The Anointing

In Christian theology, the concept of anointing has deep roots in both the Old and New Testaments and carries a rich tapestry of meanings and applications. Anointing refers to the practice of pouring or smearing oil on a person in a religious ceremony as a symbol of the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, consecration, or the conferring of a divine blessing. Here are some key aspects of anointing in Christianity:

1. **Old Testament Foundations**: In the Old Testament, anointing was a common practice for consecrating priests, prophets, and kings, signifying their divine appointment and the Holy Spirit’s enablement for their tasks (e.g., Aaron as high priest in Exodus 30:30, David as king in 1 Samuel 16:12-13).

2. **Messiah – The Anointed One**: The Hebrew word “Messiah” and the Greek word “Christ” both mean “Anointed One.” Jesus is recognized as the ultimate fulfillment of this anointed role, consecrated by God to bring salvation to humanity. His anointing is demonstrated by the Holy Spirit descending upon Him at His baptism (Matthew 3:16) and through His works and teachings, which were done in the power of the Spirit (Luke 4:18).

3. **Spiritual Anointing**: In the New Testament, believers in Christ are said to be spiritually anointed. This anointing refers to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit received by believers, equipping and empowering them for service, witness, and godly living (2 Corinthians 1:21-22, 1 John 2:20, 27).

4. **Spiritual Gifts and Calling**: The anointing of the Holy Spirit is associated with the reception of spiritual gifts, which are special abilities given to Christians to fulfill their roles within the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

5. **Holiness and Separation**: Anointing can also signify being set apart for God’s purposes, symbolizing a life dedicated to God and separated from worldly practices.

6. **Healing and Deliverance**: In certain Christian traditions, anointing with oil is also practiced as a part of prayers for healing and deliverance, reflecting James 5:14, which instructs the elders to anoint the sick with oil and pray for them.

7. **Protection and Empowerment**: Some Christians believe that anointing provides spiritual protection and empowerment to overcome the forces of evil and temptation.

Understanding what it means to have the anointing can vary among different Christian denominations and traditions. Generally, it implies being chosen, empowered, and commissioned by God, through the Holy Spirit, to carry out His will and purposes on earth. It is often associated with a deep sense of divine presence, guidance, and a call to live a life that honors and serves God.

The concept of anointing in Christianity indeed has additional layers that can be further explored. Here are some more insights:

1. **Personal Relationship with God**: Having the anointing can also be understood as having a personal relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. This relationship is characterized by intimacy with God, where an individual is sensitive to the leading and promptings of the Holy Spirit in their daily life.

2. **Transformation and Sanctification**: The anointing is often associated with the process of sanctification, where believers are progressively made holy and transformed into the likeness of Christ. The Holy Spirit’s work in a person’s life includes convicting of sin, teaching truth, and producing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

3. **Empowerment for Ministry**: The anointing is not just for personal edification but also for the benefit and building up of the Church. It empowers believers for various forms of ministry, such as preaching, teaching, serving, encouraging, giving, leading, and showing mercy (Romans 12:6-8).

4. **Confirmation of God’s Presence**: In a more experiential sense, some Christians may speak of the anointing as a tangible sense of God’s presence, often experienced during worship, prayer, or other spiritual activities. This can manifest as a feeling of peace, joy, or love that confirms God’s nearness and approval.

5. **Prophetic Anointing**: In charismatic and Pentecostal traditions, there is often a focus on the prophetic anointing, where individuals are believed to receive specific messages from God to share with others for edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3).

6. **Anointing for Specific Tasks**: Individuals may also experience an anointing for specific tasks or seasons in their life. This is when they feel especially empowered by the Holy Spirit to undertake certain challenges or missions, much like the biblical figures who were anointed for particular roles or events.

7. **Historical and Liturgical Practices**: Various Christian traditions have developed liturgical practices around the concept of anointing. For example, in Catholicism, the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders involve anointing with oil as a sign of the Holy Spirit’s presence and grace. In Eastern Orthodoxy, the sacrament of Chrismation (equivalent to Confirmation) includes anointing with chrism as a sign of the seal of the Holy Spirit.

It’s important to note that the understanding and emphasis on anointing can differ significantly among Christian denominations. Some may emphasize the more mystical and experiential aspects, while others focus on the practical empowerment for living a life that reflects Christian values and service. Despite these differences, the core idea remains that anointing is about God’s Spirit working in and through believers to fulfill His purposes on earth.