For this is my blood of the New Testament
That is, the red wine in the cup, was an emblem and
representation of his precious blood, whereby was exhibited a new
dispensation, or administration of the covenant of grace; and by
which it was ratified and confirmed; and whereby all the
blessings of it, such as peace, pardon, righteousness, and
eternal life, come to the people of God: the allusion is to the
first covenant, and the book of it being sprinkled with the blood
of bulls, and therefore called the blood of the covenant, (
Exodus 24:8 )
. But the second covenant, or the new administration of the
covenant of grace, for which reason it is called the New
Testament, is exhibited and established in the blood of Christ
the testator. It was usual, even among the Heathens, to make and
confirm their covenants by drinking human blood, and that
sometimes mixed with wine F5.
Which is shed for many, for the remission of
sins;
that is, was very shortly to be shed, and since has been, for all
the elect of God; for the many that were ordained to eternal
life, and the many that were given to Christ, the many that are
justified by him, and the many sons he will bring to glory:
whereby the full forgiveness of all their sins was procured, in a
way consistent with, and honourable to the justice of God; full
satisfaction being made to the law of God, for all their
transgressions.
F5 Alex. ab Alex. Genial. Dier. l. 5. c. 3.