Commentary on Hebrews and the Catholic Epistles John Calvin
CHAPTER 3
Psalm, ought not to be confined to the age of David, but that it comprehends every time in which God may address us. As often, then, and as long as he opened his sacred mouth to teach us, let this sentence come to our minds, ``Today, if ye will hear his voice''. In the same way Paul teaches us that when the Gospel is preached to us, it is the accepted time in which God hears us, and the Day of salvation in which he helps us. (2 Corinthians 6:2.)
Now, of this opportunity we ought to avail ourselves; for if through our sloth we suffer it to pass by, we shall hereafter in vain deplore its loss. So Christ says, ``Walk while ye have the light; come shortly shall the night.'' (John 12:35.) The particle while, then, or as long as, intimates that, The seasonable time will not continue always, if we be too slothful to follow when the Lord calls us. God knocks at our door; unless we open to him he will no doubt in his turn close against us the gate of his kingdom. In a word, too late will be their groans who despise the grace offered to them today. As, then, we know not whether God will extend his calling to tomorrow, let us not delay. Today he calls us; let us immediately respond to him, for there is no faith except where there is such a readiness to obey.
Heb 3:14-19
Hebrews Chapter 3:14-19
14. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end;
14. Participes enim facti sumus Christi, siquidem initium fiduciae (vel, subsistentiae) ad finem usque firmum tenuerimus;
15. While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
15. In hoc quod dicitur, Hodie si vocem ejus audieritis, ne obduretis corda vestra sicut in exacerbatione.
16. For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.
16. Quidam enim quum audissent, exacerbarunt; at non omnes qui egressi fuerant ex AEgypto per Mosen.
17. But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
17. Quibus autem infensus fuit quadraginta annis? an non iis qui peccaverant, quorum membra ceciderunt in deserto?
18. And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
18. Quibus autem juravit, non ingressuros in requiem suam nisi incredulis (aut, inobedientibus)?
19. So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. 19. Et videmus non potuisse ingredi propter infidelitatem.