Topical Bible: The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Oil: Healing

Bible > Topical > The Emblems of the Holy Spirit

◄ The Emblems of the Holy Spirit: Oil: Healing ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the Scriptures, oil frequently serves as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, particularly in the context of healing. This emblematic use of oil underscores the restorative and sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers. The anointing with oil is a practice deeply rooted in biblical tradition, signifying consecration, blessing, and divine empowerment.

Biblical Foundation

The use of oil for healing is prominently featured in the New Testament. In the Epistle of James, believers are instructed to anoint the sick with oil as part of the prayer of faith: "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" (James 5:14-15). This passage highlights the dual role of oil as both a physical and spiritual agent of healing, facilitated by the Holy Spirit.

Old Testament Precedents

The use of oil as a symbol of healing and consecration is also evident in the Old Testament. The anointing of priests and kings with oil was a common practice, signifying their sanctification and empowerment by God. For instance, Aaron and his sons were anointed with oil to serve as priests: "Then you shall take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it; you shall consecrate it and all its furnishings, and it will be holy" (Exodus 40:9). This act of anointing set them apart for divine service, prefiguring the work of the Holy Spirit in the New Covenant.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Oil, as an emblem of the Holy Spirit, conveys the idea of healing not only in a physical sense but also in a spiritual and emotional context. The Holy Spirit, often associated with comfort and renewal, works within believers to bring about wholeness and restoration. The anointing with oil symbolizes the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, who heals the brokenhearted and binds up wounds (cf. Psalm 147:3).

The Ministry of Jesus

The ministry of Jesus Christ further illustrates the connection between oil, healing, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus, anointed by the Holy Spirit, performed numerous healings, demonstrating the kingdom of God's power over sickness and sin. 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. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed" . This anointing by the Holy Spirit empowered Jesus to heal and restore, fulfilling the prophetic vision of the Messiah's work.

Practical Application

In contemporary Christian practice, the anointing with oil continues to be a meaningful ritual, symbolizing the Holy Spirit's presence and the prayerful hope for healing. While the oil itself holds no intrinsic power, it serves as a tangible expression of faith and reliance on the Holy Spirit's transformative work. Believers are encouraged to seek the Spirit's guidance and healing, trusting in His ability to restore and renew both body and soul.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 10:34
And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 3:18
I counsel you to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that you may be rich; and white raiment, that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness do not appear; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Symbolic Ornaments of the Church
... the Church, making it the "habitation of God through the Spirit," and giving ... Escallop
Shell, the badge of a pilgrim, are both emblems of Holy Baptism: the ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/symbolic ornaments of the church.htm

A Description of Heart-Purity
... of God are first anointed with the oil of the ... and purifications were but types and
emblems representing Christ's ... He is called the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). ...
/.../16 a description of heart-purity.htm

Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness
... is yet wet in the pen of the Holy Spirit, writing him ... In these emblems the Lord passed
between the pieces of the ... will I give them, and a right spirit will I ...
/.../justification by faithillustrated by abrams.htm

Letter Lv. Replies to Questions of Januarius.
... it reaches a place where it can rest,"oil, for example ... to those corporeal things
which are emblems of spiritual ... after 50 days is given the Holy Spirit, who is ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lv replies to questions.htm

Treatise on Christ and Antichrist.
... part iron, and the ten horns, were emblems of the ... As the wind the Spirit from heaven
is present, by ... stretching forth His holy hands on the holy tree, unfolded ...
/.../treatise on christ and antichrist.htm

The Confessions of St. Augustin Index of Subjects
... the Scriptures obscured to their mocking spirit, [793]62 (note ... asserted that the
Holy Ghost was personally resident in him ... Oil of sinners, [959]160 and note. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/the confessions of st augustin.htm

Light for them that Sit in Darkness;
... should arise among them with healing under his ... least pollution, either of flesh or
spirit, had utterly ... High-priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/light for them that sit.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... the very image; both then are but emblems of what ... of Christ, who through the eternal
Spirit offered himself ... in innocency, and so compass this holy altar: for ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Greatness of the Soul,
... This character the Holy Ghost, in the Scriptures of truth ... thee in the night; yea,
with my spirit within me ... is the vessel into which the virgins got oil, and out ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the greatness of the soul.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his ... These humble disciples
could have had no conception that the Holy Spirit was blessing their ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm