What is “the anointing?"

[Asaph]

I think I am in agreeance with you Asaph. What I am trying to share is when we accept Jesus as Lord according to Gal 2:20 it is no longer I who lives but CHrist who lives in Me.

I think that Jesus is the annointed one, the Christ. When we are in Him I think that His annointing flows upon our lives. Thus I am saying The Annoited One and His Annoiting and would make the prayer that Jesus had for us to be One be more significant and gives me greater understanding that it is not me or mine but His annoiting that I am a partaker of.

Does that make sense or am I not understanding what you are saying?

Raygn

Amen and Amen!

Grace and Peace,
Asaph

 

[Joy]

RP, my brother. God has surely anointed you repeatedly and constantly. I thank our God for you.
May i say a big AMEN to that and thank you JESUS for this dear Brother and all we are learning through RP about you, JESUS and your Powerful Presence.

 

[Suffolk Sean]

Jim,

How many times in the NT is the term "Born Again" used? Would you not say this is an important concept? Jesus said...

John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Conceptually this is a huge yet the term is only used a total of what.. 2 or 3 times (sorry i'm in a rush).

 

[JimB]

Suffolk Sean]Jim,
How many times in the NT is the term "Born Again" used? Would you not say this is an important concept? Jesus said...
John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
Conceptually this is a huge yet the term is only used a total of what.. 2 or 3 times (sorry i'm in a rush).

You have a point Sean. The term “born again” may not appear that often, but then Jesus only used the term as a object lesson to teach Nicodemus an important lesson about spiritual regeneration. We have locked on to the methaphor and, you are right, overused it, at least used it much more than Jesus ever did. Although it is now probably over-used as a Christian buzzword, you are right in the sense that the “concept” does cover a lot of other things (e.g., regeneration, salvation, redemption, etc.)

Anointing, on the other hand, as it is used in a spiritual sense, does not have the meanings televangelists (and their followers) have attached to it.
I have noticed in this thread the misuse (IMO) of the term with phrases like "operate in the anointing" and "God has anointed you repeatedly." While I understnad what they are saying, I believe they are misusing the NT concept of "anoint."
IMO

\o/

 

[Suffolk Sean]

You have a point Sean. The term “born again” may not appear that often, but then Jesus only used the term as a object lesson to teach Nicodemus an important lesson about spiritual regeneration. We have locked on to the methaphor and, you are right, overused it, at least used it much more than Jesus ever did. Although it is now probably over-used as a Christian buzzword, you are right in the sense that the “concept” does cover a lot of other things (e.g., regeneration, salvation, redemption, etc.)

Anointing, on the other hand, as it is used in a spiritual sense, does not have the meanings televangelists (and their followers) have attached to it.
I have noticed in this thread the misuse (IMO) of the term with phrases like "operate in the anointing" and "God has anointed you repeatedly." While I understnad what they are saying, I believe they are misusing the NT concept of "anoint."
IMO

\o/

I tend to agree with you about this. I did hear Kenneth Copeland state several times that the anointing isn't a thing, it is a person, that of the Holy Spirit.

The term Christ means annointed though does it not? So doesn't the term Christian mean something along the same lines?

I feel we are anointed by God, but it isn't a thing that happens now and again, it happened when we were renewed, it just may take time to manifest. How God annointed Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit and with power. Yet Jesus was in His 30's when he began to minister.

 

[LivingWitness]

Yet Jesus was in His 30's when he began to minister.

I disagree with this statement only because it should be ministry rather than began to minister.

THank you we now return you to your regulary scheduled debate.

Raygn

 

[Asaph]

Anointing, on the other hand, as it is used in a spiritual sense, does not have the meanings televangelists (and their followers) have attached to it.
I have noticed in this thread the misuse (IMO) of the term with phrases like "operate in the anointing" and "God has anointed you repeatedly." While I understnad what they are saying, I believe they are misusing the NT concept of "anoint."
IMO

\o/

Given the topic of the thread Jim that was meant to be tongue in cheek. I'm actually in agreement with you on this topic. Further, I have seen the term used unashamedly as some sort of elitist hogwash. It actually grieves the Spirit within me to see that.

