The Anointing: Divine Selection, Consecration, and Empowerment in Scripture
The concept of anointing represents one of the most profound spiritual realities in Scripture—a divine act through which God selects,
consecrates, and empowers individuals for sacred purposes. Far more than a ritualistic application of oil, biblical anointing signifies the
tangible presence and power of the Holy Spirit at work in and through a person, marking them as set apart for God's specific purposes.
In the Old Testament, anointing with oil served as a visible sign of being set apart for a sacred role—whether as priest, prophet, or king (Ex 29:7, 21). This ritual act symbolized the Holy Spirit's presence, marking someone as chosen and consecrated by God for divine service. The oil itself held no inherent power; rather, it represented the spiritual reality of God's empowerment for those called to specific ministries.
The anointing of Saul as Israel's first king illustrates both the privilege and responsibility of divine selection (1 Sam 9:16, 10:24). Though chosen by God, Saul's disobedience ultimately led to his rejection (1 Sam 15:1, 11, 23, 26, 28). His tragic trajectory demonstrates that anointing does not guarantee divine favor when leadership becomes severed from faithful obedience, resulting in spiritual darkness and personal decline.
Saul, by his actions excluded himself
In contrast, David's anointing occurred in secret, away from public recognition. From the moment Samuel anointed him, "the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David" (1 Sam 16:13; Ps 89:20). Despite facing persecution from Saul, David maintained reverence for "the Lord's anointed," recognizing the sacredness of God-appointed authority (1 Sam 24:10; 26:9–11). This respect reflected not blind loyalty but deep reverence for God's sovereign choice.
The transition from Saul to David reveals a crucial truth: God's anointing follows His calling, but human response determines the
fulfillment of that calling. While Saul focused on maintaining his position, David focused on maintaining his relationship with God,
demonstrating that true spiritual authority flows from intimacy with the Divine rather than positional power.
Jesus Christ embodies the ultimate expression of anointing, declaring, "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour" (Lk 4:18–19). His anointing was not for personal exaltation but for the liberation and restoration of humanity.
"God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power, and He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with Him" (Act 10:38). Every miracle, every word of truth, flowed from this divine empowerment. Significantly, Jesus performed no public miracles until after His baptism and anointing by the Spirit (Lk 4:1, 14, 32), establishing a pattern for all who follow Him.
Christ's anointing establishes the model for all believers. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead now dwells in followers of Jesus (Rom 8:11), equipping them to continue His mission in the world. This anointing is not reserved for a select few but represents the birthright of every child of God, empowering ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.
The anointing is for His Kingdom's benefit
Paul described himself as "My chosen instrument" (Act 9:15), not because of personal qualifications but because of God's sovereign purpose.
Followers of Christ are similarly given authority to act in His name, enforce His will, and advance His Kingdom. This requires active
obedience—using what God has already provided rather than waiting for additional empowerment before stepping out in faith.
Jesus promised, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you" (Act 1:8). This promise was dramatically fulfilled at Pentecost, transforming timid disciples into bold witnesses (Act 2:1–4, 14, 37–41). The anointing is not merely a feeling but divine enablement—God's presence and power made available through intimate relationship with Him.
The degree to which we experience the anointing corresponds directly to the time we spend with Jesus. As the apostles were recognized as "men who had been with Jesus" (Act 4:13), so our lives should increasingly reflect His character and power. The ongoing command remains clear: "Be filled with the Spirit" (Eph 5:18)—a continual surrender to divine influence.
We receive through surrender
The anointing possesses transformative power, breaking every yoke of sin and bondage (Isa 10:27). Every believer has been anointed by God—the Holy Spirit dwells within, guiding into truth and empowering for service (1 Jn 2:20, 27; 2 Cor 1:21–22). This inner anointing requires cooperation rather than resistance, as believers are called to walk in the fullness of what God has provided.
"His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness" (2 Pet 1:3). Though we live in a broken world, Scripture assures us that Satan cannot touch believers without God's permission (Job 1:12; 2:6). The One who began a good work in us remains faithful to carry it to completion (Phil 1:6).
When people speak of an "anointed" sermon, song, or ministry, they often describe a tangible sense of God's presence and power. However, all
glory must return to Him alone—"For My own sake, for My own sake, I do this. How can I let My name be defiled? I will not yield My glory to
another" (Isa 48:11).
- Am I living in daily awareness of the anointing I have received through the Holy Spirit?
- Do I consistently honor God's appointed authorities, even when they fail or disappoint?
- Am I surrendering completely to allow the anointing to flow through me in service and love?
- Do I give God full credit for any spiritual fruit in my life, or do I take pride in my role?
See also: Holy Spirit, hands/laying on of, sovereignty of God, surrender.