The Anointed One

The term "Anointed One" is derived from the Hebrew word "Mashiach" (Messiah) and the Greek "Christos" (Christ), both meaning "anointed." In the Old Testament, anointing was a ritual act signifying the consecration of a person or object for a divine purpose. Kings, priests, and prophets were often anointed, symbolizing their divine appointment and empowerment by God (1 Samuel 16:13; Exodus 30:30; 1 Kings 19:16).

The concept of the Anointed One is central to the messianic prophecies found throughout the Old Testament. These prophecies foretell the coming of a divinely appointed leader who would deliver Israel and establish God's kingdom. Key passages include Isaiah 9:6-7, which speaks of a child born to reign on David's throne, and Daniel 9:25-26, which predicts the coming of an "Anointed One" who will be "cut off."

In the New Testament, Jesus of Nazareth is identified as the fulfillment of these messianic prophecies. The Gospels present Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, anointed by God to bring salvation to humanity. At His baptism, the Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus, marking Him as God's chosen servant (Matthew 3:16-17). Peter's declaration in Matthew 16:16, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," affirms Jesus' identity as the Anointed One.

The Anointed One's mission is further elucidated in passages such as Luke 4:18-19, where Jesus reads from Isaiah, proclaiming His anointing to preach good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to the captives, and set the oppressed free. His anointing is not only for kingship but also for priestly and prophetic roles, as He mediates between God and humanity and reveals God's truth.

The Covenant

The concept of the covenant is foundational to the biblical narrative, representing a binding agreement between God and His people. Covenants in the Bible often include promises, conditions, and signs. The Old Testament records several key covenants, including those with Noah (Genesis 9:8-17), Abraham (Genesis 15:18), Moses (Exodus 19:5-6), and David (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

The Abrahamic Covenant promises land, descendants, and blessing, establishing a chosen people through whom all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3). The Mosaic Covenant, given at Sinai, outlines the Law and the conditions for Israel's relationship with God, emphasizing obedience and holiness (Exodus 19-24). The Davidic Covenant promises an everlasting dynasty, with a future king from David's line who will establish God's kingdom (2 Samuel 7:12-16).

The New Testament introduces the New Covenant, prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34, which promises a renewed relationship with God, characterized by internal transformation and forgiveness of sins. Jesus, at the Last Supper, identifies His sacrificial death as the inauguration of this New Covenant: "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you" (Luke 22:20).

The New Covenant fulfills and surpasses the Old, as it is based on the finished work of Christ, the Anointed One. Hebrews 8:6-13 explains that Jesus is the mediator of a better covenant, established on better promises. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus secures eternal redemption and reconciles humanity to God, offering believers a personal and transformative relationship with the Creator.

In summary, the Anointed One and the Covenant are intricately linked in the biblical narrative. The Anointed One, Jesus Christ, fulfills the messianic expectations and inaugurates the New Covenant, bringing to fruition God's redemptive plan for humanity.