Anointing

To anoint means to, literally, smear or rub (usually with oil). With regard to spiritual authority and enablement for service, anointing is from God. Anointing consecrates and empowers a person called by God for the service of God.  Anointing proceeds from the sovereign choice of God. He anoints the ones that He elects and calls. In the Old Testament, God would command people to go and anoint others; however, the real anointing was by Him (cf. Psa.89:20-23). In the New Testament, however, ceremonial anointing with oil for ecclesiastical offices is no longer needed. The church can lay hands upon and separate apostles and elders for service under the direction of the Holy Spirit, but the real anointing is by the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:2,3; 14:23; 20:28). Laying of hands is not an empty ritual; it does impart the spiritual gift necessary for service (2Tim.1:6). 

Difference between Cleansing and Anointing

1. The blood was for cleansing of sins (Lev.4:25,26); anointing was for consecration to service (Exo.30:30).

2. Cleansing with blood preceded anointing with oil for service (Lev.14:14,17).

Facts about Anointing

1. Anointing by God preceded the ceremonial act of anointing (Samuel had to recognize the one whom God had already anointed) (1Sam.16:6)

2. Anointing was a one-time event (A person didn’t need to be anointed again and again)

3. Anointing consecrated a person to God, but it didn’t guarantee personal holiness (people like Saul and David did fall into sin again and again)

4. Failure to be faithful to God did not invalidate the anointing (1Sam.24:6; Romans 11:29)

5. Failure to abide in God’s salvation can lead to God’s taking away the Holy Spirit (Psa.51:11; 1Sam.16:14)

6. The efficiency and power of the anointing comes from the presence of the Lord (Zech.4:12-14; Judges 16:20)

Anointing of Individuals for Service

1. Anointing of Priest (Exo.30:30; 40:13-15)

2. Anointing of King (Psa.89:20-23; 1Sam.9:16; 1Kgs.1:34)

3. Anointing of Prophet (1Kgs.19:16)

4. Anointing of the Apostles (2Cor.1:21)

Anointing of Jesus (Isa.61:1; Acts 4:27)

1. Anointing with the oil of gladness (Ps.45:7; Heb.1:9)

2. Anointing with the Holy Spirit and with Power (Acts 10:38)

Anointing of the Believer (1Pet.2:9)

The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit (1John 2:20, 27-29)

Anointing in the Secular

Cyrus was called God’s anointed one (Isaiah 45:1). Secular authority is consecrated by God.

Other Usages:

Anointing for Healing

1. Anointing with clay (only done once by Jesus). (John 9:6)

2. Anointing with oil (Mark 6:13; James 5:14)

Anointing to Honor

Mary anoints Jesus (John 11:2)