The Institution of Christian Religion

Now if we esteem his Godhead by the works that in the Scripture §12are ascribed unto him, it shall thereby more evidently appear. For when he said that from the beginning he was thetherto working with his father:¹ the Jews which were most dull in understanding of all his other sayings, yet then perceived that he toke upon him the power of God. And therefore, as John telleth, they sought the more to kill him, because he did not only break the Sabbath, but also did call God his father, making himself equal with God. Howe dull shall we be then, if we do not perceive that his godhead is herein plainly affirmed? And truly to order the world with providence and power, and to govern all things with the authority of his own might, which the Apostle ascribeth unto him,² belongeth to none but only the creator. And he not only enterparteneth the government of the world with his Father, but also all other offices which can not be made common to God with his creatures. The Lord crieth out by the Prophet: I am he, I am he, that do away thine offences for mine own sake.³ According to the meaning of this sentence when the Jews thought that wrong was done to god for that Christ did forgive sins, Christ not only affirmed in words but also proved by miracle that this power belonged unto himself. We see therefore that he hath, not the ministration, but the power of forgiveness of since, which the Lord sayeth he will not suffer to pass away from himself to any. What shall we say of searching and piercing the secrete thoughts of hearts?⁴ is it not the property of god alone? But the same had Christ: whereby is gathered that he is God.

Nowe if we esteme his Godhead by the workes that in the Scripture §12are ascribed vnto him, it shall thereby more euidentlie appeare. For when he saied that from the beginning he was thetherto working with his father:¹