The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world - Robert Hawker

"One of the most blessed thoughts, in confirmation of JESUS acting as the surety of his people, and his people receiving all the blessings and benefits of that suretyship, is the testimony the HOLY GHOST gives, in various parts of the scripture, concerning the faithful. Wherefore did they live and die so comfortably, but because JESUS had taken out the sting of sin, and removed the curses of the broken law, by the sacrifice of himself. And although the Old Testament saints all lived and died before this great sacrifice was offered, yet it was intentionally offered, for CHRIST was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Revelation 13:8. Hence they died in the sure faith of it, as much as though it had already taken place, and were accepted in it. So that they trusted, and were not confounded." -Robert Hawker