A17662:750
The Institution of Christian Religion
The institution of Christian religion, written in Latin by master John Calvin, and translated into English according to the authors last edition. Seen and allowed according to the order appointed in the Queens majesties injunctionsThe institution of Christian religion, vvrytten in Latine by maister Ihon Caluin, and translated into Englysh according to the authors last edition. Seen and allowed according to the order appointed in the Quenes maiesties iniunctions
London: printed by Reinolde Wolfe & Richard Harison, 1561London: printed by Reinolde VVolfe & Richarde Harison, 1561
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Beside that, the very manner of his death is not without a singular §6mystery. The Cross was accursed, not only by opinion of men, but also by decree of the law of God. Therefore when Christ was lifted up to the Cross, he made himself subject to the curse. And so it behoved to be done, that when the curse was removed from us to him, we might be delivered from all curse that for our sins was prepared for us, or rather did already rest upon us. Which thing was also by shadow expressed in the law. For the sacrifices and satisfactory oblations that were offered for sins, were called Ashemoth: Which word properly signifieth sin it self. By which figurative change of name, the holy ghost meant to show, that they were like unto cleansing plasters to draw out to themselves, and bear the curse due to sins. But that same which was figuratively represented in the sacrifices of Moses, is in deed delivered in Christ the original pattern of all the figures. Wherefore he▪ to perform ⟨image 177⟩a perfect expiat•o,1 gave his own soul to be an ashamed, that is a satisfactory oblation as the Prophet calleth it, upon the which our filth and punishment might be caste, and so cease to be imputed to us. The Apostle testifieth the same thing more plainly where he teacheth,2 that he which knew no sin, was by his father made sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. For the son of God being most clean from all fault, did yet put upon him the reproach and shame of our iniquities, and on the other side covered us with his cleanness.3 It seemeth that he meant the same, when he speaketh of sin, that sin was condemned in his flesh. For the father destroyed the force of sin, when the curse thereof was removed and laid upon the flesh of Christ. It is therefore declared by this saying, that Christ was in his death offered up to his father for a satisfactory sacrifice, that the whole satisfaction for sin being ended by his sacrifice, we might cease to dread the wrath of God. Now is it plain,