OPC'n
Puritan Board Doctor
This is not a thread concerning whether the Sabbath is to be observed or not. I believe it is. I'm just wondering what Calvin had in mind here.
It could just be my misunderstanding but he seems to be saying that the Sabbath was done away with but that the employment of worship still exists. Is this what you guys think he is saying?
Calvin's Commentary Vol 1 pg 106-107Afterwards, in the Law, a new precept concerning the Sabbath was given, which should be peculiar to the Jews, and but for a season; because it was a legal ceremony shadowing forth a spiritual rest, the truth of which was manifested in Christ. Therefore the Lord the more frequently testifies that he had given, in the Sabbath, a symbol of sanctification to his ancient people. Therefore when we hear that the Sabbath was abrogated by the coming of Christ, we must distinguish between what belongs to the perpetual government of human life, and what properly belongs to ancient figures, the use of which was abolished when the truth was fulfilled. Spiritual rest is the mortification of the flesh; so that the sons of God should no longer live unto themselves, or indulge their own inclination. So far as the Sabbath was a figure of this rest, I say, it was but for a season; but inasmuch as it was commanded to men from the beginning that they might employ themselves in the worship of God, it is right that it should continue to the end of the world.
It could just be my misunderstanding but he seems to be saying that the Sabbath was done away with but that the employment of worship still exists. Is this what you guys think he is saying?