Topical Bible: Anointing: God Preserves Those Who Receive

◄ Anointing: God Preserves Those Who Receive ►

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Anointing in the biblical context refers to the practice of applying oil to a person or object as a symbol of consecration, sanctification, or divine appointment. This act is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Old and New Testaments, signifying God's selection and empowerment of individuals for specific roles and purposes. The concept of anointing is closely associated with God's preservation and protection of those He has chosen.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, anointing was primarily associated with the consecration of priests, kings, and prophets. The anointing oil, often a blend of olive oil and spices, was used to set apart individuals for sacred duties. For instance, Aaron and his sons were anointed as priests, as described in Exodus 30:30: "Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them to serve Me as priests." This anointing signified their divine appointment and the special role they were to play in the spiritual life of Israel.

The anointing of kings is another significant aspect, with Saul and David being notable examples. In 1 Samuel 10:1, Samuel anoints Saul as king: "Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, 'Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?'" Similarly, David was anointed by Samuel, marking him as God's chosen leader (1 Samuel 16:13). This anointing was not merely a ceremonial act but a divine endorsement, accompanied by the Holy Spirit's empowerment and guidance.

Divine Preservation

The anointing of individuals in the Old Testament often came with the assurance of God's preservation and protection. Psalm 105:15 declares, "Do not touch My anointed ones; do no harm to My prophets." This verse underscores the divine protection afforded to those whom God has anointed, emphasizing that they are under His special care and safeguarding.

The preservation of the anointed is also evident in the life of David. Despite numerous threats and challenges, David was preserved by God throughout his journey to kingship. His anointing by Samuel marked him as God's chosen king, and the Lord's protection was evident in his victories and survival against adversaries like Saul.

New Testament Continuation

In the New Testament, the concept of anointing takes on a more spiritual dimension, extending beyond physical oil to the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ, referred to as the "Anointed One" or "Messiah," embodies the ultimate fulfillment of this divine anointing. In Luke 4:18, Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah, proclaiming, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor." This anointing signifies His divine mission and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in His ministry.

Believers in Christ are also recipients of this spiritual anointing. In 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, Paul writes, "Now it is God who establishes both us and you in Christ. He anointed us, placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come." This passage highlights the anointing of believers as a mark of their identity in Christ and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, ensuring their preservation and sanctification.

Anointing and the Church

The practice of anointing continues within the Christian Church, often associated with healing and the impartation of spiritual gifts. James 5:14-15 instructs, "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick." This practice reflects the belief in God's power to heal and preserve through the anointing and prayer of faith.

In summary, anointing in the biblical sense is a profound symbol of God's selection, empowerment, and preservation of individuals for His purposes. Whether through the consecration of priests and kings in the Old Testament or the spiritual anointing of believers in the New Testament, those who receive God's anointing are assured of His divine protection and guidance throughout their lives.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 18:50
Great deliverance gives he to his king; and shows mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for ever more.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 20:6
Now know I that the LORD saves his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.
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Psalm 89:20-23
I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Joy Born at Bethlehem
... from innumerable perils, and he is the sure prefecter of such as he preserves. ... the
Holy Ghost is glorified, by being seen as anointing the incarnate God. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/joy born at bethlehem.htm

The City of God. Index of Subjects.
... a young woman freed from a, by anointing, [520]488 ... Happiness, the gift of God,
[818]121; of the saints ... Happiness, the, desired by those who reject the Christian ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /the city of god index.htm

The Priesthood of Christ
... He preserves his own authority safe and unimpaired to himself ... Sanctified by the
anointing of the Spirit, he completed ... the weight of the wrath of God, than the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration iv the priesthood of.htm

English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... This good and almighty God created all things, both ... and invisible, by his eternal
Word, and preserves the same ... Now, we say, that all those things do proceed ...
/.../english version of the second.htm

The Oration on Holy Baptism.
... it washes us; the Seal because it preserves us, and ... And so is the anointing of the
doorposts, [4096] which ... on the other hand may remain as God without carnality ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xl the oration on.htm

Selections from the Work against Heresies by Irenaeus, Bishop of ...
... the Lord and the apostles which he preserves and uses ... made [anew] according to the
image and likeness of God. ... this rite would be the Christian anointing of the ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/selections from the work against 2.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... Anointing, metaphorically, for encouraging, [756]378. ... Paul would have borne for God's
will, [1666]ib.; fear of ... Helmet, spiritual, preserves reason, [1671]363. ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... six in number: baptism, the eucharist, anointing or confirmation ... Fathers, filled
with the Spirit of God, decreed should ... shall be made bishop of those who are ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

Introduction to Oration ii.
... is still left to be considered, the one preserves, if it ... and to cease for a while
from anointing a king and ... he reminds them of the covenant of God, a covenant ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... the attendants or court of each god; they are ... scented oils and pomades for the anointing
of his ... and those who concocted delicate fruit preserves ranked higher ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm