Topical Bible: Anointing was Used for Curing the Sick

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Topical Encyclopedia

Anointing, a practice deeply rooted in biblical tradition, serves various purposes, including the consecration of individuals and objects, as well as the healing of the sick. The use of anointing for healing is particularly significant in the New Testament, where it is presented as a means of invoking divine intervention and grace for physical and spiritual restoration.

Biblical Foundation

The practice of anointing the sick is explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the Epistle of James. James 5:14-15 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. 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 underscores the belief that anointing, combined with prayer, is a conduit for God's healing power.

Symbolism and Significance

Anointing with oil symbolizes the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. In the context of healing, it represents the sanctifying and restorative power of God. The oil itself, often olive oil, is not seen as possessing inherent healing properties but serves as a tangible expression of faith and divine grace. The act of anointing is a physical manifestation of spiritual truths, emphasizing the holistic nature of healing that encompasses both body and soul.

Historical Context

In ancient Israel, anointing was a common practice for various purposes, including the consecration of priests and kings (Exodus 30:30, 1 Samuel 16:13). The use of oil for medicinal purposes was also known in the ancient world, as seen in the parable of the Good Samaritan, where oil and wine are used to treat wounds (Luke 10:34). The New Testament practice of anointing the sick builds upon these traditions, integrating them into the life and ministry of the early Church.

Role of the Church

The directive in James highlights the communal aspect of healing, where the elders of the church play a crucial role. This reflects the early Christian understanding of the church as a body of believers who support one another in faith and practice. The involvement of church leaders signifies the importance of spiritual authority and communal prayer in the healing process.

Faith and Healing

The emphasis on "the prayer offered in faith" in James 5:15 points to the integral role of faith in the healing process. Anointing is not a magical rite but an act of faith that relies on God's will and power. The assurance of forgiveness of sins alongside physical healing suggests a comprehensive view of health that includes spiritual well-being.

Conclusion

The practice of anointing the sick, as outlined in the New Testament, remains a significant aspect of Christian ministry. It reflects a deep trust in God's ability to heal and restore, acknowledging the interconnectedness of physical and spiritual health. Through anointing, believers participate in a tradition that affirms God's ongoing work in the world, offering hope and comfort to those in need.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mark 6:13
And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness ...
... solace to the soul, they are cruel in never curing in time ... and allege that the plural
number is used for honour ... seems to me to mean no other anointing than that ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 19 of the five.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... prepared the scented oils and pomades for the anointing of his ... It seems to me to
have been used to indicate ... the art of interpreting dreams or of curing the sick ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

part ii
... meditation upon death, upon judgment); we must also love poverty, the sick and
suffering ... Food and drink must only be used for strengthening our powers, and not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm