Hebrews 13:21,22

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,
working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight,
through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

No. 3

The next thing to be considered is the act here ascribed to the God of peace. And here:

1.	the act itself
2.	the means and manner

1.	*Brought him from the dead* This does not mean merely his resurrection, by power, but his restoration and exaltation by authority, as Philippians 2:9. [1] These are two affecting thoughts to his people, that:
	1.1	He was dead Such was his love he willingly died for his sheep. And they remember how he died – not in peace with his friends about him, but upon the Cross.
	1.2	He is alive Hereby their justification is confirmed, they have a pledge of their own resurrection – they have an Advocate and Protector – and because he lives they shall live also.

2.	The manner: by the blood of the everlasting covenant
	2.1	This covenant is the Covenant of Grace, that better covenant of which Jesus is the Mediator. When the covenant of works was rendered useless, a new one is provided in which the Lord undertakes to do all, chapter 8:10. [2] And this is everlasting and not that of Sinai. And the blessings are not temporal but everlasting blessings.
	2.2	The blood is the blood of Jesus, whereby the covenant is confirmed and valid.
		2.2.1	This blood is the foundation of all God’s dealings in a way of mercy. All the blessings shall be bestowed, because it is a covenant of blood.
		2.2.2	This blood is the sinner’s encouragement, it is like the rainbow a token of peace. Let us not fear to draw nigh, for though we are unworthy, we have the blood speaking for us.
	2.3	Herein is the Apostle’s meaning. The value and efficacy of the blood was complete. Thereby the whole will of God was fully accomplished – the types and ceremonies of the old covenant fulfilled. A perfect atonement made for sin and Christ having in and by his death done all. In virtue of his blood, he is released from the grave, declared to be the Son of God and Saviour of men with power – and as such solemnly received, and seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

These truths speak to his people:

1.	Love O how should we think of him.
2.	Security He ever lives to plead for and protect his own.
3.	Gratitude What shall we render! How shall we praise.

To sinners I would hint:

1.	He is now exalted – therefore not to be trifled with. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh from heaven. [3]
2.	He is exalted to save. There is forgiveness with him. He can pardon and sanctify the vilest. To faith in his name, all things are easy.

Endnotes:

1.	Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.
2.	Hebrews 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people.
3.	[Hebrews 12:25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:]

Source:
Cowper & Newton Museum, ms 714(11), N32