Sacred Anointing: Consecrates to God's Service
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Sacred anointing is a significant biblical practice that symbolizes consecration to God's service. This ritual involves the application of oil, often olive oil, to a person or object, setting them apart for a holy purpose. Anointing is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Old Testament and carries profound spiritual significance throughout the Scriptures.

Old Testament Foundations

The practice of anointing is first introduced in the Old Testament, where it is primarily associated with the consecration of priests, kings, and sacred objects. In Exodus 30:22-30, God instructs Moses to prepare a holy anointing oil, composed of myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia, and olive oil. This oil is used to anoint the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, and all its furnishings, as well as Aaron and his sons, consecrating them as priests. The Lord commands, "You are to consecrate them so that they will be most holy. Whatever touches them will be holy" (Exodus 30:29).

Anointing also signifies the divine appointment of kings. Samuel anoints Saul as the first king of Israel, saying, "Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?" (1 Samuel 10:1). Later, David is anointed by Samuel, marking him as God's chosen king (1 Samuel 16:13). This act of anointing signifies God's selection and empowerment for leadership.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Anointing with oil symbolizes the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. 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 a sign of divine commissioning and empowerment for ministry.

The sacred anointing also represents purification and sanctification. In Leviticus 8:10-12, Moses anoints the Tabernacle and Aaron, signifying their purification and readiness for service. The anointing oil, therefore, becomes a symbol of holiness and dedication to God.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the concept of anointing is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, whose title "Christ" means "Anointed One." Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the anointed prophet, priest, and king. Acts 10:38 states, "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power." His anointing signifies His divine mission and authority.

Believers in Christ are also anointed, as seen in 2 Corinthians 1:21-22: "Now it is God who establishes both us and you in Christ. He anointed us, placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come." This anointing signifies the believer's consecration to God's service and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

Practical Applications

In contemporary Christian practice, anointing with oil is often used in various sacramental and healing contexts. 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." This practice underscores the continued belief in the power of anointing as a means of invoking God's presence and healing.

Sacred anointing remains a powerful symbol of consecration, divine appointment, and the presence of the Holy Spirit, continuing to hold a place of reverence and significance in the life of the Church.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Exodus 30:29
And you shall sanctify them, that they may be most holy: whatever touches them shall be holy.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Matt. Ix. 27-30.
... as have put away diseases by anointing themselves with ... the early writers attribute
to the sacred oil in ... exhorts, Peace to all;' when he consecrates, Peace to ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxxii matt ix 27-30.htm

part ii
... Do not hasten to eat and drink, but rather hasten to perform God's service; and
when performing God's service, do not think of food and drink. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... and the Mohammedans, and all those who blaspheme that sacred and adorable ... persisted
in obedience, and were appointed unto the faithful service of God and men ...
/.../english version of the second.htm

Resources
What is the new anointing? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about anointing oil? | GotQuestions.org

