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)

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Excerpts from "The Anointing of the Holy Spirit" by Rev. Frank R. Parrish (ACTS WORLD MAP, Vol.36.1)

What the Anointing is NOT
• Anointing is not a mystical or impersonal force.
• Anointing is not gifting, ability, talent, emotionalism
or a charismatic personality.
• Anointing is not salvation.
• Anointing is not the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
• Anointing is not the sanctification of the believer.

Defining Anointing
Anointing is none other than the Person and presence of the Holy Spirit, bringing with Him the necessary power, authority and gifts to fulfill the Father’s will in a given moment of ministry or assignment.

False teaching: Transferring the anointing (Unbiblical view)

Impartation: The concept of one individual “transferring” his anointing to another is not correct. However, the Scriptures do provide us with numerous examples of what is called an impartation. This is most associated with the laying on of hands (Heb 6:2) and with prayer, as directed by the Holy Spirit. (See Acts 13:1-3; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6.)

Paul was not the author of Timothy’s gift or calling. Rather, as Paul and the elders laid hands on Timothy and
prayed for him, the Holy Spirit revealed God’s will for Timothy and spoke prophetically through them to confirm God’s call and desire for Timothy’s life. As they commissioned Timothy for the Lord’s service, it was the Holy Spirit who anointed Timothy to fulfill his call from God.

Divine Enablement
The primary purpose of the anointing of the Holy Spirit is to give the believer supernatural enablement. This enablement is given to whomever God wills, in order to help them to accomplish what God wants done. It may be to speak or preach, to do a work, to sing or play a musical instrument. It may be to lay hands on the sick for healing or for God to perform other signs and wonders. It can also help one to pray and intercede more effectively. It is also important to note that God can anoint an individual for enhanced ability to lead or perform a skill even in business or a trade (see Exodus 31:3).

“THE Anointed One” (Jesus Christ) gives His followers a gift from Himself; that gift is the Holy Spirit to live in us and abide with us (Matt 3:11; Acts 1:5; John 14:16,17,26; 16:7). This anointing is for every believer who puts their hope in Christ for salvation by grace through faith.

Some Principles
1. Anointing is directly related to an individual’s calling to fulfill a God-given ministry assignment. In other words, when God gives someone a ministry assignment or call, He also makes available all the necessary
power, authority, gifting, revelation, insight, etc., that is needed to fulfill that assignment!
2. Anointing is not designed to be contained, possessed, or kept to ourselves. The basic purpose of anointing is to enable us to be effective in ministry or in our assignment. This includes freely giving away in ministry to others what has been given to us by the Holy Spirit.
3. Anointing can be limited or stopped. We have learned that the anointing is the Person and presence of God the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not a disembodied or impersonal force. The Holy Spirit is the Person
of God. Scripture reveals that the Holy Spirit can be “grieved” (Eph 4:30). This means to be made sorrowful, become injured or become distressed. The Holy Spirit can also be “quenched” (1Thess 5:19). This word contains the idea of being suppressed or stifled, like a fire being dampened with water
4. Anointing can be abused or misused. There are several examples in Scripture of men and women who abused or misused the power of the Holy Spirit. When they did, their misbehavior brought God’s judgment and correction. a. Judges Chapters 13-16 – Samson. b. Leviticus 10:1-3 – Nadab and Abihu. c. Numbers 11:16-30 – the Elders. d. Acts 5:1-11; 8:9-24 – Ananias & Sapphira; Simon the Sorcerer.

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