Sermon of Master John Calvin, on the history of Melchizedek Wherein is also handled,…Sermon of Maister Iohn Caluin, on the historie of Melchisedech Wherein is also handled,…

Here then we see what we are to retain as concerning this word Belief. (Abram then believed GOD) that is to say, Abram received the promise, by which GOD certified him, that he was his Saviour, that he embraced our Lord Jesus Christ that was offered him, by whom he knew we were reconciled unto God, although we were worthy to be accounted his enemies, and to have mortal wars made upon us, by reason of our sin and corruption. Wherefore Abram is beholden unto our Lord Jesus Christ, and was fully persuaded that that was the very bond, by which we are conjoined and united unto God, as that we ⟨p. 112⟩are partakers both of his life and also of all his benefits. Here then we see Abrams belief, to the end we take it not so leanly and sparingly as the Papists do. We see now in sum, that we shall never be able to understand what this word Faith and Belief meaneth, except we come to this melody of the Promise, and of the Receipt thereof. And why is it that God so often saith by his Prophets, I will call you my people, and you shall say, Thou art our God? Thus we see why God first speaketh: and it belongeth to him so to do: for, what a rash part were it of me to insinuate my self to come unto God, and to call him my Father, who am no better then a worm crawling upon the earth, no nor so good neither: but rather sin and horrible infection to be condemned for ever, whom Satan by nature possesseth, & whose bond-slaves we all are: and yet call God my Father? Yea, to see me usurp and take upon me such honour as the very Angels themselves as of themselves, are not worthy? But when he hath once pronounced this saying, I am thy Father: now it is no more cursed boldness and presumption to take our selves to be of the number of his children, but an holy confidence and trust, by which we ratify his truth. And this is the greatest honour that we can do him, when as he hath said the word, ⟨p. 113⟩to content our selves therewith and rest therein. Thus I say, we see what true belief is, even that which is here showed unto us by the example and instruction in Abram. Now it is said, that that was imputed unto him for righteousness: and that it was God that imputed the same unto him. We are now to set down what this word Impute, and this word Righteousness, signifieth, in comprehending also therewith the name of God.

Heere then wee see what wee are to retaine as concernyng this worde Beleefe. (Abram then beleeued GOD) that is to saie, Abram receiued the promise, by which GOD certefied him, that hee was his Sauiour, that hee embraced our Lord Iesus Christ that was offered him, by whom hee knew wee were reconciled vnto God, although wee were woorthie to bee accompted his enemies, and to haue mortall warres made vppon vs, by reason of our sinne and corruption. Wherefore Abram is beholden vnto our Lorde Iesus Christ, and was fully perswaded that that was the verie bond, by which wee are conioyned and vnited vnto God, as that we