+I. The promises made to Abraham are first made to Christ, and then
in Christ to all that believe in Him.+--1. Learn the difference of
the promises of the law and the Gospel. The promises of the law are
directed and made to the person of every man particularly; the
promises of the Gospel are first directed and made to Christ, and
then by consequent to them that are by faith ingrafted into Christ.
2. We learn to acknowledge the communion that is between Christ and
us. Christ died upon the cross, not as a private person, but as a
public person representing His people. All died in Him, and with Him;
in the same manner they must rise with Him to life. 3. Here is
comfort against the consideration of our unworthiness. There is
dignity and worthiness sufficient in Him. Our salvation stands in
this, not that we know and apprehend him, but that He knows and
apprehends us first of all.
+II. The promise made to Abraham was a covenant confirmed by
oath.+--Abraham in the first making and in the confirmation thereof
must be considered as a public person representing all the faithful.
Here we see God's goodness. We are bound simply to believe His bare
Word; yet in regard of our weakness He ratifies His promise by oath,
that there might be no occasion of unbelief. What can we more require
of him?
+III. If the promise might be disannulled, the law could not do
it.+--1. The promise, or covenant, was made with Abraham, and
continued by God four hundred and thirty years before the law was
given. 2. If the law abolish the promise, then the inheritance must
come by the law. But that cannot be. If the inheritance of eternal
life be by the law, it is no more by the promise. But it is by the
promise, because God gave it unto Abraham freely by promise;
therefore, it comes not by the law. This giving was no private but a
public donation. That which was given to Abraham was in him given to
all that should believe as he did.--_Perkins._