The Institution of Christian Religion

Therefore his kingly anointing is set forth unto us, not done with oil or ointments made with spices, but he is called the anointed of god, because upon him hath rested the spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength and fear of God. This is the oil of gladness, wherewith the ⟨image 173⟩Psalm reporteth that he was anointed above his fellows, because if there were not such excellency in him, we should be all needy and hungry. For, as it is already said, he is not privately enriched for him self,¹ but •o pour his plenty upon us being hungry and dry. For as it is said, that the father gave the spirit to his son, not by measure, so there is expressed a reason why, that all we should receive of his fullness, and grace for grace. Out of which fountain floweth that liberal giving,² whereof Paul maketh mention, whereby grace is diversly distributed to the faithful, according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Hereby is that which I said, sufficiently confirmed, that the kingdom of Christ consisteth in the spirit, not in earthly delights or pomps, and therefore we must forsake the world that we may be partakers of it.³ A visible sign of this holy anointing was showed in the baptism of Christ, when the holy ghost rested upon him in the likeness of a dove. That the holy ghost and his gifts are meant by the word Anointing, ought to seem neither novelty nor absurdity. For we are none other way quickened, specially for so much as concerneth the heavenly life: there is no drop of lively force in us, but that which the holy ghost poureth into us, which hath chosen his seat in Christ, that from thence the heavenly richesse might largely flow out unto us, whereof we are so needy. And whereas both the faithful stand invincible by the strength of their king, & also his spiritual richesse plenteously flow out unto them, they are not unworthily called Christians. But this eternity whereof we have spoken,⁴ is nothing derogate by that saying of Paul: Then he shall yield up the kingdom to God and the Father. Again the son him self shall be made subject, that God may be all in all things: for his meaning is nothing else, but that in that same perfect glory, the administration of the kingdom shall not be such as it is now.