What is the anointing? What does it mean to be anointed? | GotQuestions.org

Anointing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Anointing

Anointing in Consecration of High Priests

Anointing in Consecration of Kings

Anointing in Consecration of Priests

Anointing in Consecration of Prophets

Anointing in Consecration of the Tabernacle

Anointing in Consecration: Altars of

Anointing in Consecration: Cyrus

Anointing in Consecration: David

Anointing in Consecration: Hazael

Anointing in Consecration: Jacob's Pillar: At Beth-El

Anointing in Consecration: Jehoahaz

Anointing in Consecration: Jehu

Anointing in Consecration: Joash

Anointing in Consecration: Saul

Anointing in Consecration: Solomon

Anointing in Consecration: Vessels of

Anointing of Christ's Kingly and Priestly office

Anointing of Guests

Anointing of Jesus, As a Token of Love

Anointing of Spiritual Gifts

Anointing of the Body

Anointing of the Dead

Anointing of the Holy Spirit is Abiding in Saints

Anointing of the Holy Spirit is from God

Anointing of the Holy Spirit: God Preserves Those Who Receive

Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Guides Into all Truth

Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Saints Receive

Anointing of the Holy Spirit: That Christ should Receive: Foretold

Anointing of the Holy Spirit: That Christ should Receive: Fulfilled

Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Typified

Anointing of the Sick

Anointing Oil

Anointing Oil: Formula of, Given by Moses

Anointing was Applied to The Eyes

Anointing was Applied to The Face

Anointing was Applied to The Feet

Anointing was Applied to The Head

Anointing was Used for Curing the Sick

Anointing was Used for Decorating the Person

Anointing was Used for Healing Wounds

Anointing was Used for Preparing the Dead for Burial

Anointing was Used for Preparing Weapons for War

Anointing was Used for Purifying the Body

Anointing was Used for Refreshing the Body

Anointing was Used for The Jews Were Very Fond of

Anointing with Oil

Anointing with Ointment

Anointing: A Token of Joy

Anointing: Deprivation of, Threatened As a Punishment

Anointing: God Preserves Those Who Receive

Anointing: Neglect of, to Guests, a Mark of Disrespect

Anointing: Ointment For: An Article of Commerce

Anointing: Ointment For: Most Expensive

Anointing: Ointment For: Neglected in Times of Affliction

Anointing: Ointment For: Prepared by the Apothecary

Anointing: Ointment For: Richly Perfumed

Anointing: Omitted in Mourning

Anointing: Saints Receive

Anointing: Symbolical of Jesus

Anointing: Typified

Anointing: Why Recommended by Christ in Times of Fasting

Sacred Anointing: Antiquity of

Sacred Anointing: Consecrates to God's Service

Sacred Anointing: Illustrative of the Anointing of Christ With the Holy Spirit

Sacred Anointing: Illustrative of the Anointing of Saints With the Holy Spirit

Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: An Holy Anointing Oil for Ever

Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Compounded by the Priests

Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Divinely Prescribed

Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Jews Condemned for Imitating

Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Not to be Imitated

Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: To be Put on No Stranger

Sacred Anointing: Persons Who Received: Kings

Sacred Anointing: Persons Who Received: Priests

Sacred Anointing: Persons Who Received: Prophets

Sacred Anointing: Things Which Received: Brazen Altar

Sacred Anointing: Things Which Received: Brazen Laver

Sacred Anointing: Things Which Received: Tabernacle

Sacred Anointing: Those Who Partook of not to be Injured or Insulted

Sacred Anointing: Those Who Partook of Protected by God

Related Terms

Anointing (39 Occurrences)

Jambres (2 Occurrences)

Jannes (2 Occurrences)

Profane (69 Occurrences)

Aryan

Oath (286 Occurrences)

Delos

Doorkeeper (8 Occurrences)

Consecrate (65 Occurrences)

Scripture (51 Occurrences)

Diana (5 Occurrences)

Kidneys (15 Occurrences)

Gihon (6 Occurrences)

Four (3139 Occurrences)

Psalms (44 Occurrences)

Benediction

Anoint (59 Occurrences)

Swear (99 Occurrences)

Talmud

Preaching (116 Occurrences)

Artemis (5 Occurrences)

Armenian

Canonicity

Images (158 Occurrences)

Time (7245 Occurrences)

Sacraments

Inspiration (4 Occurrences)

Ananias (11 Occurrences)

I-iii

Courts (59 Occurrences)

Introduction (3 Occurrences)

Korahites (7 Occurrences)

Oak (22 Occurrences)

Fire (602 Occurrences)

Sons (2429 Occurrences)

Zoheleth (1 Occurrence)

Kadesh (30 Occurrences)

Uriah (33 Occurrences)

Onycha (1 Occurrence)

Oracle (57 Occurrences)

Jehovah (20094 Occurrences)

Ivy

Theology

Thigh (38 Occurrences)

Temporal (4 Occurrences)

Rites (6 Occurrences)

Eleazar (74 Occurrences)

Exile (101 Occurrences)

Dedicate (17 Occurrences)

Dance (18 Occurrences)

Desecrate (9 Occurrences)

Dedication (16 Occurrences)

Meonenim (1 Occurrence)

Myrtle (7 Occurrences)

Memphis (8 Occurrences)

Porter (6 Occurrences)

Profanation (1 Occurrence)

Port (3 Occurrences)

Phenicia (1 Occurrence)

Beersheba (33 Occurrences)

Blaspheme (16 Occurrences)

Biblical

Callisthenes

Calneh (2 Occurrences)

Alike (67 Occurrences)

Nehushtan (1 Occurrence)

Shrine (34 Occurrences)

Shimeathites (1 Occurrence)

Sacrificial (12 Occurrences)

Sun (1708 Occurrences)

Shekel (37 Occurrences)

Hazael (23 Occurrences)

Cruelty (8 Occurrences)

Sanctuary (250 Occurrences)

Cruel (196 Occurrences)

Astoreth

Lebanon (66 Occurrences)

Astarte (2 Occurrences)

Virgin (62 Occurrences)

Sacred Anointing: Antiquity of
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