A17662:868
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.
The third Chapter. That we are regenerate by faith. Wherein is entreated of Repentance.
The thyrde Chapter. That we ar regenerate by faithe. Wherein is entreatch of Repentance.
Albeit we have already partly taught how faith possesseth §1Christ, & how by it we eioye his benefits: nevertheless this were yet dark, unless we did also make declaration of the effects that we feel thereby. Not without cause it is said, that the sum of the Gospel standeth in repentance and in forgiveness of sins. Therefore leaving out these two points, whatsoever we shall say of faith, shall be but a hungry & unperfect, yea & in manner unprofitable disputation of faith. Now forasmuch as Christ doth give both unto us, & we obtain both by faith, that is to say, both newness of life & free reconciliation, reason & order of teaching requireth, that in this place I begin to speak of both. Our next passage from faith shall be to Repentance, because when this article is well perceived, it shall the better appear how man is justified by only faith and mere pardon, & yet how real holiness of life (as I may so call it) is not severed from free imputation of righteousness. Now, it ought to be out of question, that Repentance doth not only immediately follow faith, but also spring out of it. For whereas pardon & forgiveness is therefore offered by the preaching of the Gospel, ye the sinner being delivered from the tyranny of Satan, from the yoke of sin, & from miserable bondage of vices, may pass into the kingdom of God, truly no man can embrace the grace of the Gospel, but he must return from the errors of his former life into the right way, and apply all his study to the meditation of repentance. As for them that think that repentance doth rather go before faith than flow or spring forth of it, as a fruit out of a tree, they never knew the force thereof, and are moved with to weak an argument to think so.