s appearance declared it fact. As the
Father's Servant, and consequently as in covenant with him, he was
promised. His mission, to fulfil his Father's will, declared his
obligations. The oath sworn to him, as a priest after the order of
Melchizedec, pointed out their nature; and his manifestation in the
flesh, and the perfect righteousness which he wrought out, abundantly
signified their covenant origin, and reality, and design.

Christ was given as a token of the Covenant's ratification. In his
questions put to the Jews regarding a prophetic psalm, the Redeemer
testified to the Father's oath, sworn to himself as the new covenant
Surety. The gracious words which he spake gave evidence that the Father,
in fulfilment of his promise, had put his Spirit upon him. His
resurrection from the dead and ascension to heaven, completed the
evidence of the Father's faithfulness in fulfilling the promise of glory
and honour made unto him, which his mediatorial career on earth
supplied; and his bringing of every new son to glory adds to its amount.
And that, as on the part of the Father of mercies his covenant should be
ratified, so, on his own part, it should not fail, he afforded an
all-impressive sign. He magnified the law and made it honourable. He
obeyed its precepts; he poured out his soul unto death. Concerning his
work existed the prediction, "As for thee, also, by the blood of thy
covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no
water."[732] He predicted his own sufferings and death. He submitted to
the injuries inflicted on him by his enemies; he bare the load of God's
wrath; he laid down his life. Of him an inspired apostle writes, "Now
the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that
great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting
covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will."[733] In
heaven he stands as a Lamb slain, and receives the adoration of the four
living creatures, and of the four and twenty elders, "Thou art worthy to
take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and
hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue,
and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and
priests."[734] By his people on earth throughout all ages, by the eye of
faith, thus promised, and given, and glorified, as a sign of his
covenant's complete confirmation will he be contemplated; and by them as
such for