2 Samuel 23:5

 

No. 3


preached Sunday morning 7 May 1775

2 Samuel 23:5

Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure:
for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.

 
 
Having spoken of the Covenant in general, I now come to speak particularly of its properties. It is everlasting, ordered and sure. Each of these would bear a whole discourse but I shall endeavour to comprise them all in one.
 
1. Everlasting
This in two senses:
  1.1 From everlasting
It is not a new and hasty contrivance, but was established in the counsels of God from before the foundation of the world. Titus 1:2. [1]  Christ as the head of the covenant was set up from everlasting. Proverbs 8:23. [2]  And from hence we may prove:
    1.1.1 That there never was but one true religion since the fall of Adam, though under various dispensations. See Hebrews 11.
    1.1.2 That salvation is all of grace.
  1.2 To everlasting
It is unchangeable. It is inexhaustible. It has been the refuge of the people of God in all ages. It is so to us, and thousands yet unborn shall rejoice in it [when] we are gone off the stage of this life. It is not the weaker for all the assaults that have been made against it, it is not the poorer for all the supplies that have been derived from it, but like its great Author is the same today. Yesterday, today and forever. It will be still the same to eternity. Isaiah 54:10. [3]
 
2. Ordered in all things
The word signifies disposed, suited, provided, in such a manner as to answer every case and necessity that should arise. O this is a comfortable thought when the soul is enabled to look round. See how everything in this covenant is exactly fitted to its state. See 1 Corinthians 1: 30. [4]The Lord knew what would be wanted (1 Timothy 4:8; [5] Hebrews 13:5,6. [6]) and has provided accordingly:
  2.1 The poor awakened soul is distressed and terrified by the guilt of sin, but here is pardon – free pardon – a pardon bought with blood.
  2.2 Distressed by fears and unbelief, which make it shrink back and say, For others it may be, but not for me. But here are many, great, exceeding, precious promises.
  2.3 It sees itself all over wants, but the ordered covenant contains an infinite fullness.
  2.4 It is alarmed with numerous enemies, but when we look to the covenant, we see there are more with us than against us.
  2.5 There is a dreadful heart of unbelief tempting to depart from God, and when it is felt, the believer thinks, ‘This enemy will be too hard for me at last.’  Nay, says the covenant, that cannot be. I will put my fear into thy heart.
 
Thus every objection and complaint being provided for and answered, the covenant is:
 
3. Sure or as the word is secured
Freed from any possibility of miscarrying. It is sure:
  by the:
  3.1 word} of God {Psalm 111:5,9; [7] Isaiah 54:10 [8]
  3.2 oath} {Psalm 110; Hebrews 6:17 [9]
  3.3 power} {Deuteronomy 33:27 [10]
  by the:    
  3.4 blood} of Christ {Zechariah 9:11 [11]
  3.5 intercession} {Hebrews 12:24 [12]
  3.6 government} {Matthew 28:18 [13]
  We have only time briefly to hint at these things. But, O what comfort does the consideration of this covenant afford!
 
Hence:
1. You that desire to be established in faith and peace – meditate much on this subject. You will never get strength by poring only upon your own hearts.
2. Let all examine – concerning your faith in Christ – if you are united to him. This covenant which is made in and with him, you may say of it as David, He has made it with me. But not otherwise. There is not a drop of mercy or a grain of comfort out of Christ.
 
Can you adopt David’s words?
1. Is it all your salvation?  Do you understand this way?  Do you approve it?  The whole of it?  Is Christ precious to you?  In all his offices?  If so, the covenant is yours. If not, you are yet in covenant with death, under the covenant of the law, bound down with a curse.
2. Is it all your desire?  Then you are waiting upon the Lord, you are weary of sin, you love his ordinances, you account all things loss and dung compared with the blessings of the Covenant. Such shall not be disappointed. Although your house be not as you could wish, although you are not made to grow so fast as you are taught to pray for, yet here is comfort: the Lord has made an everlasting covenant. He has made it known to you, drawn your heart to approve and desire it. This is a sign you are surely interested in it. Fear not. You are in a good care. You have committed yourself to the Lord and none can snatch you out of his hands.


[Note: themes above are contained in Glorious things of thee are spoken, Zion, city of our God!]



Endnotes:
 
1. Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
2. Proverbs 8:23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
3. Isaiah 54:10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.
4. 1 Corinthians 1: 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
5. 1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
6. Hebrews 13:5,6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
7. Psalm 111:5,9 He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant. He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.
8. Isaiah 54:10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.
9. Hebrews 6:17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
10. Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.
11. Zechariah 9:11 As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.
12. Hebrews 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
13. Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.


Source:
Cowper & Newton Museum, ms 714(1), N2

Marylynn Rouse, 30/04/2019