07. An unction from the Holy One (1Jn_2:20; 1Jn_2:27)

(7) An unction from the Holy One (1 John 2:20;1 John 2:27) "Ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things" (1 John 2:20).

"The anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you" (1 John 2:27). The apostle John introduces here the spritual growth of the believers in God’s family as one proof of divine life. In this family, three categories of persons are adressed twice: the fathers, the young men and the little children. The fathers know Christ, He "that is from the beginning" (1 John 2:13-14), the ultimate result of christian experience. The young men are engaged in a conflict with Satan. They are strong in the Lord and have overcome the wicked One. But they should remain on their guard (like each one of us): "Love not the world neither the things that are in the world" (1 John 2:13; 1 John 2:15-17). The little children begin their Christian life. It is remarkable that they receive much more detailed exhortations than the fathers and the young men. For them, the world is dangerous and it is the last time (1 John 2:18). Before the manifestation of the Antichrist (in a time still future for us), there were already in christendom many antichrists, who were active to spread deceitful teachings whereby the little children were in danger to be carried away (Ephesians 4:14). To face such danger, there are two provisions of God’s grace:

(1) The word of God (1 John 2:24-25): it is "that which ye have heard from the beginning".

(2) The Holy Spirit (1 John 2:26-27). The Holy One gives the key to all spiritual knowledge (1 John 2:20). It is truly encouraging to realize that regardless of our spiritual advancement or moral position, God’s provisions of grace are equally available to anyone. Even the youngest babe in Christ has that unction and may know all things, because the Holy Spirit gives him spiritual intelligence. Isaiah reports about the whole vision being compared to a sealed book delivered to a person; either that person knows how to read, but the book is sealed; or he does not know how to read (Isaiah 29:11-12). Contrariwise now, the Spirit opens God’s Word for us and instructs us how to read it. God’s message reaches our heart for our encouragement and enjoyment. The apostle Paul presents also that important truth to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 2:10-16). Revelation of the deep things of God is by the Holy Spirit. Communication of spiritual things is also through the Holy Spirit. Finally, reception into our heart and conscience is by the Spirit. The operation of the Spirit is likened here to an unction, a probable reference to the anointing of oil poured over the meat offering (Leviticus 2:4). The unleavened cakes were first mixed with oil and further anointed with oil (a usual emblem of the Holy Spirit). When coming on earth as Man, the Lord Jesus was, first, begotten of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:35); then, at the beginning of His ministry, the Holy Ghost descended upon Him (Luke 3:22). The unction is mentioned also by the apostle Paul in reference to the believer (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). The Spirit of God is poured over the Christian to guide him into all truth (John 16:13).