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Messiah signifies "anointed." Our nature is enriched in Christ with all graces. "He is anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows" that we might have a spring of grace in our own nature, for "of His fulness we receive grace for grace."

I. WHAT ARE THOSE GRACES WHICH WE RECEIVE FROM CHRIST'S FULNESS?

1. The grace of favour and acceptance; for the same love that God bears to Christ, He bears to all His, though not in so high a degree.

2. The grace of sanctification, answerable to the grace of sanctification in Him.

3. The rich privileges and prerogatives that issue to persons sanctified.

II. WHY IS IT CALLED HERE AN ANOINTING? Because, as the holy anointing (Exodus 30:31-33), was not to be applied to profane uses, so neither are the graces of the Spirit to be under-valued.

III. WHAT ARE THE VIRTUES OF THIS OINTMENT?

1. It hath a cherishing power; it revives the drooping soul, and cheers a fainting spirit.

2. It hath a strengthening power. It makes our limbs vigorous. So doth grace fortify the soul.

3. Ointment doth excellently delight and refresh our spirits (John 12:3). So grace is a wondrous sweet thing, and that which makes a man sweet is grace. This cures our spiritual distempers, beautifying the inner man, and making the whole frame of a Christian's carriage sweet and delectable —

(1) To God, who loves the scent of His own grace, wheresoever He finds it.

(2) To angels (Luke 15:10).

(3) To the Church. So far as a man is gracious, he improves his abilities to glorious uses. Grace is offensive to none but to wicked men.

4. An ointment consecrates persons to holy uses. Anointed persons are raised above the ordinary rank. The graces of God's Spirit elevate men above the condition of others with whom they live. (Psalm 105:15).

5. An ointment is a royal liquor. So the graces of God's Spirit, where they are, will be uppermost, they will guide and govern all.

(R. Sibbes, D. D.)

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KJV: Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;

WEB: Now he who establishes us with you in Christ, and anointed us, is God;