What Does the Bible Say About the Anointed?
The concept of being anointed holds significant importance in the Bible. It refers to being chosen, set apart, and empowered by God for a specific purpose. The anointed are individuals who have received the anointing of the Holy Spirit, enabling them to carry out God’s work. In this article, we will explore what the Bible has to say about the anointed and address some common questions related to this topic.
The Anointing in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, anointing was commonly practiced to consecrate priests, prophets, and kings. The anointing oil was a symbol of being set apart for God’s service. For example, Aaron and his sons were anointed as priests to minister before the Lord (Exodus 28:41). Prophets like Samuel anointed Saul and later David as kings of Israel (1 Samuel 10:1, 16:13). These anointings were physical acts that represented the spiritual empowerment given by God.
The Anointed One
The term “Anointed One” is used to refer to Jesus Christ, who was anointed by God to fulfill His redemptive plan. In the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as the Messiah, which means “Anointed One” in Hebrew. Jesus Himself declared His anointing when He read from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue, saying, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor” (Luke 4:18).
The Anointing of Believers
In the New Testament, the anointing of the Holy Spirit is not limited to a select few, but available to all believers. The apostle John writes, “But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie” (1 John 2:27).
Being anointed as a believer means having the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who empowers and guides us in carrying out God’s work. The anointing enables believers to walk in the gifts of the Spirit, such as prophecy, healing, and discernment (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). It also equips them to be witnesses of Jesus Christ and share the Gospel with others (Acts 1:8).
Common Questions about the Anointed:
1. Who are the anointed ones in the Bible?
– The anointed ones in the Bible refer to those who have received the anointing of the Holy Spirit, both in the Old and New Testaments.
2. What is the purpose of being anointed?
– Being anointed signifies being chosen, set apart, and empowered by God for a specific purpose. It enables believers to carry out God’s work and walk in the gifts of the Spirit.
3. Can anyone be anointed?
– Yes, anyone who believes in Jesus Christ and receives the Holy Spirit can be anointed. The anointing is available to all believers.
4. How do you receive the anointing?
– The anointing is received through faith in Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is a spiritual empowerment that comes from God.
5. What are the signs of being anointed?
– Signs of being anointed may include walking in the fruits of the Spirit, experiencing spiritual gifts, and having a deep sense of God’s presence and leading in one’s life.
6. Do all believers have the same level of anointing?
– While all believers have the Holy Spirit within them, the level of anointing may vary depending on one’s faith, surrender to God, and willingness to be used by Him.
7. Can the anointing be lost?
– The anointing cannot be lost, but it can be hindered by sin, unbelief, and disobedience. Repentance and surrendering to God’s will can restore and increase the anointing.
8. Are anointed individuals infallible?
– No, anointed individuals are not infallible. They are still human and prone to weaknesses and mistakes. However, the anointing empowers them to fulfill God’s purposes despite their limitations.
9. Can the anointing be transferred from one person to another?
– The anointing is not transferable from one person to another. It is a personal empowerment given by God to each individual believer.
10. How does the anointing differ from natural talents and abilities?
– Natural talents and abilities are God-given, but the anointing goes beyond them. It empowers believers to operate in supernatural gifts and fulfill God’s purposes beyond their own abilities.
11. Can non-believers have the anointing?
– The anointing is specifically given to believers who have received the Holy Spirit. Non-believers can seek and receive the anointing by placing their faith in Jesus Christ.
12. How can one grow in the anointing?
– Growing in the anointing requires seeking God, studying His Word, cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit, and being obedient to His leading. It is a continuous process of surrendering and allowing God to work in and through one’s life.
In conclusion, the Bible teaches that the anointed are those who have received the anointing of the Holy Spirit. This empowerment enables believers to carry out God’s work, walk in the gifts of the Spirit, and fulfill His purposes. The anointing is available to all believers, and it is obtained through faith in Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Growing in the anointing requires a personal relationship with God and a willingness to be led by the Holy Spirit. May we seek to be anointed vessels, empowered by God to impact the world around us.