EPC Australia

Who is this Holy One? Unquestionably the Lord Jesus. It was one of the names by which he was known in the days of his flesh. The devils knew him by it; and said, "We know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God." Ye denied, said Peter and John to the Jews, the Holy One and the Just. He was so called from the innocency of his life, the purity of his nature, and the eminency of his perfections; and therefore, in a sense, applicable to no mere creature. God is often called the Holy One, in the Old Testament; and, alluding to the very place where holiness is thrice ascribed to him by the Seraphim, the Evangelist affirms, "This said Isaiah, when he saw his glory, and spake of him." He is relatively, as well as personally holy, and evangelically, as well as legally. He is as holy in his Gospel as in his Law. He is as holy in his dispensations as in his ordinances. He is holy in all his ways, and righteous in all his works. He came by water, as well as by blood, and gave himself for us, to redeem us from all iniquity, and to purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. And though he will bring millions from the depraved race of Adam to glory, he will bring them all there, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.

And what is this unction from Him? John was a Jew, and well knew that oil, unction, anointing — it is all the same thing — was used to consecrate, to beautify, to refresh and delight. The word therefore is used here for the influence of the Holy Spirit. And this is derived from the Lord Jesus. This was typified in the case of Aaron, when the oil was poured upon his head, and went down to the skirts of his garments. So here, the unction descends from the head of the Church to the lowest members of the body. Hence it is so often called the Spirit of Christ. It comes to us through his mediation, and it comes to us from his possession. For it was not, as Mr. Howe observes, the design and effect of the sufferings and death of Christ, that the Spirit should be given immediately to any individuals, but that the whole dispensation should be lodged in his hands, and the administration be the honour of his office. He received gifts for men, and this was the chief of them. Being by the right hand of God exalted, says Peter, and having received of the Father the promise of the Spirit, he hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear. He therefore said to his disciples, "It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you." "And he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you."

Thus it pleased the Father, that in him should all fulness dwell. "And of his fulness," says every saved, every sanctified sinner, "have all we received, and grace for grace."

Have we this unction from the Holy One? If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Destitute of this, our religion will be a form of godliness, without the power; the practice, without the principle; duty, without delight — a task, wearisomeness, vanity. We can only know that he abideth in us by the Spirit which he hath given us.

If strangers to the benefit, let us seek it. We know to whom we are to apply. He is able, he is willing, to give us the supply of his own Spirit. How encouraging to address ourselves to one who loved us, and gave himself for us; who says, if any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink; who never sent one suppliant empty away; who never will, never can, for he cannot deny himself.

Cherish this unction. It is what the Apostle means, when he says, "Grieve not the holy Spirit of God, by which ye are sealed to the day of redemption." Not only does gratitude require this, because of what the Spirit has already done for you, but a concern for your own welfare. What can you do, without his aids and comforts? In consequence of his sin, David feared the entire loss of his agency, and therefore cried, "Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me." Yea, he had suffered the loss of the consolation and support which he alone can give. "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with thy free Spirit."

Let us diffuse this unction. Let us make manifest the savour of the Redeemer's knowledge, in every place, in every condition, in every company. Let it so abound in our conduct, temper, and discourse, that we may be distinguished and recommended by it, So that all may take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus.

Morning Exercises For Everyday In The Year
By Rev. William Jay