Commentary on Hebrews and the Catholic Epistles John Calvin (continued)
John Calvin
Apostle affirms it as a truth without exception, that death is necessary in order to make a sacrifice.
The Papists attempt to evade again by saying, that the mass is the application of the one sacrifice which Christ has made; but the Apostle teaches us on the contrary, that the sacrifices of the Law were abolished by Christ's death for this reason, because in them a remembrance of sins was made; it hence appears evident, that this kind of application which they have devised has ceased.
In short, let the Papists twist themselves into any forms they please, they can never escape from the plain arguments of the Apostle, by which it appears clear that their mass abounds in impieties; for first, according to the Apostle's testimony, Christ alone was fit to offer himself; in the mass he is offered by other hands; --- secondly, the Apostle asserts that Christ's sacrifice was not only one, but was also once offered, so that it is impious to repeat it; but in the mass, however they may prate about the sacrifice, yet it is evidently made every day, and they themselves confess it; --- thirdly, the Apostle acknowledges no sacrifice without blood and death; they then chatter in vain, that the sacrifice they offer is bloodless; --- fourthly, the Apostle in speaking of obtaining pardon for sins, bids us to flee to that one sacrifice which Christ offered on the cross, and makes this distinction between us and the fathers, that the rite of continually sacrificing was done away by the coming of Christ; but the Papists, in order to make the death of Christ efficacious, require daily applications by means of a sacrifice; so that they calling themselves Christians, differ nothing from the Jews except in the external symbol.
Heb 10:19-23
Hebrews Chapter 10:19-23
19. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
19. Habentes itaque, fratres, fiduciam ingrediendi in sancta per sanguinem Iesu,
20. By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
20. Via quam dedicavit nobis recentem ac vivam per velum, hoc est carnem suam,
21. And having an high priest over the house of God; 21. Et sacerdotem magnum super domum Dei, 22. Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
22. Accedamus cum sincero corde in certitudine fidei, aspersi cordibus a conscientia mala, et abluti corpore aqua munda;
23. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)