Anointing
Definition:
What “Anointing” Means in Christianity
The word anointing refers to the act and effect of being chosen, empowered, or set apart by God through the Holy Spirit.
In Scripture, anointing is both:
a physical act (oil placed on a person), and
a spiritual reality (God’s empowering presence).
Literal meaning:
Hebrew: māshach — to smear, rub with oil, consecrate, set apart
Greek: chríō — to anoint; the root of Christos (Christ)
Thus:
“Christ” literally means “The Anointed One.”
2. Old Testament Background — Anointing for Office
In the Old Testament, people were anointed with oil as a sign of God’s appointment and empowerment:
Priests (Exodus 28:41)
Kings (1 Samuel 16:13 — David)
Prophets (1 Kings 19:16)
The oil symbolised the Spirit of God coming upon them.
“The outward anointing with oil was the sacrament, the sign of an inward anointing of the Holy Spirit.”
— Thomas Aquinas
3. The Anointing of Jesus Christ
Jesus is called The Anointed One because He was empowered by the Holy Spirit for His mission:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me…”
— Luke 4:18
“God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power.”
— Acts 10:38
So, all Christian anointing flows from His anointing.
“Christ was anointed as Prophet, Priest, and King — and in Him we share that anointing.”
— John Calvin
4. The Anointing of the Holy Spirit on Believers
In Christian theology, anointing is fundamentally a work of the Holy Spirit.
It means:
being empowered for ministry
being set apart for God’s purposes
being equipped with spiritual gifts
experiencing God’s presence
being taught and guided by the Spirit
“The anointing is the Holy Spirit Himself, giving illumination and power.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“Every Christian has received this anointing in Christ; it is the Spirit who makes us belong to God.”
— John Stott
5. Biblical Language for the Spirit’s Anointing
1 John 2:20, 27
“You have an anointing from the Holy One… and His anointing teaches you.”
Christians interpret this as:
the inner teaching of the Spirit,
spiritual discernment,
empowerment for obedience.
“The anointing is the Spirit’s enabling presence, giving us the mind of Christ.”
— J.I. Packer
6. Anointing as Empowerment for Service
This is especially emphasised in charismatic and Pentecostal traditions.
“The anointing is God’s ability on your ability.”
— Reinhard Bonnke
“The Spirit’s anointing is the difference between striving in the flesh and ministering in God’s power.”
— Jack Hayford
Many teachers emphasize that anointing is not primarily about emotion or performance, but about God empowering ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
7. Anointing Is Always for a Purpose
In Scripture, anointing was given for a task, not for personal status.
“God does not anoint us for prestige but for service.”
— A.W. Tozer
“Anointing is for mission — to proclaim, to heal, to liberate.”
— N.T. Wright
Jesus’ own mission statement (Luke 4:18–19) is often considered the model for Christian anointing.
8. Anointing and Sanctification
Some theologians speak of anointing as the Spirit forming Christ’s character in the believer.
“The anointing is the Spirit shaping us into the likeness of Christ.”
— Andrew Murray
“To be anointed is to become holy — to share in the life of the Anointed One.”
— Gregory of Nyssa (4th century)
9. Anointing for Healing
In certain traditions, anointing with oil symbolizes healing:
“Is any among you sick? Let them call the elders… and anoint them with oil.”
— James 5:14
This reflects the belief that God’s presence brings restoration.
“The oil is a sign, the Spirit is the power.”
— John Chrysostom
10. Misunderstandings About Anointing
Christian thinkers warn against two errors:
1. Treating anointing as emotional hype
“The anointing is not emotion, but divine enablement.”
— Martyn Lloyd-Jones
2. Treating anointing as personal possession
“We do not control the anointing; the anointing controls us.”
— Dietrich Bonhoeffer
11. Voices Across Church History on Anointing
Irenaeus (2nd century)
“Where the Spirit of God is, there is anointing, renewal, and life.”
Athanasius
“By the Anointed One, we receive the anointing and are made sons of God.”
St. Cyril of Jerusalem
“The oil of anointing signifies the Spirit who marks you as belonging to God.”
John Owen (Puritan)
“Anointing is the communication of the Holy Spirit to believers to fit them for every duty.”
C.S. Lewis
“It is God’s presence in the believer that makes him able to do what is otherwise impossible.”
Dallas Willard
“The anointing is God acting in, with, and through the disciple to accomplish His will.”
12. Summary: What Christians Mean by “Anointing”
The Anointing Is:
God’s empowering presence
The work of the Holy Spirit in and through a believer
Participation in Christ’s own anointing
God setting someone apart for His purposes
Equipping for service, mission, and ministry
Inner teaching, guidance, and discernment
Power for holy living and Christlike character
The Anointing Is NOT:
emotional enthusiasm
personal status
an exclusive gift for special people
mystical power separate from God’s Spirit
“The anointing is God Himself working in us, marking us, empowering us, and sending us.”
— Graham Cooke
Biblical Imagery & Metaphors:
Oil poured over a king’s head.
A seal marking ownership.
Light shining on a chosen path.
In Daily Faith:
God’s anointing equips you for what He calls you to do — not through power, but through His presence.
