The Gospel is set forth in Matthew 1 by the four women introduced into the genealogy: TAMAR (Genesis 38) is a dark picture of nothing but sin, yet sin brings her into connection with Christ. RAHAB (Joshua 2) is a sinner, but faith brings her into connection with Christ. RUTH is a Moabitess (Deuteronomy 23.3), a spotless character, but kept out by the law, which must be set aside to bring her into connection with Christ. BATHSHEBA shows David (a saint) sinning, but (Romans 5:8, 10) he is saved forever: hence Solomon (peaceful) can follow the true confession of his sin.
The gospel then is for sinners, is received by faith, justifies those shut out by the law, and is eternal in its value.
THREES, IN CONNECTION WITH PETER.
His threefold denial of our Lord, Matthew 26:69-75, etc.
The Lord’s thrice repeated question, John 16:15-17.
The threefold letting down of the sheet from heaven, Acts 10:16.
Three men came to him from Cornelius, Acts 10:19.
The Angel’s threefold command to him, Acts 12:7, 8.
E. C. D. and A. D. J.
“Upon me be thy curse my son,” Genesis 27:13.
“His blood be on us and our children,” Matthew 27:25.
E. B.
COMPARE Genesis 6:1, and Acts 6:1.
JUSTIFICATION.
God the author (Romans 3:26), grace the spring (Romans 3:24), blood the ground (Romans 5:9), resurrection the proof (Romans 4:25), faith the principle (Romans 5:1), works the evidence (James 2:24).
ROLL—
Thy way upon the Lord (Psalms 37:5), thy works upon the Lord (Proverbs 16:3), thy burden upon the Lord (Psalm 4:22).
GOD—
To us (Genesis 17:7), for us (Romans 8:31), with us (Matthew 1:23), us (1 Corinthians 14:25).