The Holy Ghost would not suffer the church to make her own comment upon this most momentous passage; but by his servant the apostle Paul (Hebrews 10:5-14.) hath very fully done it himself; and plainly and decidedly declared that it wholly refers to Christ. Nay, that it is Christ himself speaking these words in his own person. It would form the subject of a volume, rather than the limits of a work like this, to enter at large upon the many blessed and interesting things here spoken of Christ. I must observe shortness. But I pray the Reader to notice how Christ speaks of the inefficacy of all sacrifices but that one which is himself. It is impossible that the blood of bulls and of goats could take away sin; and yet without shedding of blood there is no remission. Somewhat Christ must have therefore to offer, since He is to be the one all-sufficient sacrifice, by which he will forever perfect them that are sanctified. This then being the case, that sacrifice Jehovah did not desire, and yet that this great High Priest must have somewhat to offer, mine ears (saith Christ) hast thou opened, or as the Holy Ghost in the parallel passage expresses it, a body hast thou prepared me. The terms are the same. In the former text the appointment of Christ as Mediator, as servant to Jehovah, in the great work of redemption, is declared by an allusion to a custom in the Jewish church, that when a servant was so attached to his master, and wife, and family, as to determine to remain in his service forever, his ear was to be bored at the door post. See Exodus 21:6. Hence the prophet Isaiah, Isaiah 50:5. And in the latter passage by a body being prepared for Christ, is intimated that the hand of God our Father was in all the transaction. It was God who set him forth as a propitiation, through faith in his blood. Romans 3:25
Was there ever a scripture more plain and express to testify the appointment of God the Father, and the free consent of the Lord Jesus, in thus giving himself an offering for sin? Yes, blessed Jesus! it might be truly said by thee, as Mediator of thy church, and the husband of it, I love my master, my wife, my children, I will not go out free. And as in this place, when neither burnt-offering nor sacrifice could go a step towards the expiation of sin; then said I, Lo, I come, in the volume of the book it is written of me, to do thy will, O God. Yes! indeed it was written no doubt in the secrets of that book which none was found worthy to open but thyself. It was none but thou, blessed Jesus, that couldest open the book, or proclaim the contents of it; for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood. Revelation 5:2-9. I detain the Reader just to remark that the expression, thy law is within my heart, might be rendered thy law is in the midst of my bowels. And indeed so it is rendered in the margin of our old Bibles. By which may be understood that so holy and sanctified was, and is, the whole nature of Christ, that the holy law of God, and the holy nature of Christ, were one and the same. Precious thought to the believer! Reader! do not forget it, Thy Redeemer's nature was altogether pure. And such an High Priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens. Hebrews 7:26.