Anointing

Anointing in the Bible is a significant act that symbolizes consecration, sanctification, and empowerment by God. The practice of anointing with oil is deeply rooted in the Old Testament and carries profound spiritual implications.

1. Consecration and Holiness: Anointing was primarily used to consecrate individuals or objects for a holy purpose. In Exodus 30:30, God commands Moses, "Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them to serve Me as priests." This act set them apart for divine service, indicating that they were chosen by God for a sacred role.

2. Kingship and Leadership: Anointing was also a sign of God’s selection of leaders. Samuel anointed Saul as king over Israel, as recorded in 1 Samuel 10:1: "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 king (1 Samuel 16:13).

3. Symbol of the Holy Spirit: Anointing oil often symbolizes the Holy Spirit’s presence and power. In Isaiah 61:1, the prophet declares, "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor." This passage, later quoted by Jesus in Luke 4:18, highlights the anointing as an empowerment for ministry and service.

4. Healing and Restoration: Anointing is also associated with healing. James 5:14 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." This practice signifies invoking God’s healing power and presence.

Ordination

Ordination is the formal process of setting apart individuals for specific roles within the church, particularly in leadership and ministry. It is a recognition of God’s calling and gifting for service.

1. Biblical Precedent: The New Testament provides examples of ordination, such as the appointment of deacons in Acts 6:3-6. The apostles instructed the church to select men full of the Spirit and wisdom, and after prayer, they laid hands on them, signifying their ordination for service.

2. Laying on of Hands: The laying on of hands is a key element in ordination, symbolizing the impartation of authority and blessing. In 1 Timothy 4:14, Paul reminds Timothy, "Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you."

3. Recognition of Calling: Ordination acknowledges God’s call on an individual’s life for ministry. In Acts 13:2-3, the Holy Spirit directs the church at Antioch to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work to which He has called them. After fasting and praying, they laid hands on them and sent them off, recognizing their divine appointment.

4. Authority and Responsibility: Ordination confers authority and responsibility to lead and shepherd the church. In Titus 1:5, Paul instructs Titus to "appoint elders in every town, as I directed you," emphasizing the importance of ordained leadership in maintaining church order and teaching sound doctrine.

In summary, anointing and ordination are significant biblical practices that denote God’s selection, empowerment, and commissioning for service. They underscore the importance of divine calling and the equipping of individuals for roles within God’s kingdom.