Topical Encyclopedia Anointing, in the biblical context, refers to the ceremonial act of pouring or smearing oil upon a person or object as a symbol of consecration, sanctification, or divine empowerment. This practice is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Old Testament and carries significant theological implications in the New Testament, particularly concerning the saints—those set apart by God through faith in Jesus Christ.Old Testament Background 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 aromatic spices, was used to signify the setting apart of individuals for God's service. For instance, Aaron and his sons were anointed as priests (Exodus 30:30), and David was anointed by Samuel to be king over Israel (1 Samuel 16:13). The act of anointing symbolized the Holy Spirit's empowerment and God's approval. New Testament Fulfillment The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of the anointing in the person of Jesus Christ, the "Anointed One" (the Messiah). Jesus Himself declared, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor" (Luke 4:18). This anointing by the Holy Spirit was evident in His ministry, miracles, and teachings. Anointing of the Saints In the New Testament, the concept of anointing extends to all believers, who are considered saints. The Apostle 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" (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). This passage highlights the spiritual anointing that believers receive, marking them as God's own and empowering them for service. The Apostle John further elaborates on this anointing, stating, "But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth" (1 John 2:20). This anointing is associated with the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who guides believers into all truth and equips them for their spiritual journey. Spiritual Implications The anointing of the saints signifies their sanctification and empowerment by the Holy Spirit. It is not merely a ritualistic act but a profound spiritual reality that enables believers to live out their faith with boldness and authority. The anointing assures believers of their identity in Christ and their participation in His mission to the world. Practical Application In the life of the church, the anointing of the saints is often recognized through the laying on of hands and prayer, particularly in commissioning individuals for specific ministries or roles. James 5:14-15 also mentions the anointing of the sick with oil as a means of invoking God's healing power, demonstrating the continued relevance of anointing in the life of the Christian community. The anointing that saints receive is a testament to God's ongoing work in their lives, equipping them to fulfill their calling and bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 61:3To appoint to them that mourn in Zion, to give to them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. Nave's Topical Index 1 John 2:20 Library On Confirmation Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ... Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ... Holy Song from Happy Saints Rom. xv. 25-27 [Shewing] that Common and Saving Grace Differ, not Only in Degree ... Philippians i. 1, 2 Psalm CXLIX. Christ the Mediator of the Covenant Texts Explained; Secondly, Psalm Xlv. 7, 8 Whether the Words ... Resources What was the significance of anointing spices in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the anointed priest? | GotQuestions.org What is grave sucking / grave soaking / mantle grabbing? | GotQuestions.org Anointing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Anointing in Consecration of High Priests Anointing in Consecration of Kings Anointing in Consecration of Priests Anointing in Consecration of Prophets Anointing in Consecration of the Tabernacle Anointing in Consecration: Altars of Anointing in Consecration: Cyrus Anointing in Consecration: David Anointing in Consecration: Hazael Anointing in Consecration: Jacob's Pillar: At Beth-El Anointing in Consecration: Jehoahaz Anointing in Consecration: Jehu Anointing in Consecration: Joash Anointing in Consecration: Saul Anointing in Consecration: Solomon Anointing in Consecration: Vessels of Anointing of Christ's Kingly and Priestly office Anointing of Jesus, As a Token of Love Anointing of the Holy Spirit is Abiding in Saints Anointing of the Holy Spirit is from God Anointing of the Holy Spirit: God Preserves Those Who Receive Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Guides Into all Truth Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Saints Receive Anointing of the Holy Spirit: That Christ should Receive: Foretold Anointing of the Holy Spirit: That Christ should Receive: Fulfilled Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Typified Anointing Oil: Formula of, Given by Moses Anointing was Applied to The Eyes Anointing was Applied to The Face Anointing was Applied to The Feet Anointing was Applied to The Head Anointing was Used for Curing the Sick Anointing was Used for Decorating the Person Anointing was Used for Healing Wounds Anointing was Used for Preparing the Dead for Burial Anointing was Used for Preparing Weapons for War Anointing was Used for Purifying the Body Anointing was Used for Refreshing the Body Anointing was Used for The Jews Were Very Fond of Anointing: Deprivation of, Threatened As a Punishment Anointing: God Preserves Those Who Receive Anointing: Neglect of, to Guests, a Mark of Disrespect Anointing: Ointment For: An Article of Commerce Anointing: Ointment For: Most Expensive Anointing: Ointment For: Neglected in Times of Affliction Anointing: Ointment For: Prepared by the Apothecary Anointing: Ointment For: Richly Perfumed Anointing: Omitted in Mourning Anointing: Symbolical of Jesus Anointing: Why Recommended by Christ in Times of Fasting Sacred Anointing: Antiquity of Sacred Anointing: Consecrates to God's Service Sacred Anointing: Illustrative of the Anointing of Christ With the Holy Spirit Sacred Anointing: Illustrative of the Anointing of Saints With the Holy Spirit Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: An Holy Anointing Oil for Ever Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Compounded by the Priests Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Divinely Prescribed Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Jews Condemned for Imitating Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Not to be Imitated Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: To be Put on No Stranger Sacred Anointing: Persons Who Received: Kings Sacred Anointing: Persons Who Received: Priests Sacred Anointing: Persons Who Received: Prophets Sacred Anointing: Things Which Received: Brazen Altar Sacred Anointing: Things Which Received: Brazen Laver Sacred Anointing: Things Which Received: Tabernacle Sacred Anointing: Those Who Partook of not to be Injured or Insulted Sacred Anointing: Those Who Partook of Protected by God Related Terms Anointing-portion (1 Occurrence) |
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