Topical Bible: Anointing: Typified

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Anointing in the Bible is a significant act that symbolizes consecration, empowerment, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. It is a practice deeply rooted in the Old Testament and carries profound theological implications throughout the Scriptures. The act of anointing with oil serves as a typology that points to greater spiritual truths and realities.

Old Testament Typology

In the Old Testament, anointing was primarily associated with the consecration of priests, kings, and prophets. The anointing oil, a sacred mixture as described in Exodus 30:22-25, was used to set apart individuals for God's service. This act signified that the anointed person was chosen by God and endowed with His Spirit to fulfill a specific role.

1. Priests: The anointing of Aaron and his sons as priests is a foundational example (Exodus 28:41, 30:30). This anointing set them apart for the holy duties of the priesthood, symbolizing their sanctification and the impartation of divine authority to mediate between God and the people.

2. Kings: The anointing of kings, such as Saul (1 Samuel 10:1) and David (1 Samuel 16:13), signified their divine appointment and empowerment to lead the nation of Israel. The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from the day of his anointing, illustrating the transformative power of God's Spirit in leadership.

3. Prophets: Although less frequently mentioned, prophets were also anointed, as seen in the case of Elisha, who was anointed to succeed Elijah (1 Kings 19:16). This anointing underscored their role as God's messengers, equipped to deliver His word to the people.

New Testament Fulfillment

The typology of anointing finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, particularly in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Anointed One. The term "Christ" itself means "Anointed One," indicating that Jesus is the fulfillment of all Old Testament anointings.

1. Jesus as the Anointed One: Jesus' anointing is explicitly mentioned in Luke 4:18-19, where He reads from the scroll of Isaiah, declaring, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor." This passage highlights Jesus' mission and the divine empowerment He received to accomplish it.

2. Believers as Anointed: In the New Testament, the anointing extends to all believers, who are described as having received an anointing from the Holy One (1 John 2:20, 27). This anointing signifies the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who empowers and guides believers in their spiritual journey.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

The act of anointing with oil serves as a powerful symbol of the Holy Spirit's work in the life of an individual. It represents cleansing, healing, and the impartation of spiritual gifts. James 5:14-15 instructs the elders of the church to anoint the sick with oil in the name of the Lord, emphasizing the role of faith and prayer in the healing process.

Anointing also signifies the believer's consecration to God, setting them apart for His purposes. It is a reminder of the believer's identity in Christ and their calling to live a life that reflects His character and mission.

In summary, the typology of anointing in the Bible points to the profound reality of God's presence and power in the lives of His people. It underscores the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ and extending to all who follow Him.

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Exodus 40:13-15
And you shall put on Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister to me in the priest's office.
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Leviticus 8:12
And he poured of the anointing oil on Aaron's head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.
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1 Samuel 16:13
Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the middle of his brothers: and the Spirit of the LORD came on David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
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1 Kings 19:16
And Jehu the son of Nimshi shall you anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shall you anoint to be prophet in your room.
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Library

Entire Sanctification in Type.
... The holy priest, under the law typified the holy priest, who is a priest ... Spirit is
designated by the Apostle John as "the unction" or "the anointing." The holy ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter iv entire sanctification in.htm

On the Offices of Our Lord Jesus Christ
... (xlix, 1, 2.) The attestation, by anointing, of his call to the prophetical office ...
(Hebrews 3:6; x, 21.) For that is properly typified by a temple, the place of ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 14 on the offices.htm

Shewing How a Principle of Grace is from the Spirit of God. "
... of the Church and our great High Priest, and therefore the holy anointing oil of ...
both signified the same thing"viz., love, which is specially typified by the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/edwards/treatise on grace/shewing how a principle of.htm

Concerning Baptism.
... more plentiful pouring forth of his Spirit, and guiding of that anointing, should
lead ... is called the one offering in scripture, though he was typified by many ...
/.../proposition xii concerning baptism.htm

Scriptural Types.
... The paschal lamb typified "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world;"
but ... 1-7; 1:Sam.7:12; 10:1, and the same symbol of anointing often elsewhere ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

Judas Iscariot
... To him this feasting and anointing, at the moment when the crisis of Christ's fortunes ...
the theme of the deepest tragedy; which in the Bible are typified by Cain ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter ix judas iscariot.htm

Some Helpful Thoughts on Consecration
... This death consecration is beautifully typified in the consecration and sanctification
of ... Then afterwards it was sprinkled with the anointing oil upon Aaron ...
/.../byers/sanctification/chapter xi some helpful thoughts.htm

Princely Service.
... only let GOD have His right place, and let there be the anointing of the ... To the godly
Israelite the brazen altar typified that which was fulfilled at the Cross ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part iii princely service.htm

Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness ...
... that not elders only, but all Christians, should use oil in anointing, in their
own ... to the priesthood of Christ, which alone was adumbrated and typified by all ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 19 of the five.htm

The City of God. Index of Subjects.
... etc.; possessed true human emotions, [291]269, etc.; the passion of, typified by
Noah's ... Gervasius, [519]487; a young woman freed from a, by anointing, [520]488 ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /the city of god index.htm