The Institution of Christian Religion

The .xvi. Chapter. Howe Christ hath fulfilled the office of Redeemer, to purchase salvation for us, Wherein is entreated of his Death, and Resurrection, and his Ascending into Heaven.

The .xvi. Chapter. Howe Christe hathe fulfilled the office of Redeemer, to purchace saluacion for vs, Wherin is intreated of his Deathe, and Resurrection, and hys Ascendyng into Heauen.

AL that we have hitherto said of Christ, is to be directed to this mark, that being damned, dead, and lost in our selves, we may seek for righteousness, deliverance, life and salvation in him: as we be taught by that notable saying of Peter,¹ that there is none other name under heaven given to men where in there must be saved. Neither was the name of Jesus given him unadvisedly, or at chaunsable adventure, or by yt will of men, but brought from heaven by the Angel the publisher of Gods decree, and with a reason also assigned: because he was sent to save the people from their sins.² In which words that is to be noted, which we have touched in an other place, that the office of redeemer was appointed him, that he should be our saviour: butte in the mean time our redemption ⟨p. 95⟩should be but unperfect, unless he should by continual proceedings convey us forward to the uttermost mark of salvation. Therefore, so soon as we swerve never so little from him, our salvation by little and little vanisheth away, which wholly resteth in him: so that all they wilfully spoil them selves of all grace, that rest not in him. And that admonition of Bernard is worthy to be rehearsed,³ that the name of Jesus is not only light, but also meat, yea and oil also, without which all the meat of the soul is dry, and that it is also salt without the seasoning, whereof all that is set before us is unsavoury. Finally, that it is honey in the mouth, melody in the ear, and joyfulness in the heart, and also medicine, and that whatsoever is spoken in disputation is unsavoury, but where this name soundeth. But here it behoveth to weigh diligently, how salvation is purchased by him for us: that we may not only be persuaded that he is the author of it, but also embracing such things as are sufficient to the steadfast uphold in of our faith, we may refuse all such things as might draw us away hither or thither. For sith no man can descend into him self, and earnestly consider what he is, but feeling God angry and bent against him, he hath need carefully to seek a mean and way to appease him, which demandeth satisfaction: there is no common assuredness required, because the wrath & curse of God lieth alway upon sinners, till they be loose from their guiltiness: