Topical Encyclopedia
The title "Surety" as applied to Christ is a profound expression of His role in the New Covenant, highlighting His function as the guarantor of the promises made by God to His people. The concept of a surety involves a person who takes responsibility for another's performance of an undertaking, such as the fulfillment of a debt or obligation. In the context of Scripture, Christ as Surety signifies His commitment to ensuring the fulfillment of God's covenantal promises to humanity.
The primary biblical reference to Christ as Surety is found in the Book of Hebrews.
Hebrews 7:22 states, "Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant" . Here, the term "guarantee" is synonymous with "surety," indicating that Jesus Himself is the assurance of the New Covenant's efficacy and permanence. This covenant, established through His sacrificial death and resurrection, surpasses the old covenant, which was based on the law and its rituals.
In the Old Testament, the role of a surety is illustrated in various passages, such as in the account of Judah offering himself as a surety for Benjamin in
Genesis 43:9. Judah pledges his own life to ensure Benjamin's safe return, reflecting the sacrificial nature of a surety. This foreshadows Christ's ultimate act of becoming the Surety for believers, taking upon Himself the penalty for sin and securing eternal redemption for those who trust in Him.
Christ's role as Surety is deeply connected to His priestly ministry. As the eternal High Priest, He intercedes on behalf of believers, ensuring their access to God and the continual application of His atoning work.
Hebrews 9:15 further elaborates on this, stating, "Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant" . His mediation is effective because He is both the sacrifice and the guarantor of the covenant's promises.
The assurance provided by Christ as Surety is a source of profound comfort and confidence for believers. It underscores the certainty of salvation and the unbreakable nature of God's promises. As the Surety, Christ not only guarantees the believer's standing before God but also empowers them to live in the light of the New Covenant, characterized by grace and truth.
In summary, the title "Surety" encapsulates Christ's role as the divine guarantor of the New Covenant, ensuring the fulfillment of God's promises through His sacrificial death and ongoing intercession. This title affirms the security and permanence of the believer's relationship with God, grounded in the finished work of Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Hebrews 7:22By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
That Worthy Name.
... Only Christ can give joy and comfort, peace and rest to ... think of some of the familiar
titles and names of that ... How these titles of our blessed Lord, what He is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm
On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ...
... And He is called by two names, Jesus Christ; Jesus ... the inspired Prophet Moses conferred
these two titles on two ... 1196] for our faith, who receive Christ Jesus as ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture x on the clause.htm
Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair ...
... heart, purpose and design; in which respect they get many titles, otherwise unsuitable ...
ornament worn by the high priest, so the names of Christ's elect were ...
/.../spurgeon/till he come/fragrant spices from the mountains.htm
Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant
... WE have here four titles given to our Lord Jesus in connection with the New ... All these
names point to the one truth, that in the New Covenant Christ is all ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/chapter x jesus the mediator.htm
The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... Christ, by offices, places of trust, and titles of honour ... of this covenant, who also
is become surety to God ... God, and laid up for them, in Christ, a sufficiency ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm
The Kingdom Undivided
... II. Names: ... 1. Three descriptions applied to Christ.2:1. Find two others in Chapter
5. ... Add the number in each chapter, omitting introduction and titles. VIII. ...
/.../palmer/a birds-eye view of the bible/iv the kingdom undivided.htm
The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts
... HYMN 146 Characters of Christ; borrowed from inanimate things in Scripture. HYMN
147 The names and titles of Christ. From several scriptures. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/
Christ a Complete Saviour:
... are his, and that by the best of titles: 'Thine they were ... go out about business in
their own names and strength ... that are justified by the blood of Christ such as ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christ a complete saviour .htm
The Blood of the Covenant
... Other names may have small significance, but in the titles of Jesus ... beautiful to
trace the shepherds through the Old Testament, and to see Christ as Abel ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/the blood of the covenant.htm
The Great Shepherd
... and sufferings unto death, of the names He bears ... of travailing in birth again, till
Christ be formed in ... he should be distinguished by such titles, honours, and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xiii the great shepherd.htm
Resources
What is the name of God? | GotQuestions.orgIs it biblical to call the wife of a pastor, elder, or bishop the First Lady of the church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of “Everlasting Father” in Isaiah 9:6? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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