To perform the mercy promised to our fathers
By "mercy" is meant salvation by Christ, which springs from the
mercy of God; the promise of which was an instance of mercy to
the Jewish fathers under the Old Testament, and also the
performance of it; for they were saved by the grace of our Lord
Jesus, even as we: his blood was shed for the remission of sins
that were past, and for the redemption of transgressions under
the first Testament:
and to remember his holy covenant;
which was made between him, and his Son from all eternity; and
was, at various times, dispensed and manifested to the
patriarchs, and eminent saints, as Adam, Noah, Abraham This is
called an "holy" one; not only because it was made by, and
between holy persons, and provided for the holiness of the people
of God, both here, and hereafter; but because in the article of
redemption and salvation by Christ, which is here more
particularly regarded, care was taken to secure the glory of
God's holiness and justice, as well as to display his grace and
mercy. Now raising up, and sending Jesus a Saviour, showed, that
God was mindful of this covenant, and therefore sent redemption
to his people.