All Christians are anointed. Whether or not they walk in that is a different story.

Grace and Peace,
Asaph

 

[Johnny Be Good]

Given the topic of the thread Jim that was meant to be tongue in cheek. I'm actually in agreement with you on this topic. Further, I have seen the term used unashamedly as some sort of elitist hogwash. It actually grieves the Spirit within me to see that.

All Christians are anointed. Whether or not they walk in that is a different story.

Grace and Peace,
Asaph

How do we 'walk' in the anointing without our 'walk' being fundamentally 'works' vs. ...not of US (a gift from Him)?

 

[Asaph]

How do we 'walk' in the anointing without our 'walk' being fundamentally 'works' vs. ...not of US (a gift from Him)?

No JBG. What I meant by that was walking in the spirit as opposed to walking in the flesh. Walking in agreement with God.

Grace, Mercy, and Peace
Asaph

 

[riverpastor]

How about?

The "anointing" is only the residue of His Glory!

Anyone ever get sprayed by a skunk?
That stuff will stay on you for weeks!!!

Anyway, Moses originally had put a veil over his face to cover the shining brightness of God's Glory on His face. Later as the residue of this Glory subsided, Moses kept wearing the veil...

Now that the "veil" has been done away, can this "anointing" as however we want to describe it simply be the residdue of God's Glorious Presence?

 

[riverpastor]

Well, is anyone going to respond??????


Just kidding.... re-posted by accident....

 

[Asaph]

Anyway, Moses originally had put a veil over his face to cover the shining brightness of God's Glory on His face. Later as the residue of this Glory subsided, Moses kept wearing the veil...

Now that the "veil" has been done away, can this "anointing" as however we want to describe it simply be the residdue of God's Glorious Presence?

RP, I can remember being taught that Moses didn't put the viel on to hide the shining of God's glory, but rather to hide the fading of the shining of God's glory.

Ex 34:29-35:1
29 Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the Testimony were in Moses' hand when he came down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him. 30 So when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him. 31 Then Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned to him; and Moses talked with them. 32 Afterward all the children of Israel came near, and he gave them as commandments all that the LORD had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. 33 And when Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face. 34 But whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with Him, he would take the veil off until he came out; and he would come out and speak to the children of Israel whatever he had been commanded. 35 And whenever the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone, then Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with Him.
NKJV

I'm not sure that it's a correct interpretation though.

Grace, Mercy, and Peace,
Asaph

 

[riverpastor]

Right Asaph.

I wanted to point out that the Presence and Glory of the Living Christ is abiding in our own spirit. It produces a residue of this "stuff" that flows through our lives.

Now, I believe that yielding to it has a lot to do with whether or not it is manifested or, as you and JBG have put it, that we "walk" in the anointing. Someone who doesn't yield to His Presence and Glory and to this residue of anointing obviously will not have it manifested in their lives, right???

 

[Asaph]

Right Asaph.

I wanted to point out that the Presence and Glory of the Living Christ is abiding in our own spirit. It produces a residue of this "stuff" that flows through our lives.

Now, I believe that yielding to it has a lot to do with whether or not it is manifested or, as you and JBG have put it, that we "walk" in the anointing. Someone who doesn't yield to His Presence and Glory and to this residue of anointing obviously will not have it manifested in their lives, right???

Absolutely. I misunderstood your post. Sorry RP.

Grace, Mercy, and Peace,
Asaph

 

[JimB]

Okay, now back to the subject of the OP.

What is “the anointing?" Use scripture, please. (Sorry for making it difficult.)

The word “anoint” (anointed, anointing) is used only 18 times in the NT (KJV) and almost that number in the NIV. That’s only ONCE in every 13 chapters or ONCE in every 400 verses or ONCE in every 9,000 words!! If you subtract the NT references of Christ being the Anointed One and anointing with oil or some sort of balm (as when they anointed Jesus’ body), the figures are even more skewed.

On TBN (for example) it has become a buzz word that I hear (when I bother to listen) in practically every broadcast. Usually it means some “special” power or privilege and is often synonymous with the word “special” and in Rev. Bob is anointed (as though the rest of us aren’t) or he/she is an “anointed” man/woman of God (as though the rest of us aren’t). Benny Hinn is anointed; Pastor Insipid isn’t. The Fire-BaptizedHolinessChurch has anointed services; the Church of the Prevailing Winds doesn’t.

