Anointing of the Holy Spirit
 By Dr. John Williams

Introduction

Not every Christian seems to have a clear understanding of what ‘Anointing’ is. Maybe it is understood by different denominations differently. Even if we go through the bible from Genesis to Revelation, we have different examples, references and meanings given to the word ‘Anointing’ in different contexts. Particularly in the closing times of human history, in which we are living now, we are witnessing now a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon all flesh as prophesied in the bible.

Therefore, it is important to clearly understand the meaning of the word ‘Anointing’ in various times from Genesis to Revelation.

What is Anointing?

We should note the fact that as we read in Genesis chapter 1, God created man in the Garden of Eden in his own image and his likeness which implies and means that God gave man when he was created, his own characteristics, traits, abilities, etc. This means that we have the characteristics and abilities of God while at the same time, many of our characteristics and abilities are the same as that of God.

Anointing in simple terms may be referred to as impartation from God to man. At the same time, man also inherits the qualities or the ability to impart the anointing that he has to others around him. This anointing represents the characteristics, traits, abilities, etc. of God himself. Therefore, anointing is something very precious and powerful and we should be interested in getting more of God’s anointing to become more like him by being transformed into his image and likeness. The good news is that God’s anointing is available to every one of us, who seek it and are willing to use it for the extension of God’s kingdom. In other words, blessing others and ushering them into the kingdom of God.

Anointing can be identified and described in 5 specific ways. These kinds of anointing literally represent God’s supernatural characteristics which are

Anointing in the Old Testament Times

The impartation of these kinds of anointing can be seen in operation in the lives of the servants of God in a variety of ways, depending upon the situation and need. In the lives of the well known bible characters including Elijah, Elisha, Moses, Joshua, Ezekiel, Isaiah, etc., several spectacular and supernatural things happened.

God gave special anointing in different situations to great men of God in order to accomplish some special assignments or tasks in supernatural ways with the power and ability of God. The common term used in the Old Testament is ‘miracle’ to refer to these kinds of supernatural things that were wrought by them. We should note that God intervene supernaturally even today to help perform miracles and to accomplish great and impossible things for the glory of God. Examples of miracles are too numerous to mention.

Anointing in the New Testament Times

The anointing that Jesus Christ had when he was on the earth, is seen throughout his life. We can clearly see the operation of the anointing of power in the miracles that he performed: the anointing of Wisdom when he preached and taught; the anointing of Love when he showed compassion to the sick and the suffering, lame, deaf and dumb; the anointing of riches when he fed a multitude of people in the wilderness and supplying all the needs when situations arose; and the anointing of creativity in performing several miracles throughout his life and ministry.
 
We can also find in the New Testament, the anointing of the Holy Spirit falling on a group of 120 people on the Day of Pentecost when they gathered in the Upper Room when they were praying. After this incident, the anointing that came upon them enabled them to do signs and wonders in their ministries.
Anointing of Today

It is important to note at this juncture that God gives his own anointing of Love, Power, Wisdom, Riches and Creativity even today. We see this in operation in crusades, gospel meetings, ministries and also in the lives of great men and women of God, visibly.

This is a very powerful witness to unbelievers to be drawn and attracted to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to get saved. The anointing that is poured upon the people all over the world in the End Times in which we are living, in order to empower and equip the believers, to effectively propagate the gospel, and usher souls into the kingdom of God, before the return of Christ.

Conclusion

The term ‘Anointing’ had different meanings in different periods, but essentially, it is an impartation of God’s spirit of Love, Wisdom, Power, Riches and Creativity upon men and women all over the world to empower them and enable them to complete the task of reaching the world with the gospel and to usher them into the kingdom of God. The anointing is nothing but the very traits of God which God have been made available to all mankind so that we can operate more effectively to fulfill the great commission of God. In short, we can say that this is the supernatural dimension of man which reflects God’s very nature and characteristics. Therefore, everyone living now in these last days should be more fascinated and interested in these special gifts of God, which are available to us, if we serve God, have a burden for the salvation of the unsaved, and dedicate our lives for this cause.
-The End-