What is the 'anointing'?
What is does the word ‘anointing’ mean? How can one tell if one is speaking under or walking under the power of the Holy Spirit?
The word ‘anointing’ has many different meanings and uses. In the Old Testament people who were set aside for some special task or function unto God would have oil poured over them to signify that they were the Lord’s tool or servant. One word which is translated ‘anoint’ is the Hebrew word ‘masah’ (may-z-ah). It means to be anointed, to have spread on; usually referring to the act of pouring or smearing sacred oil on a person in a ceremony of dedication, symbolizing divine empowering to accomplish a task or role. The only other word which is translated ‘anoint’ in the Old Testament, which is written in Hebrew, is the word ‘suk’ (s-oo-k). It means to anoint, to use oils, perfumes, or lotions; it can refer to the application of oils, perfumes, or lotions to the body.
In the New Testament, we have three different words which are translated ‘anoint’. One is ‘aleipho’ (al-ay-pho). This means to pour on or rub on. The second word used is myrizo (my-riz-o) which is used to signify the act of perfuming. Then we have the word enchrio (en-ch-rio) which means to rub on.
In order to make sure that one has the full meaning of the word ‘anoint’ one must also study the derivatives of the word; anoints, anointing, anointed, etc… Instead of doing that, I invite you all to check them out for yourselves and see what you find. Basically, from my study I’ve found that the word is most often meant to mean pour on, especially to signify empowering for an act or role. The ‘anointing’ is something placed upon, not within. Physically it is symbolized by oil. Spiritually it is to have the Holy Spirit upon one’s self. Physically it was used as a ceremony to demonstrate to all that God had set apart a specific individual or object to perform a chosen function, along with divine authority not given to others to accomplish His will.
The physical aspect of anointing is pretty clear, so the question that must be answered is ‘What about the spiritual aspect?’ How can one tell if one’s self or another is anointed by God in His Holy Spirit? In order to do that one must describe the different aspects, or manifestations of the Holy Spirit, that occur on or in one’s self.
One characteristic, manifestation, or typology of the Holy Spirit is that of water. John 7:38-39. A characteristic of water is that it is fertilizing, which is one function of the Holy Spirit (Ps 1:3, Is. 27:3, Is. 44:3-4, Is. 58:11). It is also refreshing (Ps 46:4, Is. 41:17-18). It is given to quench thirst (Is. 55:1-2, John 4:14, Rev. 22:17). It cleanses (Ez. 16:9, Ez. 36:25, Eph. 5:26-27, Heb. 10:22). These are just a few examples of the work that the Holy Spirit does within us. But just like there is a spiritual aspect, there is a physical aspect to His presence as well. In John 7:38-39, Jesus was not only describing a spiritual aspect of the Holy Spirit, but He was giving us a physical description to allow us to recognize when the Spirit is doing a work within us. It feels as if cool water is flowing down one’s stomach. For me it normally occurs when I am either praying in the Spirit, or singing. All I can say is that I feel refreshed, cleaned after it is done.
Another aspect of the ‘anointing’ is that of fire. The fire is a guiding light (Ex. 13:21, Ps. 78:14). It is purifying (Is. 4:4, Mal. 3:2-3). It is searching (Zeph. 1:12, 1 Cor. 2:10) Just like there are spiritual aspects to the Holy Spirit’s ministry, there are physically aspects which allow us to recognize His presence or work, as well. Ps. 133 describes a form of the anointing. The oil that runs down the head, the beard, even the body is also a physical sensation which allows one to recognize when the Holy Spirit is upon one’s self. It feels like liquid fire that starts from the head and runs down. Many would describe it as an electric sensation similar to goose-bumps. It acts as a guiding witness to what is being spoken by me or another, as to whether it is being spoken from God or through flesh. The purifying aspect can be seen when we are put through the fire, so to speak. These are situations and trials which help break bad habits, strongholds, and self, helping one to mature in their walk with the Lord. When one is ‘on fire’ for something, they reveal a zeal to know, accomplish, or share a thing. Oftentimes, abundant energy is also present.
