Bind up the testimony
“Bind up the testimony”
There is evidently a reference in the text to wares or merchandise which are very valuable, and which must be bound up and sealed, to preserve them from being injured or lost, and to convey them in safety to those to whom they belong.
The meaning of the text is, that we should, by searching the Scriptures, and by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, ascertain what truths and duties are contained in them, and carefully preserve and maintain these like that which is bound up and sealed. In acting in accordance with the instructions given in the text, the once bearers of the Church should take the lead, to encourage and direct the people of Christ; and His people must concur with them in binding up the testimony and sealing the law. Brad up the testimony, seal the law among, or along with, My disciples.
I. IN WHAT MANNER the testimony must be bound up, and the law sealed, among Christ’s disciples.
1. By their faith in His Word.
2. By their profession of the faith.
3. By obeying the truth.
4. By suffering for the truth.
5. By religious covenanting.
II. FOR WHAT ENDS the testimony is bound up and the law sealed among Christ’s disciples.
1. For their preservation.
2. For their transmission to posterity. (Original Secession Magazine.)
Divine revelation
It is a great instance of God’s care of His Church and love to it, that He hath lodged in it the invaluable treasure of Divine revelation.
1. It is a testimony and a law.
2. This testimony and law are bound up and sealed, for we are not to add to them or diminish from them.
3. They are lodged as a sacred depositum in the hands of the disciples (2 Timothy 1:13-14). (M. Henry.)