Anointing in Daily Life
The concept of anointing goes beyond a mere religious practice—it is a dynamic and empowering work of the Holy Spirit that touches every area of a believer’s life. The anointing is not reserved for a select few; it is available to all Christians, empowering them to fulfill God’s purposes on earth. Here’s how the anointing can be applied in your daily walk with God:
Recognize Your Calling and Purpose
Understand You Are Chosen: Just as God anointed kings, priests, and prophets in the Old Testament, He has anointed you for His purposes. The anointing is a sign that you have been set apart for service and ministry. Whether in your family, workplace, or community, God has called you to make a difference.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:13 — "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David."
Practical Application: Each day, remind yourself that you are chosen by God and that your life is part of His grand purpose. Walk in the confidence that His Spirit is empowering you for whatever He has called you to do.
Live with Empowerment for Ministry
Act in God’s Strength: The anointing of the Holy Spirit gives you the power to serve, minister, and act in the strength of God. It’s not your abilities but God’s presence working through you. Whether you are teaching, counseling, praying, or helping others, the Spirit equips you.
Scripture: 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."
Practical Application: As you go about your day, whether at home, at work, or in church, recognize that the Spirit empowers you to make a difference. You are not doing this in your own strength—God is with you.
Embrace the Spirit’s Guidance in Daily Decisions
Seek the Anointing for Wisdom and Discernment: One of the works of the Holy Spirit is teaching and guiding us into all truth. The anointing enables believers to discern God’s will and make decisions that align with His purposes.
Scripture: 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."
Practical Application: When facing tough decisions, whether personal or professional, rely on the Holy Spirit to give you insight. Trust that the anointing will teach you the right path and help you discern what is best in every situation.
Empower Others Through Service
Use Your Anointing to Serve: The anointing is never about personal prestige, but about empowering believers to serve others. Jesus, the Anointed One, used His power to heal, teach, and set people free.
Similarly, you are called to use the anointing to bless and uplift others.
Scripture: Luke 4:18-19 — "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."
Practical Application: Ask the Holy Spirit to show you opportunities to serve others each day. Whether in small or large ways, seek to be a conduit of God’s love and power in your relationships, workplace, and community.
Live Out Christlike Character
Become More Like Christ: The anointing is not just for service; it is also for personal transformation. The Spirit’s anointing works in us to make us more like Jesus. His character—humility, compassion, holiness—begins to shine through us as we yield to the Holy Spirit’s work.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 — "Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come."
Practical Application: Reflect on areas of your character where you need God’s transformative work. Allow the anointing to shape you into Christ’s image, becoming more loving, patient, and kind each day.
Move Beyond Performance and Striving
Let Go of Self-Reliance: The anointing is not about emotional hype or human effort. It’s not about striving to impress God or others, but about allowing God to work in and through you. The anointing empowers you, but it’s not about performance; it’s about His presence.
Scripture: Zechariah 4:6 — "So he said to me, 'This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.'"
Practical Application: In every task you face, remember that it’s not about how hard you work or how much you do. It’s about the Spirit working in you. Rest in His power, knowing He is the one who gives you the strength to accomplish His will.
Prepare for God’s Healing Work
Anointing for Healing: In some traditions, anointing with oil is a symbol of God's healing presence. Whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, the Holy Spirit’s anointing brings restoration and renewal. If you or someone else is in need of healing, remember that God’s anointing can bring wholeness.
Scripture: James 5:14 — "Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord."
Practical Application: Pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit to bring healing to those who are sick or suffering. Whether it’s in a physical ailment or an emotional struggle, trust in God’s power to restore and heal.
Live with Humility in the Anointing
Don’t Let Anointing Lead to Pride: The anointing is a gift from God, not something that makes us superior to others. It is essential to remember that anointing is for service, not for personal glory. Humility is key to walking in the anointing.
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:5 — "In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'"
Practical Application: Be mindful of pride and strive to live in humility. Acknowledge that any gift, ability, or ministry you have is not your own, but God’s, and it is to be used for His glory and the good of others.
Practical Daily Applications of Anointing
Morning Prayer of Consecration: Start your day by surrendering to the Holy Spirit’s anointing. Ask God to empower you to live according to His will and to guide your decisions, thoughts, and actions.
Scripture: Psalm 23:5 — "You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."
Seek His Empowerment for Service: As you encounter opportunities to serve, whether through ministry, family, or work, rely on the Holy Spirit’s anointing to give you the wisdom, strength, and compassion you need.
Scripture: Ephesians 3:20 — "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."
Trust in the Holy Spirit’s Guidance: Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your decisions throughout the day. Whether in the workplace, relationships, or personal challenges, trust that the anointing will lead you in the right direction.
Scripture: John 14:26 — "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."
By embracing the Holy Spirit's anointing in daily life, you can walk in the fullness of God's power, purpose, and presence. The anointing is not just for special moments; it’s a constant, empowering reality that helps you live for God and serve others in every aspect of your life.
Scripture References:
1 Samuel 16:13 (NIV)
“So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.”
2 Corinthians 1:21–22 (NIV)
21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us,
22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
1 John 2:27 (NIV)
“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.”