Introduction

Sacred anointing, a significant practice in biblical tradition, serves as a profound symbol of consecration, empowerment, and divine favor. In the Old Testament, anointing with oil was a physical act that set apart individuals for specific roles and purposes, such as kings, priests, and prophets. This practice finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, where it becomes illustrative of the spiritual anointing of believers with the Holy Spirit.

Old Testament Foundations

The concept of anointing is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word for anointing, "mashach," signifies the act of smearing or pouring oil upon someone or something. This act was a visible sign of God's selection and blessing. For instance, in 1 Samuel 16:13 , we read, "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward." Here, the anointing of David as king is accompanied by the empowering presence of the Spirit of the LORD.

Anointing was also integral to the consecration of priests. Exodus 30:30 instructs, "Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them to serve Me as priests." This anointing set the priests apart for holy service, symbolizing their purification and dedication to God.

Prophetic Anointing

Prophets, too, were anointed, signifying their divine appointment and authority to speak on behalf of God. In 1 Kings 19:16 , God commands Elijah, "You are to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel, and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah as prophet in your place." This anointing underscored the divine origin of their mission and message.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the physical act of anointing with oil transitions into a spiritual reality through the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ, the Anointed One (Messiah), embodies the fulfillment of all Old Testament anointings. In Luke 4:18 , Jesus declares, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor." This anointing by the Holy Spirit empowered Jesus for His earthly ministry.

Anointing of Believers

The anointing of the Holy Spirit extends to all believers, marking them as God's chosen and empowering them for service. In 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 , Paul writes, "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 passage highlights the transformative and confirming work of the Spirit in the life of a believer.

The Apostle John further emphasizes this spiritual anointing in 1 John 2:20 : "You, however, have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth." This anointing grants believers discernment and understanding, enabling them to abide in the truth of the Gospel.

Symbolism and Significance

The sacred anointing with oil in the Old Testament serves as a powerful symbol of the anointing of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. It signifies consecration, empowerment, and divine approval. Just as oil was poured out upon individuals to set them apart for God's purposes, the Holy Spirit is poured out upon believers, equipping them for spiritual service and witness.

Conclusion

The sacred anointing, both in its physical and spiritual dimensions, underscores the continuity of God's redemptive work throughout Scripture. It illustrates the profound truth that God, through His Spirit, anoints and empowers His people to fulfill His divine purposes in the world.1 John 2:27
But the anointing which you have received of him stays in you, and you need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it has taught you, you shall abide in him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... of beholding and participating in the sacred mysteries ... six in number: baptism, the
eucharist, anointing or confirmation ... wherein he and many other saints rest in ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... and fitted it to receive the sacred implements, all ... and its services contained many
types highly illustrative of the ... and in building up the saints, who never ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... Clark, in his Looking-Glass for Saints and Sinners ... the lawfulness of sports on that
sacred day, yet it ... have had no conception that the Holy Spirit was blessing ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The City of God. Index of Subjects.
... Chickens, the sacred, and the treaty of Numantia, [281]58 ... of the saints, [479]193;
where the saints obtain power ... young woman freed from a, by anointing, [520]488 ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /the city of god index.htm

Life of Bunyan
... itself with every occupation, however sacred, or however ... baptism, laying on of hands,
anointing with oil ... possessed in highest perfection the illustrative faculty ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hamilton/life of bunyan/life of bunyan.htm

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