What is the anointing?
The Biblical and Theological Significance of Anointing: A Baptist Perspective
The concept of anointing with oil holds a significant place in Scripture, encompassing ceremonial, practical, symbolic, and spiritual dimensions. From its use in the Old Testament to its fulfillment in Jesus Christ and application in the lives of believers today, anointing with oil serves as a powerful illustration of God’s presence, favor, and purpose. This expanded exploration of biblical anointing provides a Baptist theological perspective and aligns with the sufficiency of Scripture.
Anointing in the Old Testament: Symbolism and Practice
Definition and Usage
The Hebrew word for anointing, mashach, means “to anoint or smear with oil.” This act was used in several contexts, including religious ceremonies, personal grooming (Ruth 3:3; Matthew 6:17), refreshment (Luke 7:46), medicinal treatments (Luke 10:34), and burial traditions (Mark 16:1). The ceremonial anointing with oil was a physical act with profound spiritual significance, signifying that someone or something was set apart for a holy purpose.
Sacred Anointing Oil
The anointing oil used in religious ceremonies was carefully blended according to God’s instructions:
"Moreover the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ‘Also take for yourself quality spices—five hundred shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much sweet-smelling cinnamon (two hundred and fifty shekels), two hundred and fifty shekels of sweet-smelling cane, five hundred shekels of cassia, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, and a hin of olive oil. And you shall make from these a holy anointing oil, an ointment compounded according to the art of the perfumer. It shall be a holy anointing oil’" (Exodus 30:22–25, NKJV).
This oil was consecrated for specific use in anointing priests, kings, prophets, and sacred objects. Using it for any other purpose was forbidden and punishable by exclusion from the community:
"Whoever compounds any like it, or whoever puts any of it on an outsider, shall be cut off from his people" (Exodus 30:33, NKJV).
Anointing of Individuals and Objects
Kings
Anointing symbolized God’s choice and empowerment for leadership. For example, Samuel anointed David as king:
"Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward" (1 Samuel 16:13, NKJV).Priests
God commanded Moses to anoint Aaron and his sons for the priesthood:
"And you shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may minister to Me as priests" (Exodus 30:30, NKJV).Prophets
Elijah was instructed to anoint Elisha as his prophetic successor:
"Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place" (1 Kings 19:16, NKJV).Holy Objects
The tabernacle, its furnishings, and utensils were anointed to set them apart for worship:
"You shall anoint the altar of the burnt offering and all its utensils, and consecrate the altar. The altar shall be most holy" (Exodus 40:10, NKJV).
Anointing in the New Testament: Fulfillment in Christ
The New Testament reveals the ultimate significance of anointing in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The title “Messiah” (Hebrew: Mashiach) and its Greek equivalent “Christ” (Christos) both mean “Anointed One.”
Jesus as the Anointed King, Priest, and Prophet
Jesus perfectly fulfills the roles symbolized by Old Testament anointing:
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed" (Luke 4:18, NKJV; cf. Isaiah 61:1).As King, Jesus reigns over all creation (Revelation 19:16).
As Priest, He intercedes for us and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 7:25–27).
As Prophet, He declares the Word of God and reveals God’s will (John 1:1–14).
Jesus’ Anointing and the Holy Spirit
Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit at His baptism:
"And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, 'You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased'" (Luke 3:22, NKJV).His anointing signifies His divine empowerment to accomplish the work of salvation.
Anointing in the Life of Believers
Through faith in Christ, believers share in His anointing. This anointing is not outward but spiritual, marking every Christian as set apart for God’s purposes.
The Anointing of the Holy Spirit
At salvation, every believer receives the Holy Spirit:
"But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things" (1 John 2:20, NKJV).
"Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee" (2 Corinthians 1:21–22, NKJV).This anointing enables believers to understand Scripture, live holy lives, and serve God effectively.
Anointing for Healing and Prayer
Anointing with oil is associated with healing in the New Testament:
"Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up" (James 5:14–15, NKJV).While the oil itself holds no power, it symbolizes faith and the presence of God’s Spirit in the act of prayer.
Erroneous Teachings on Anointing
Charismatic Misinterpretations
Some Charismatic circles emphasize seeking “special anointings” for particular tasks or ministries, speaking of various types of anointings (e.g., apostolic, prophetic, Davidic). These teachings often go beyond Scripture, creating unnecessary confusion.The Bible emphasizes one anointing of the Holy Spirit for all believers:
"The anointing which you have received from Him abides in you" (1 John 2:27, NKJV).The “Mimshach Anointing”
The so-called “Mimshach anointing,” derived from a misinterpretation of Ezekiel 28:14, is not biblically supported. Such teachings distort Scripture and distract from the sufficiency of Christ.
A Biblical and Balanced Perspective
Believers do not need to seek new anointings but should recognize and walk in the anointing they already have through the Holy Spirit. God has given us everything we need for life and godliness:
"His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue" (2 Peter 1:3, NKJV).
Rather than chasing sensational experiences, Christians are called to live faithfully, relying on the Spirit’s power to fulfill their calling in Christ.
Conclusion
The biblical teaching on anointing is rich with meaning and points ultimately to Jesus Christ, the Anointed One. Through Him, believers are anointed by the Holy Spirit, set apart for God’s purposes, and equipped to live godly lives. Let us rejoice in the sufficiency of Christ and the indwelling Spirit, trusting God’s promises:
"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:23–24, NKJV).
