w Testament
writings.

The New Testament contains the same kinds of expression in reference to
the Covenant of God as the Old, and employs them for the same purpose as
that for which those statements of that Testament are used. It makes use
of figurative and other language of the same origin as that of the Old
Testament, for the purpose of inculcating nothing else than the keeping
of the Covenant.

By an apostle, there is strikingly brought into view the truth taught in
the prophets,--that the Lord created, or formed, or fore-ordained, a
people, to enter into Covenant with him, and by obedience also,
otherwise to keep it.[433]

The imagery of the _foundation_[434] employed in prophecy to point out
Christ, and the sureness and continuance of the Covenant, is also used
by two apostles for the same purpose. Their references to it illustrate
the doctrine, that, in the New Testament, types, though realized in
Christ, and also partly illustrated in the blessings at any time
bestowed by Him, are not to be disregarded but studied, that the good
things prefigured by them, but as yet unattained, may be enjoyed.

The designation of the Holy Spirit, as the "Spirit _of promise_,"[435]
teaches that He was given in consequence of the arrangements of the
Covenant of God; and consequently, that all the benefits bestowed on
believers, not merely in Old but also in New Testament times, were to
come to them in connection with the acceptance of the gift of the
Spirit, as included in the promise of the Covenant.

The idea of _reconciliation_, dwelt on by the apostles, necessarily
implies the notion of a covenant agreement, as being not merely made but
maintained, between God and men--once exposed to his curse, but
afterwards put in possession of an interest in the atonement of Christ.

References made by the apostles to _purification_ cannot be explained
independently of the principle of, a covenant ratified by the blood of
Christ being the channel of the communication of faith and the other
graces, and of sanctification--that results from the implantation,
support, and direction of these by the Holy Ghost.

The _sprinkling_, whether of blood or of water, referring to the
operation of the Spirit, is introduced by an apostle as enjoyed by those
who take hold on God's covenant.[436]

Even as circumcision was, _baptism_ is, a sign and seal of the Covenant
of Grace.[437]

In the _Lord's Supper_, the bread is a symbol of the body of
C