The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I
have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I
drawn thee. (Jer. 31:3)
This passage ought to be carefully noticed: for these false
imaginations come immediately to our minds, when we read or hear how God had in
various ways and degrees been merciful towards his people, “He! that happened
formerly, but we know not whether God’s purpose remains the same; he, indeed,
conferred this favor on his ancient people, but we know not whether the same
can or will be extended to us.”
Thus the devil, by his craft, suggests to us these false
imaginations, which impede the flow of God's favor, that it may not come to us.
So the grace of God is stopped in its course, when we thus separate ourselves
from the fathers, and from all his servants towards whom he has been so
merciful.
It is, therefore, a doctrine especially useful, when the
Prophet shews, that whatever blessings God has at any time conferred on his
ancient people, they ought to be ascribed to his gratuitous covenant, and that
that covenant is eternal: and hence there is no doubt but that God is at this
day prepared to secure the salvation of all the godly; for he remains ever the
same, and never changes; and he would also have his fidelity and constancy to
shine forth in the covenant which he has made with his Church.
Since, then, the covenant of God is inviolable and cannot
fail, even were heaven and earth brought into confusion, we ought to feel
assured that God will ever be a deliverer to us: how so? because his covenant
remains the same; and, therefore, his power to deliver us will remain the same.
This is the use we ought to make of this clause. (Commentaries)
No comments:
Post a Comment