Topical Bible: Anointing of the Sick

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Anointing of the Sick is a sacramental act rooted in biblical tradition, serving as a means of grace and healing for those who are ill or nearing death. This practice is deeply embedded in the Christian understanding of God's compassion and mercy, as well as His power to heal both physically and spiritually.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural basis for the Anointing of the Sick is found in the New Testament, specifically in the Epistle of James. James 5:14-15 states: "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. The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven." This passage highlights the dual purpose of the anointing: physical healing and spiritual restoration.

The use of oil in anointing is also seen in the ministry of Jesus and His disciples. In Mark 6:13 , it is recorded that the disciples "drove out many demons and healed many of the sick, anointing them with oil." This practice underscores the early Christian belief in the power of God working through tangible means.

Theological Significance

The Anointing of the Sick is understood as a sacrament in many Christian traditions, particularly within Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and some Protestant denominations. It is seen as a means by which God's grace is imparted to the individual, providing comfort, strength, and, if it is God's will, physical healing. The sacrament also serves as a preparation for passing into eternal life, offering forgiveness of sins and peace to the soul.

Theologically, the Anointing of the Sick is a manifestation of God's love and care for His people. It reflects the belief that God is intimately involved in the lives of His followers, offering His presence and healing power in times of suffering. This sacrament is a reminder of the hope and assurance found in Christ, who is the ultimate healer.

Historical and Liturgical Context

Historically, the practice of anointing the sick has been a part of Christian liturgy since the early church. The early Christians, following the apostolic tradition, would gather around the sick, pray, and anoint them with oil. This practice was seen as a continuation of the healing ministry of Jesus and His apostles.

In the liturgical context, the Anointing of the Sick is often administered by a priest or minister, who uses blessed oil to anoint the forehead and hands of the sick person. The rite typically includes prayers for healing, the laying on of hands, and sometimes the Eucharist, especially if the person is near death.

Pastoral Considerations

The Anointing of the Sick is not only for those at the point of death but is also available to anyone facing serious illness or surgery. It is a pastoral tool that provides spiritual support and reassurance to the sick and their families. The sacrament emphasizes the communal aspect of faith, as the church community comes together to support and pray for the individual in need.

In summary, the Anointing of the Sick is a profound expression of God's healing grace, rooted in Scripture and tradition. It serves as a testament to the enduring belief in God's power to heal and restore, offering hope and comfort to those who are suffering.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 1:6
From the sole of the foot even to the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.
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Mark 6:13
And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
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Luke 10:34
And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
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James 5:14
Is any sick among you? 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:
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Revelation 3:18
I counsel you to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that you may be rich; and white raiment, that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness do not appear; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
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Library

Anointing of the Sick
... HYMNS OF THE EARLY CHURCH Anointing of the sick. 8,8,8,8 Anointing of the sick.
O Gracious Christ, Thy power reveal,. And let Thy sin-sick servant live; ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the early church/anointing of the sick.htm

Eleous Pege, Uparchon 'Peragathe
... 8,6,8,6,8,8 eleous pege, uparchon 'peragathe. Anointing of the sick. A Fount of
mercy, Lord, Thou art,. Perennial and Divine; Thou Source of every lasting good, ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the early church/eleous pege uparchon peragathe.htm

On the Sacrament of Extreme Unction.
... EXTREME UNCTION. To this rite of anointing the sick our theologians have
made two additions well worthy of themselves. One is, that ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/on the sacrament of extreme.htm

Hymns of the Early Church
... Ergo, os palai mathetais epengeilo. Anointing of the sick. tachus eis antilepsin,
nomos uparchon Christi. eleous pege, uparchon 'peragathe. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/brownlie/hymns of the early church/

The Thirteenth Proposition. Concerning the Communion, or ...
... for the cause of the weak; even as abstaining from things strangled and from blood;
the washing one another's feet; and the anointing of the sick with oil; all ...
/.../the thirteenth proposition concerning the.htm

Tachus Eis Antilepsin, Nomos Uparchon Christi
... 6,6,6,6,8,8 tachus eis antilepsin, nomos uparchon Christi. Anointing of the sick.
Thou, Lord, hast power to heal,. And Thou wilt quickly aid; ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the early church/tachus eis antilepsin nomos uparchon.htm

Homeward Bound
... Matthew's, was his episcopal birthday, and he kept it up by having, for
the first time in his life, the anointing of the sick. He ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter x homeward bound.htm

The General Epistle of James
... In v.14-16 we have a direction given with regard to the anointing of the
sick by the presbyters of the Church. This rite, perverted ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xx the general epistle.htm

On Extreme Unction and Holy Orders
... No. Because Extreme Unction is in itself a separate and distinct
Sacrament"a special anointing with prayers for the sick. Oil ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 25 on extreme unction.htm

James v. 14-18
... of the East, but never prescribed as a general usage,"the anointing with oil; of
which Christ had sometimes made use in the healing of the sick, as an ...
/.../neander/the epistle of james practically explained/james v 14-18.htm