Nowhere in scripture do I find the term “anoint” used in that manner.

What I want to know is, in your opinion, what does “the anointing” mean (biblically) and can you support it from scripture?

And, do you think we are taking liberties with this biblical term when we use it in a non-biblical way?

Is it wrong and does it foster misunderstanding to misuse the term in the way it is popularly used?

\o/



I am posting all the NIV references to “anoint” in the NT here (please check me out on this):



Matthew 1:17
Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ.[ 1:17 Or Messiah. "The Christ" (Greek) and "the Messiah" (Hebrew) both mean "the Anointed One."]

Mark 6:13
They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them.

Mark 8:29
"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ.[ 8:29 Or Messiah. "The Christ" (Greek) and "the Messiah" (Hebrew) both mean "the Anointed One."] "

Mark 14:1
Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some sly way to arrest Jesus and kill him.

Mark 16:1
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body.

Luke 2:11
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[ 2:11 Or Messiah. "The Christ" (Greek) and "the Messiah" (Hebrew) both mean "the Anointed One"; also in verse 26.] the Lord.

Luke 4:18
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,

John 1:20
He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Christ.[ 1:20 Or Messiah. "The Christ" (Greek) and "the Messiah" (Hebrew) both mean "the Anointed One"; also in verse 25.] "

Acts 2:31
Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ,[ 2:31 Or Messiah. "The Christ" (Greek) and "the Messiah" (Hebrew) both mean "the Anointed One"; also in verse 36.] that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay.

Acts 4:26
The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.[ 4:26 That is, Christ or Messiah] '[ 4:26 Psalm 2:1,2]

Acts 4:27
Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people[ 4:27 The Greek is plural.] of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed.

Acts 10:38
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

2 Corinthians 1:21
Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us,

Hebrews 1:9
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy."[ 1:9 Psalm 45:6,7]

James 5:14
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.

1 John 2:20
But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.[ 2:20 Some manuscripts and you know all things]

1 John 2:27
As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit–just as it has taught you, remain in him.

 

[riverpastor]

Jim M, what is the anointing?

 

[JimB]

Jim M, what is the anointing?

Take your pick from below (from Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words). The popular way we use the term “anointing” is not found in these six words translated by the one English word “anoint(ing)” in the KJV. Most closely, would be #2 and #6 on the list and Vine’s definition comes close to what I believe “anointing” means. Any other definition is adding meaning that the New Testament does not intend.

1. Anoint, Anointing (1aleipho) Scripture Index for aleipho
Is a general term used for "an anointing" of any kind, whether of physical refreshment after washing, e.g., in the Sept. of Ru. 3:3; 2Sa. 12:20; Da. 10:3; Mic. 6:15; in the NT, Mt. 6:17; Lu. 7:38,46; Joh. 11:2; 12:3; or of the sick, Mr. 6:13; Jas. 5:14; or a dead body, Mr. 16:1. The material used was either oil, or ointment, as in Lu. 7:38,46. In the Sept. it is also used of "anointing" a pillar, Ge. 31:13, or captives, 2Ch. 28:15, or of daubing a wall with mortar, Eze. 13:10-12,14,15; and, in the sacred sense, of "anointing" priests, in Ex. 40:15 (twice), and Nu. 3:3.

2. Anoint, Anointing (2chrio) Scripture Index for chrio
Is more limited in its use than No. 1; it is confined to "sacred and symbolical anointings;" of Christ as the "Anointed" of God, Lu. 4:18; Ac. 4:27; 10:38, and Heb. 1:9, where it is used metaphorically in connection with "the oil of gladness." The title Christ signifies "The Anointed One," The word (Christos) is rendered "(His) Anointed" in Ac. 4:26, RV. Once it is said of believers, 2Co. 1:21. Chrio is very frequent in the Sept., and is used of kings, 1Sa. 10:1, and priests, Ex. 28:41, and prophets, 1Ki. 19:16. Among the Greeks it was used in other senses than the ceremonial, but in the Scriptures it is not found in connection with secular matters. Note: The distinction referred to by Trench (Syn. xxxviii), that aleipho is the mundane and profane, chrio, the sacred and religious word, is not borne out by evidence. In a papyrus document chrisis is used of "a lotion for a sick horse" (Moulton and Milligan, Vocab. of Greek Test).

