This is a statement describing Jesus.

“YOU HAVE LOVED RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HATED LAWLESSNESS; THEREFORE GOD, YOUR GOD, HAS ANOINTED YOU WITH THE OIL OF GLADNESS ABOVE YOUR COMPANIONS.”  Hebrews 1:9 (NASB)

It actually begins this way.
”But of the Son He says, “YOUR THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER, AND THE RIGHTEOUS SCEPTER IS THE SCEPTER OF HIS KINGDOM.” Hebrews 1:8 (NASB)

I have a simple question. What is the opposite of lawlessness?

Could it be lawfulness?

What law? So many believe we are not under the Law. How about the Law of the Spirit of Life as Paul referred to in Romans 8:2. “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” Here we see one law superseding another as it “saves us” by its content. We just have to learn and apply its content.

Jesus the Christ hates lawlessness and God anointed Him because of it.

Is it acceptable to equate lawfulness with righteousness? The Word is pointing to that as that conclusion is expressed (under the anointing of the Holy Spirit) by the writer.

The Word compares the two, righteousness and lawlessness as choices that can and will be made, commending Jesus for choosing wisely. The phrase could easily have said “You have loved lawfulness and hated lawlessness.” So why didn’t it?

Does loving “righteousness” sound better than “You kept the law?” Does it sound more achievable? Do love and righteousness walk together?

Consider this. God used the term “Righteous” because it defines the kingdom. “THE RIGHTEOUS SCEPTER IS THE SCEPTER OF HIS KINGDOM.” The Scepter is the emblem of authority held by the King. As the king wields the authority given Him, He is to and will do so in righteousness with a resulting joy in His kingdom.

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” Proverbs 29:2 (NKJV)

If we expect to enter eternal life, to rule and reign with Jesus, then our righteousness is our absolute goal. We however, if walking in lawlessness, lawlessness by opposition to, by blatant rejection of, a teaching or the teachings, the righteous teachings of Jesus, teachings from the Father directly, we foretell our own eternal demise. There will be no lawlessness in heaven. No anger. No unforgiveness. Why? They all equal lawlessness or unrighteousness.

Conclusion: There are laws to follow now. They are depicted in the teachings of Christ and His disciples. Jesus refers to them as commands.
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”  John 14:15 (NASB)

After all, He is a (the) King. He has a kingdom. We are expecting to live there. Jesus is telling us how that can be possible. He is not suggesting how. He has told us the Way. It is up to us to choose. Our possibilities begin with our grace driven reconciliation to God through the death of His Son. Because we asked Jesus to be Lord, once reconciled, we have a responsibility to be obedient to Christ and His commandments. John 3:36 NKJV or NASB, Romans 5:10 NKJV, NASB

“Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things [that which He taught and showed us] , you will never stumble; ¹¹  for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.” [Future tense] 2 Peter 1:2-11 (NASB) [*] added for clarity. [A quote from my last post Peter, Paul, amen, joy.]

Here is the reward, while still here, if we fervently choose to embrace righteousness His Way. Our old self dies off and YOUR GOD HAS ANOINTED YOU WITH THE OIL OF GLADNESS above your companions.”

Gladness sounds great! “… above your companions?”  It sounds like a good reason for them to look up! They will look up to you and you will faithfully point them to the One who taught you righteousness.

We are under law. The first was satisfied so that the second could be established. If you still question this then answer this question.

Can anyone come to God except through Jesus? If there ever was a law, that is one for sure. The One who rules and reigns forever LOVES righteousness and HATES lawlessness.

All that is required of you is that you put your heart in it. The heart reborn, that has been given all things pertaining to life and Godliness.

“… seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge [what He taught and showed us] of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” 2 Peter 1:3 (NASB)

Imagine the Lord’s disappointment when we have it but do not apply it. He loves us.

The coming times demand our understanding. Preparing now is paramount.

In the guardianship of Christ,

Michael

    Exit Strategy

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