A surety is a substitute, sponsor, or bondsman, who legally and voluntarily assumes, either singly or jointly, the obligation of another, which he binds himself; either wholly or in part, to perform. When surety-ship is employed in case of debt, there are three parties concerned; the creditor, the debtor, and the surety: if; in this case, the surety gives to the creditor a single bond, in which he solely engages to fulfill the whole obligation of the debtor, on condition that the latter is released from the said obligation, and the creditor accepts this bond at the surety’s hand, he, by that very act, at once transfers the debt, from the debtor to the surety, and fully discharges the debtor from the obligation, and, of course, from all liability to pay so much as one mite of the debt. This is the true nature of human surety-ship in cases where the surety gives a single bond; and it is, doubtless, in allusion to this procedure in human affairs, that Jesus is called “the surety of a better testament.” (Hebrews 7:22). By the better testament, it is evident, the holy apostle means the covenant of grace, into which the sacred Three most graciously entered before the foundation of the world was laid, and in which all things relating to the salvation of sinners, and the glory of each divine person and perfection in that stupendous work, were wisely and immutably determined in the infinite, eternal mind; for of the very same testament of which He is the mediator He is the surety, His surety-ship being a part of this office; but it is of the eternal covenant of grace that He is the mediator (Hebrews 8:6); therefore, of that covenant He is the surety. In that ancient and glorious compact, replete with wisdom and love, God the Father was in Christ reconciling the world of His elect unto Himself; not imputing their trespasses unto them. Then it was that He laid help upon one that is mighty; “Jesus! Mighty to save!” It must; therefore, be for these that the last-named illustrious personage engaged His gracious word, to become the surety; for, without His surety ship, there could be neither reconciliation to God, nor help in Him for any sinner on earth.

Job Hupton