3. Anoint, Anointing (3enchrio) Scripture Index for enchrio
Primarily, "to rub in," hence, "to besmear, to anoint," is used metaphorically in the command to the church in Laodicea to "anoint" their eyes with eyesalve, Re. 3:18. In the Sept., Jer. 4:30, it is used of the "anointing" of the eyes with a view to beautifying them.

4. Anoint, Anointing (4epichrio) Scripture Index for epichrio
Primarily, "to rub on" (epi, "upon"), is used of the blind man whose eyes Christ "anointed," and indicates the manner in which the "anointing" was done, Joh. 9:6,11.

5. Anoint, Anointing (5murizo) Scripture Index for murizo
Is used of "anointing" the body for burial, in Mr. 14:8.

6. Anoint, Anointing (6chrisma) Scripture Index for chrisma
The corresponding noun to No. 2, above, signifies "an unguent, or an anointing." It was prepared from oil and aromatic herbs. It is used only metaphorically in the NT; by metonymy, of the Holy Spirit, 1Jo. 2:20,27, twice. The RV translates it "anointing" in all three places, instead of the AV "unction" and "anointing." That believers have "an anointing from the Holy One" indicates that this anointing renders them holy, separating them to God. The passage teaches that the gift of the Holy Spirit is the all-efficient means of enabling believers to possess a knowledge of the truth. In the Sept., it is used of the oil for "anointing" the high priest, e.g., Ex. 29:7, lit., "Thou shalt take of the oil of the anointing." In Ex. 30:25, etc., it is spoken of as "a holy anointing oil." In Da. 9:26 chrisma stands for the "anointed" one, "Christ," the noun standing by metonymy for the person Himself, as for the Holy Spirit in 1Jo. 2. See UNCTION. Notes: (1) Aleimma, akin to A, No. 1 (not in the NT), occurs three times in the Sept., Ex. 30:31, of the "anointing" of the priests; Isa. 61:3, metaphorically, of the oil of joy; Da. 10:3, of physical refreshment. (2) Muron, a word akin to A, No. 5, denotes "ointment." The distinction between this and elaion, "oil," is observable in Christ's reproof of the Pharisee who, while desiring Him to eat with him, failed in the ordinary Mr. s of courtesy; "My head with oil (elaion) thou didst not anoint, but she hath anointed My feet with ointment" (muron), Lu. 7:46.

 

[riverpastor]

So, do not you think that the #2 brand (chrio) would be what most Christians are referring to when they say "the anointing"?

Just got a picture in my mind of Christ kneeling before the Father and the Father taking a horn of oil and pouring it over Christ's head.

He was anointed to be Messiah. He was anointed to be King of kings. He was anointed to be Lord of lords.

Would what a lot of Christians call "the anointing" simply be that God has "christened" us as those living by Grace (as Christ, the Anointed One, living His essence in us and through us)? You think???

 

[riverpastor]

But it would have to be a continuous christening, would it not, to be called an "anointing" (current, present christening)?

Anyway, what's your take on this? I know you use Vine's, but how does that differentiate between scriptures and our lives today???

 

[JimB]

I am sending this study on the term “anointing” from the Assemblies of God website (Link Here). It also presents the term as it is used biblically (not popularly). Especially note the last (summary) paragraph.

\o/

​

+ + +​

A word study of particular interest to Pentecostals— Who Is Anointed?​

Anthony D. Palma

The subject of anointing has always been of keen interest to Pentecostals. The thrust of this article is to take a look at the One who is God’s anointed par excellence and then to relate the concept to believers.

"Christ" is one of the most frequently occurring designations for Jesus in the New Testament. It is based on the Greek verb for anoint, chrio, and its Hebrew counterpart, mashach. A form of the Hebrew word mashiach is the basis for our word Messiah and a form of the Greek word [christos]the basis for our word Christ. This is highlighted by Andrew’s statement to Peter, " ‘We have found the Messiah [Messias, a Greek rendering of the Hebrew Mashiach]’ "andthe Gospel writer’s explanatory note that follows, "which translated means Christ [Christos]"(John 1:41*). Both words mean "anointed one."

