I came forth from the Father
This is the sum of what the apostle believed, and Christ, in
these discourses of his, had been speaking of. This his coming
forth from the Father is to be understood, not of his eternal
filiation; nor of his coming forth in a way of grace towards his
own people in the council and covenant of grace and peace; nor of
his constitution, as Mediator, from everlasting; but of his
coming in the flesh in the fulness of time: which supposes that
he was, that he existed as a divine person before; that he was
with the Father before; that he came forth from him with his
knowledge, mind, and will; he came not of himself, but he sent
him; and yet he came willingly, was not forced, or did not come
against his will: and this does not suppose any local motion, or
change of place, but only intends an assumption of the human
nature into unity with his divine person, who fills heaven and
earth with his presence; nor any separation from his Father, with
whom he was, and in whose bosom he lay when he was made flesh,
and dwelt among men; nor any absence from heaven, for he was
there when on earth.
And am come into the world;
where he was before, as the Creator and upholder of it, by his
immensity and powerful presence; this designs his coming and
manifestation in the flesh, which in general was to do the whole
will of God, which he in council and covenant agreed to do, and
for which he came down from heaven; and in particular to preach
the Gospel, call sinners to repentance, give life and light to
many, and to fulfil the law, by obeying its precepts, and bearing
its penalty, and both to do and suffer in the room and stead of
his people, and to save lost sinners, even the chief of them.
Again, I leave the world;
not that he relinquished the sustaining and government of it, as
God, nor the care of his people in it, as Mediator, for whom he
retains the same love as ever, and will not leave them fatherless
and comfortless; nor was he leaving it as never to return more;
for he will descend, in like manner he ascended, and will come a
second time and judge the world in righteousness: but he was
about to depart from it by death, having done the work and
business for which he came about.
And go to the Father;
to give an account of his work unto him, as his righteous
servant, being faithful to him that had appointed him; and to
transact the affairs of his people; to appear in the presence of
God for them; to present their petitions, be their advocate, make
intercession for them, take possession of heaven in their name,
and prepare it for them; to take his place at the right hand of
God in human nature, and to be glorified with the glory promised
him before the world was.