Revelation 4:2-5 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.… I. THIS EMBLEM. 1. It tells us that God is in covenant with man. Such was the meaning of the rainbow in the time of Noah. The world, which had been taught so solemnly the terror of God's wrath, was now to learn the "riches of His goodness." But the covenant which God makes now is more gracious still — as much more, as the soul is more precious than the body, and things eternal more important than things temporal. And with whom is this covenant made? With all who will accept it: that is to say, with all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith in Christ is the acceptance of the covenant. What a covenant! — well called "the covenant of grace." It includes, first, forgiveness; then, renewal of heart; then, preservation from sin; and finally, the eternal joy of the souls of believers. 2. Again, this covenant shows all the attributes of God together. "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other." How safe then the shelter of those who have an interest in this covenant: they are protected by the combined attributes of the eternal God! 3. By this covenant God binds Himself. Where is the rainbow? "Round about the throne." Majestic as He is, and just and holy, He is content to be bound — bound by His own word, His sure promise, His unchangeable covenant. II. SOME CONFIRMATION OF THIS TRUTH. The doctrine of God's covenant of grace is not only clearly revealed in Scripture; it is also not opposed to reason. 1. There is nothing in it unworthy of Him. It is not a covenant of unjust severity — nor is it one of unjust mercy. Mercy there is in it — conspicuous mercy; but it is in harmonious alliance with holiness and equity and truth. What, then, is to hinder Him from carrying out the covenant of grace? Nothing! His sovereignty is free. 2. It is a covenant that promotes His glory. Practical lessons from the covenant of grace: 1. Here is joy for the believer. 2. Here, too, is encouragement for the inquirer. (F. Tucker, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. |
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