These words were originally titles or designations. In later New Testament usage, the word lost some of its titular significance and came to be regarded more as a name. Yet the importance of the original meaning of these words must be understood and retained.

In the OldTestament, a mashiach was one to whom God had assigned a special task of leadership with respect to His people. The anointing was with oil and conveyed the idea of God’s endorsement and enablement of the individual.

The term is used frequently for the anointing of kings (1 Samuel 9:16; 101; 12:3,5; 15:1,17), such as David and his successors. The expression meshiach Yahweh [Yahweh’s/Jehovah’s anointed one] is very common throughout the Old Testament. It often was a synonym for "king." This has special significance in relation to Jesus since He is David’s descendant and ultimate heir to the everlasting Davidic throne prophesied in 2 Samuel 7:13. Psalm 2:2 contains one of a number of Old Testament passages that correlate the Messiah with the King: "The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed [Mashiach]." Hebrews 1:9, quoting Psalm 45:7, says in relation to Jesus, "God, thy God, hath anointed [chrio] thee with the oil of gladness above thy companions." The context mentions His throne and His "righteous scepter."

The Old Testament also tells about the anointing of high priests (Exodus 29:4–7; Leviticus 4:3,5,16) and priests (Exodus; 28:41; 30:30; 40:12,15; Leviticus 7:36). As with the anointing of kings, this was an indication of God’s endorsement of their service and also of their consecration to Him. The Book of Hebrews speaks in detail of Jesus in His high priestly and priestly roles, even though no direct connection is made with His being the Anointed One apart from the common use of the name/title Christ.

The Old Testament has only one indication of a prophet being anointed for service—the Lord’s command to Elijah to anoint his successor Elisha (1 Kings 19:16). Yet the New Testament emphasizes the anointing of Jesus for His prophetic ministry. The messianic passage in Isaiah 61:1 reads, "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed [mashach]me to bring good news to the afflicted…." At the outset of His public ministry, Jesus read this passage in the synagogue in Nazareth and then added, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing" (Luke 4:16–21).

Two other passages present this same idea. The prayer of the believers in Acts 4 quotes Psalm 2, referred to above, and relates it to their being persecuted. They speak of "Thy holy servant Jesus, whom Thou didst anoint [chrio]"(verses, 24–27). In Acts 10:38, Peter says, "You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed [chrio]Him with the Holy Spirit and with power."

Especially important is to understand that this anointing Jesus experienced was a one-time event. The Greek aorist tense is used in all four of the New Testament verses cited and quoted in this article as they relate to Christ (Hebrews 1:9; Luke 4:18; Acts 4:27; 10:38). This anointing of Jesus for His prophetic, earthly ministry occurred at His baptism when the Holy Spirit came upon Him to empower Him and set Him apart for His unique ministry. The connection between His anointing and the work of the Holy Spirit is obvious. (The oil used for anointing in the Old Testament is symbolic of the Holy Spirit.)

The designation Christ, therefore, emphasizes the very close relationship between Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Though He was fully God, He was also fully man. And as man He too was dependent upon the Holy Spirit. Other messianic passages in Isaiah also point this out (11:1–4; 42:1–4). Jesus is thus the Man of the Spirit par excellence.

But in the New Testament, Jesus is not the only One who is spoken of as being anointed. Three passages speak of the anointing of believers. Second Corinthians 1:21,22 reads, "Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed [chrio]us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge." The verb chrio is in the aorist tense, which conveys the idea of a one-time event.

Using the noun form of our verb chrisma, John says, "But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know." Again, "And as for you, the anointing which you received [this verb is also in the aorist tense] abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him" (1 John 2:20,27).

The contexts of these passages that relate to believers make a direct connection between anointing and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. It is clear that all believers are anointed—that is, commissioned by God for service. This anointing, according to the New Testament, is not a repeatable experience. Believers should recognize that they do indeed now have God’s anointing because they are indwelt by His Holy Spirit.

*Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Bible.