knowledge of him should not fade, but endure for ever. By this it appears that the Apostle disputes not about the eternal essence of Christ, but of his knowledge, which had place among the faithful in all times, and who hath bin the perpetual foundation of the Church. It is very certain that Christ was, before he manifested his power: but the question is now, what it is which the Apostle here entreats of. And therefore I say, that in this speech he aims at the quality (as you would say) and not at the essence. For here is no disputing whether Christ be eternal with his Father or no, but what his knowledge hath been amongst men. Furthermore, the manifestation of Christ under the Law was otherwise, in regard of the outward manner and means, than at this day: yet that hinders not, but the Apostle very fitly, and properly saith, that it is always one selfsame Christ to whom the faithful looked and aimed at.

Iesus Christ yesterday, Vers. 8 &c.] The onely meanes which causeth vs to perseuere in the true faith is, if we keepe the foundation, not recoyling backe from it so much as an haires bredth.