2. Official—
[As the priests were consecrated to their office by the blood of their sacrifices, so was Jesus by his own bloocU. From that time he had a right to impart salvation : from that time also he exercised that right. The persons indeed to whom alone he is " the author of eternal salvation," are, " those who obey him." Not that they possess this qualifi- cation before he vouchsafes his mercy to them ; but he in- variably transforms his people into his own image, and makes them, like himself, obedient unto death "\]
We may learn from hence,
1 . What we should do under sufferings, or a dread of God's displeasure —
[We should not hastily conclude that we are not his children": we should rather go with humble boldness to God as our Father"; we should plead his gracious promises!'; nor can we possibly be too earnest, provided we be content that his will should be done. (Alas ! that there should be so little resemblance between our prayers and those of Christ !) We should however consider that as the best answer to prayer, which most enables us to glorify God.]
2. Whither to go for salvation —
[The Father was " able to save his Son from death," and doubtless he can save us also ; but he has exalted his Son to be a Prince and a Saviour^. To Christ therefore we are to go, and to the Father through Christ''. In this way we shall find him to be the author of eternal salvation to us'.]
3. What is to be our conduct when he has saved us —
[Jesus died " to purchase to himself a peculiar people zealous of good works." We must therefore ohetj him, and that too as willingly in seasons of severe trial as in times of peace : we must be content to be conformed to the likeness of our Lord and Master. Let us be faithful unto death, and he will give us a crown of life*.]
1 Te\£iwO£t.; sometimes means " consecrated : " see Heb. vii. 28. m Phil. ii. 8. n Heb. xii. G. « Luke xv. 17, 18.
P Ps. 1. 15. q Acts v. 31. "^ Eph. ii. 18.
s Heb. vii. 25. » Rev. ii. 10.