GracedforPurpose
What is The Anointing of the Holy Spirit?"
Gracedforpurpose
8/12/20244 min read
What Is the Anointing of the Holy Spirit?
The anointing of the Holy Spirit is divine empowerment by God in the life of a believer to carry out their function in the earth. The anointing of the Holy Spirit carries profound significance for believers. It symbolizes the presence, power, and approval of God on an individual for a specific purpose. But what exactly does it mean to be anointed by the Holy Spirit, and how does it manifest in the life of a believer? Let’s examine this vital aspect of anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Understanding the Anointing
The term "anointing" originates from the practice of pouring or smearing oil on someone, often as part of a religious or ceremonial rite. In the Old Testament, anointing with oil was a common practice for consecrating priests, prophets, and kings, setting them apart for God's service (e.g., Exodus 29:7, "Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his head, and anoint him". and 1 Samuel 16:13). "Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward". This act symbolized the impartation of God's Spirit, empowering the anointed one to fulfill their divine calling.
The Holy Spirit in the New Testament
The concept of anointing took on a new dimension with the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ, referred to as the "Anointed One" (the Messiah), was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power (Acts 10:38 " How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him). His ministry was marked by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, demonstrating the transformative effect of divine anointing from God.
The Anointing of Believers
In the New Testament, the anointing of the Holy Spirit is not limited to specific individuals but is available to all believers. The apostle John writes about this anointing in his first epistle:
"But you have an unction from the Holy One, and you know all things" (1 John 2:20).
"But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him" (1 John 2:27).
These verses highlight that the anointing of the Holy Spirit imparts knowledge, truth, and guidance to believers, giving them the ability to discern the will of God and abide in them.
Manifestations of the Anointing
The anointing of the Holy Spirit manifests in various ways in the life of a believer:
Empowerment for Ministry: The Holy Spirit equips believers with spiritual gifts to serve and edify the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). This empowerment enables effective ministry, whether through teaching, healing, prophecy, or other gifts. Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit for ministry to which he was chosen. Jesus declares "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord" Luke 4: 18-19.
Guidance and Wisdom: The anointing provides divine wisdom and guidance, helping believers navigate life's challenges and make decisions aligned with God's purposes (John 16:13).
Transformation and Holiness: The Holy Spirit works within believers to transform their character, producing the fruit of the Spirit such as love, joy, peace, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). This sanctifying work leads to greater holiness and Christlikeness.
Boldness and Courage: The anointing gives believers boldness to witness and proclaim the gospel, even in the face of opposition. This means that believers who receives the Holy Spirit will be empowered by him to operate in signs, wonders and miracles and people will come to know Jesus because of the demonstrations of his power. Additionally the Holy Spirit causes the believers to share the message of the gospel without fear of men. In Acts 4:31, Peter stood up and boldly proclaimed the truth of the gospel without fearing what unbelievers would do to him when he was finished speaking their hearts were pricked as the holy Spirit brought about conviction to their spirit. (Acts 1:8, Acts 4:31).
Comfort and Assurance: The Holy Spirit acts as a Comforter and Counselor, providing peace and assurance of God's presence, especially in times of trouble (John 14:26-27).
How to Receive and Maintain the Anointing?
Receiving the anointing of the Holy Spirit begins with faith in Jesus Christ and a desire to be filled with the Spirit. Believers are encouraged to:
Seek God in Prayer: Ask God for the filling and anointing of the Holy Spirit, believing that He desires to give this good gift to His children (Luke 11:13).
Cultivate a Relationship with the Holy Spirit: Spend time in worship, prayer, and the study of Scripture to grow in intimacy with the Holy Spirit.
Obey God's Word: Live a life of obedience to God's commands, as the anointing abides with those who walk in righteousness.
Stay Humble and Dependent on God:
Recognize that the anointing comes from God, not from human effort or merit. Depend on His grace and power in all things. Zachariah 4:6 Then he said "This is God's message to Zerubbabel; Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty".
Stay Connected to the Body of Christ:
Fellowship with other believers, as the corporate anointing and encouragement from the community of faith help to sustain and grow the individual anointing.
The anointing of the Holy Spirit is a precious gift that empowers, guides, and transforms believers for the glory of God. It is an essential aspect of Christian life and ministry, providing the divine enablement needed to fulfill God's purposes. As we seek and cultivate this anointing, we experience the fullness of life in the Spirit, marked by power, wisdom, holiness, boldness, and comfort.
May we all desire and pursue the anointing of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to work in and through us to accomplish His divine will.