The Institution of Christian Religion

Now, in his miracles how plainly and clearly doeth he appear?§13 And though I grant that as well the Prophets as the Apostles did equal and like miracles to these that he did: yet this great difference is there, that they by their ministration disposed the gifts of God, he showed forth his own power. He used sometime prayer, to the end to give glory unto his Father. But we see for the most part his own power showed unto us. And how could it otherwise be but that he was the very author of miracles that by his own authority gave power to other to deal miracles abroad? For the Evangelist declareth that he gave power to the Apostles to raise up the dead,¹ to heal the leprous, to cast out devils. &c. And the so used the ministration thereof that they sufficiently showed that this power came not from else where but from ⟨image 44⟩Christ.² In the name of Jesus Christ (sayeth Peter) Rise and walk. If is therefore no marvel if Christ alleged his miracles to confound the unbelievingness of the Jews: forasmuch as they were such as being done by his own power did give a most plain testimony of his godhead. If else where then in God there is no salvation, no righteousness, no life: and Christ containeth all these things in him, surely he is thereby declared to be God. And no man can object against me and say, that life and salvation is poured into him by God: for it is not said that he received salvation but that he is salvation himself. And if none be good but only God: how can he be only man, being I will not say good and just, but self goodness and justice? Yea from the first beginning of the creation as the Evangelist witnesseth in him was life: and he even then being life was the light of men.³ Wherefore being supported with such proves we are bold to repose our faith and hope in him: when yet we know that it is an ungodliness that robbeth God for any man to fasten his confidence in creatures. Believe ye in God? sayeth he. Believe then also in me. And so doeth Paul expound those two places of Isaiah. Whosoever trusteth in him shall not be put to shame. Again. Out of the root of Isai shall he come that shall rise to rule peoples, in him the nations shall trust. And why should we seek out more testimonies of Scripture for this matter, when we so often mete with this sentence? He that believeth in me hath everlasting life.