Anointing often involves the application of oil to a person or object, signifying consecration and dedication to God. In the Old Testament, priests, kings, and objects were anointed for God’s service. For example, in Exodus 30:30, God commanded Moses to “Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them so they may serve me as priests.” In 1 Samuel 10:1, Samuel anointed Saul with oil, declaring him ruler over God’s inheritance. In 1 Samuel 16:13, David was anointed as king in the presence of his brothers. The act of anointing signifies God’s endorsement and empowerment for leadership roles, emphasising that positions of authority are granted by divine decree and purpose. These verses resonate with me in leadership roles at work or in community projects, reminding me that authentic leadership is a divine calling requiring responsibility and guidance from God.
In addition to anointing kings and priests, prophets in the Old Testament also anointed objects for religious purposes. For example, the Tabernacle and its furnishings were anointed to sanctify them for worship. “Then use it to anoint the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law, the table and all its articles, the lampstand and its accessories, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand. You shall consecrate them so they will be most holy, and whatever touches them will be holy” (Exodus 30:26-29).
In the New Testament, “Christ” translates to “Anointed One.” Jesus anointed with the Holy Spirit and power, is described in Acts 10:38 as having gone around doing good and healing all under the power of the devil because God was with him. This anointing signifies his divine mission as prophet, priest, and king.
Anointing in the New Testament can be physical or spiritual. Physical anointing includes using oil for healing prayers, as mentioned in James 5:14. Objects or places can also be anointed with oil to set them apart for God’s service, similar to the anointing of various items in Exodus 30:26-29.
Spiritual anointing in the New Testament extends beyond physical oil to the spiritual realm, where the Holy Spirit anoints believers. “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth,” 1 John 2:20 says. Spiritual anointing refers to the work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life, providing empowerment, guidance, and sanctification.
The concept of spiritual anointing can be divided into two distinct types: the anointing within you and the anointing upon you. Let us first explore the anointing within you. This refers to the presence and influence of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life, providing empowerment and guidance throughout their spiritual journey. The anointing within contains various aspects of a Christian’s life, from personal holiness to ministry and service.
People receive the anointing when they accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Upon receiving Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit takes up residence within the believer, signifying their belonging to God. This intimate connection is stated in John 14:16-17: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”
The anointing within you serves as a testament to your unique relationship with God, enabling you to worship Him. 1 Corinthians 12:3 emphasises this by stating, “Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, ‘Jesus be cursed,’ and no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.” Zechariah 4:6 also reinforces this truth: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.”
The anointing within you involves the Holy Spirit as a teacher, helping you understand and apply Scripture. It is a continual process working to sanctify believers and enable them to mature in holiness and Christlikeness. The anointing is a seal of our salvation, assuring believers of their identity in Christ and the promise of eternal life. It is a mark carried by every genuine Christian, sustained through God’s Word and prayer.
What is the Anointing Upon You?
The anointing upon you refers to the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit to equip a believer for service and ministry. This anointing provides the power to perform tasks, witness, and effectively manifest spiritual gifts. The anointing upon you empowers believers to carry out God’s work, such as preaching, healing, and other forms of ministry. Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The anointing upon you is also associated with the manifestation of spiritual gifts, such as prophecy, healing, miracles, and speaking in tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good… All these are the work of the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”
The anointing upon you is often visible and active in believers’ public ministry, similar to the lives of the apostles and other figures in the New Testament. In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus said, “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 favour.” Another instance in Luke 3:21-22 describes Jesus being baptised and the Holy Spirit descending on him, affirming his anointed mission. This event is mirrored in Isaiah 61:1, stating, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” Both instances highlight the empowerment of acts of compassion and justice. This verse emphasises that anointing has a social dimension, aiming at holistic salvation for humanity. Furthermore, Acts 2:1-4 describes the event of Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit descended upon the believers, filling them and enabling them to speak in other tongues.
The anointing upon you refers to the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit to equip a believer for service and ministry. This anointing provides the power to perform tasks, witness, and effectively manifest spiritual gifts. The anointing empowers believers to carry out God’s work, such as preaching, healing, and other forms of ministry. Acts 1:8 says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
The anointing is also associated with manifesting spiritual gifts, such as prophecy, healing, miracles, and speaking in tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 states, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good… All these are the work of the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”
The anointing within you is initiated at salvation and focuses on internal transformation and maintaining your relationship with God. It is a permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit, guiding and sanctifying the believer and producing character (fruit of the Spirit). On the other hand, the anointing upon you is received for specific tasks and service, often through prayer and laying on of hands. It empowers you for ministry, enables the use of spiritual gifts, and enhances the public witness of Jesus Christ. This anointing may be situational, periodic, or permanent when specific empowerment is needed for ministry tasks.
Revd Michael