A17662:781
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.
But when we say, that grace is purchased us by the deserving of Christ, we mean this, that we are cleansed by his blood, and that his death was a satisfaction for our sins.1 His blood cleanseth us from sin. This blood is it that is shed for remission of sin. If this be the effect of his blood shed, that sins be not imputed unto us: it followeth, that with that price the judgement of God is satisfied. To which purpose serveth that saying of John the Baptist:2 Behold the lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. For he setteth in comparison Christ against all the sacrifices of the law, to teach that in him only ⟨p. 105⟩was fulfilled that which those figures showed. And we know, what Moses each where saith: Iniquity shall be cleansed, sin shall be put away & forgiven. Finally we are very well taught in the old figures, what is the force and effect of the death of Christ. And this point the Apostle setteth out in the epistle to the Hebrews,3 very fitly taking this principle, that remission is not wrought without shedding of blood. Whereupon he gathereth, that Christ for the abolishing of sin, appeared ones for all by his sacrifice. Again: that he was offered up to take away the sins of many. And he had said before, that not by the blood of goats or of calves, butte by his own blood he ones entered into the holy place, finding eternal redemption. Now when he thus reasoneth: If the blood of a calf do sanctify, according to the cleanness of the flesh, that much more consciences are cleansed by the blood of Christ from dead works: it easily appeareth that the grace of Christ is to much diminished, unless we grant unto his sacrifice the power of cleansing, appeasing and satisfying. As a little after he addeth: This is the mediator of the new testament, that the• which are called, may receive the promise of eternal inheritance, by mean of death for the redemption of sins going before, which remained under the law. But specially it is convenient to weigh the relation which Paul describeth,4