The designation of the Holy Spirit, as the "Spirit _of promise_,"[435] teaches that He was given in consequence of the arrangements of the Covenant of God; and consequently, that all the benefits bestowed on believers, not merely in Old but also in New Testament times, were to come to them in connection with the acceptance of the gift of the Spirit, as included in the promise of the Covenant. The idea of _reconciliation_, dwelt on by the apostles, necessarily implies the notion of a covenant agreement, as being not merely made but maintained, between God and men--once exposed to his curse, but afterwards put in possession of an interest in the atonement of Christ. References made by the apostles to _purification_ cannot be explained independently of the principle of, a covenant ratified by the blood of Christ being the channel of the communication of faith and the other graces, and of sanctification--that results from the implantation, support, and direction of these by the Holy Ghost. The _sprinkling_, whether of blood or of water, referring to the operation of the Spirit, is introduced by an apostle as enjoyed by those who take hold on God's covenant.[436] Even as circumcision was, _baptism_ is, a sign and seal of the Covenant of Grace.[437] In the _Lord's Supper_, the bread is a symbol of the body of Christ--broken in the sufferings endured by him on behalf of his people; and the wine is a symbol of his blood--shed for the remission of their sins. Commemorating the Redeemer's dying love, and receiving a seal of all the benefits of his death, by partaking of these elements according to his command, they signify the actings of their faith on him in an act of Covenanting.[438] Preaching peace, Christ, and after him his apostles and other servants in the ministry of the gospel,[439] proclaimed the Covenant of Peace, and urged the duty of acceding to it; and speaking peace to his disciples,[440] He declared it to be his prerogative to bestow on all his people the blessings of that Covenant. The Redeemer, foretelling his address to be delivered at the day of judgment to his enemies of all ages of the world,--"I never knew you: depart from me," intimated that he would not recognise them as covenant children; and declaring of his people,--"I am the good Shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine," he taught that they know him, as they alone do who take hold on God's covenant.[441] Allusions to the seal imply the doctrine of Covenanting. The declaration,--"He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true,"[442] refers to a solemn covenant attestation to the truth. The people of God designating the Redeemer, as the "_High Priest of our profession_,"[443] recognise him as bestowing grace upon them, to take hold on God's covenant, and to continue to cleave to it.