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Study 03 of 10

Loving Righteousness and Hating Iniquity

Christ's anointing as High Priest comes from His absolute love for righteousness and hatred of iniquity.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Prescott explains that Christ's anointing with the 'oil of gladness' (the Holy Spirit without measure) was based on His love for righteousness and His hatred for iniquity. This 'hatred' was not a casual dislike, but a total rejection of all that was out of harmony with God. Christ voluntarily placed Himself in the position of the sinner, taking upon Himself the results of sin, so that we might understand how God truly regards it. His anointing above His 'partners' (us, His fellow laborers) was because He spoke the words of God and yielded Himself entirely to the Father. This experience, which brought Him anguish, was necessary for our redemption, to show the nature of sin and the holiness of God.

Key points

  • Christ was anointed above His fellows because He loved righteousness and hated iniquity.
  • Hatred for iniquity means more than a passing dislike; it is a total abhorrence for sin.
  • Christ voluntarily took the place of the sinner to bear the consequences of our sins.
  • Christ's anointing with the Spirit without measure was given because He spoke the words of God.

Key texts

  • Hebrews 1:9
  • Acts 10:37-38
  • John 3:34

From the book

Sermon 2 · Christ's Ministry · Read this chapter

  • “Thou hast loved righteousness and hated sin... therefore God... hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy partners.” (sermon 2)
  • “A perfect hatred for sin!” (sermon 2)
  • “Christ voluntarily put himself in that attitude where he must suffer the consequences of sin... all this was done that we may appreciate how God looks upon sin.” (sermon 2)

Put it into practice

  • Meditate on Christ's perfect love for righteousness and hatred for sin.
  • Ask for a deeper understanding of how God looks upon sin.
  • Consider your own heart and whether you truly hate the iniquity that is against God.
  1. Comprehension

    1. Why was Christ anointed with the oil of gladness above His partners?

  2. Doctrinal Clarity

    2. What does the author mean by a 'perfect hatred' for sin?

  3. Scripture

    3. Why did Christ voluntarily put Himself in the sinner's place?

  4. Comprehension

    4. Who are Christ's 'partners'?

  5. Doctrinal Clarity

    5. What does 'iniquity' mean in this context?

  6. Contrast

    6. Why did Christ receive the Spirit without measure?

  7. Doctrinal Clarity

    7. How did Christ's hatred of sin affect His experience on the cross?

  8. Application

    8. What personal area of your life needs to be brought into harmony with God's righteousness?