Reformed Covenanter
Cancelled Commissioner
The promise embodied in these words [John 7:37-39] refers to the Holy Ghost, whose living waters could be imparted in only a stinted measure, under the Old Testament, seeing the Saviour was not yet glorified. Accordingly, it is observed by Dr [John] Owen, that those passages in the prophetic Scriptures which speak of the Spirit being “poured out,” always refer to New Testament times — the term “pouring out” indicating an exuberant abundance, such as could not be granted till the great sacrifice was offered. The increased measures of spiritual influence attest God’s acceptance of Christ’s expiation. A holy God granted straitened supplies under the legal system, to intimate that the great atonement was not offered; and then, after it was presented, to show it was embued with infinite intrinsic merit, his gifts and graces were showered down in unrestricted copiousness. ...
For more, see Alexander Cumming on Christ’s death and the Spirit’s outpouring.
For more, see Alexander Cumming on Christ’s death and the Spirit’s outpouring.