A third manifestation of the Holy Spirit is that of wind. The wind can be powerful (Acts 2:2). It can be reviving (Ez. 37:9-10, Ez. 37:14). It is independent (John 3:8). This aspect of the Holy Spirit also has physical aspects as well. Acts 2:2 demonstrates the physical recognition of the Holy Spirit by a sound like rushing wind. They didn’t feel a wind, but they heard a sound like a wind, which helped announce His presence. Just like a cool wind revives a person on a hot day, the Holy Spirit acts in the same way. Wind is also independent. One can’t tell where it came from or where it is going. It can’t be tied down in one place against its will. It goes where it is led to go. This is an aspect of an individual who is led by the Spirit. The more a person is led by the Spirit, the less predictable they become, because they don’t place yokes on themselves which may impede the freedom to flow as the Spirit may lead them.
Just as the Spirit has different manifestations (physical and spiritual), He also has different functions which allow us to know that He is at work. He comes upon us to set us apart, consecrate, and empower us for whatever work we are called to perform (Is. 61:1-3) He comes upon us to comfort us (Is. 61:3, Heb. 1:9). He illuminates, shines light on the darkness (Matt. 25:3-4, 1 John 2:20, 1 John 2:27). He comes for healing (Luke 10:34, James 5:14). He brings peace (Matt. 3:16) which is different than feeling numb. He has a voice which guides us (Is. 30:21, John 16:13) and warns us (Heb. 3:7-11). His voice will also speak through us when we let go (Matt. 10:20). He also came to be our teacher (John 14:26). He is also to be our guide into all truth, glorify Christ, and bear witness to Christ (John 16:13). He doesn’t bear witness to Himself, just to Christ (John 16:13).
When a person is under the guidance or power of the Holy Spirit, one can discern so in a number of ways. The Holy Spirit often will ask us questions, especially when listening to someone who is claiming to be led by the Spirit in what they are doing. Are you being fed? Is this how the Lord sees it? Is there confirmation in the word, rather than using Scripture to justify their own ideas? Is the person speaking with the understanding of men or of God (1 Cor. 2:16)? Does the Lord witness to their words with a show of power (1 Cor. 2:4-5, 1 Cor. 4:19-20, 2Cor. 6:4-10) and many others. The word for ‘power’ in the New Testament is the Greek word Dynamis, which means power, ability, an extended meaning of a person who has been given supernatural, administrative power, mighty works or miracles to bear witness to them. Are people’s walks becoming stronger and instances of sin decreasing? Do they manifest the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23, Rom. 15:13, Eph. 3:16)? Are they operating in the gifts of the Spirit (Joel 2:28-29, 1Cor. 12:4-10, 1 Cor. 12:28, Rom. 15:19, Heb. 2:4)?
Why did our Lord give us these signs and gifts of the Spirit? To show the difference between those polluted and pure. To bear witness to those sent by Him. To evangelize. To build up the Body. To demonstrate those who have reached maturity in their walks, not fleshly maturity but maturity in Him.
Many people say that one can’t solely look for power or miracles, because the messengers of Satan often can perform signs as well. This is partially true. We are not to focus on power, we are to look to the fruit’s that one bears; their actions, words, and character. Signs and power gifts are meant to bear witness to the word being spoken which in turn is supposed to bear witness to Christ Jesus as He really is.
Does this mean that those who don’t have displays of power accompanying their words aren’t of God? Not necessarily. There are reasons that many don’t display the spectacular types of power. One is that a person is walking in the flesh. Another is that a person has chosen a ministry for themselves which the Lord never called them to or equipped them for. Some simply haven’t been given these types of gifts. Others who are truly called and chosen haven’t taken the time to be trained by the Lord in His way, choosing a path of their own. Some are just spiritually immature and remain so for their entire lives. One must understand that there is a difference between spiritual and physical age, head knowledge and spiritual revelation. Some sit under corrupt leadership, which pollutes them and impedes the power of the Holy Spirit from flowing through them freely. The more pure we become, the more access we have to the power of the Holy Spirit.
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What is the 'anointing'?