ETERNAL, ETERNITY
The Scripture sense of these terms, in reference to the persons of the GODHEAD, and the events connected with them, are in the strictest sense of the word, for ever and ever. Very solemn, and yet very blessed, and full of the highest consolation, are those views of the eternity of JEHOVAH and his purposes in salvation. How infinitely sublime are those Scriptures! "Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy." (Isaiah 57:15) "For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever." (Deuteronomy 32:40) "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." (Deuteronomy 33:27) And JEHOVAH, in a threefold character of persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, is thus described in the eternity of his nature and essence, so Christ the Mediator, by virtue of the union of the manhood with the GODHEAD, is declared by JEHOVAH to be eternal. "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever." (Psalms 45:6; Hebrews 1:8) "The Lord sware, and will not repent; Thou art a Priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedec." (Psalms 110:4) And hence, in Christ and by Christ, and from an union with him, all that is connected in the blessed work of salvation is of eternal duration. The covenant is declared to be an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure. (2 Samuel 23:5; Jeremiah 32:40) The gospel is called an everlasting gospel. (Revelation 14:6) Redemption is said to be an eternal redemption. (Hebrews 9:12) And the consequence certainly follows from these properties, that the glory purchased by an eternal redemption is an eternal weight of glory. So the apostle to the Corinthians calls it, 2 Corinthians 4:17. (See Hebrews 5:9; 1 Peter 5:10; 1 John 5:11)