During Old Testament times, anointing oil was used to bless and empower kings, prophets, and priests. The anointing oil was a tangible representation of the Holy Spirit. Young David was anointed to be king through the hands of Samuel. Elisha was anointed as a prophet with oil by Elijah at the Lord’s command. And Moses anointed his brother Aaron with special oil to be Israel’s high priest.
The Anointing Within and Upon
In the New Testament, the anointing is in us if we are born again and upon us if we receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. The anointing within us gives us the fruit of the Spirit. The anointing upon us is for ministry. Acts 1:8 tells us that the Holy Spirit baptism makes us witnesses for Him in our hometown, the surrounding area where we live in, and to the uttermost parts of the world. We also receive the gifts of the Spirit through this baptism. It is not the same as being baptized in water.
The Anointing is a Person
The Anointing is a Person. The Holy Spirit. Also, an anointing abides in the Word of God. Jesus said, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.” John 6:63 NIV
The Holy Spirit is our Counselor and our Teacher. 1 John2:20 says, “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.” Believers have the Holy Spirit in them through the new birth. They also have God’s wisdom within them because of the anointing.
The Anointing Teaches us and Gives us Discernment
We also see in 1 John 2:26-27 that God gives His children discernment to protect them from false teachers.“ I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.”
The Holy Spirit longs to permeate every area of our lives. He desires Spirit-filled worship. He wants our marriages, our parenting, our work, and our ministries filled with the anointing.
The Gifts of the Spirit
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit manifests certain gifts. Here is a list from God’s Word of the gifts of the Spirit: Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a] and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:7-10
This is a list of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit. Some Christians do not believe they are for today. It is not my purpose to argue for or against. I just want to present the scripture and invite you to seek the Lord concerning these things. I have found that the gifts of the Spirit are a great blessing and are powerful tools for ministry.
Whatever your decision, I firmly believe that all born-again Christians receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit at conversion. People do not have to receive the Baptism in the Spirit to experience salvation.
Let’s Surrender to the Holy Spirit
No matter your religious background, let’s submit to the Holy Spirit’s Lordship. We can surrender to Him and enter into His Presence daily. Because of the blood of Jesus, we can come boldly to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). There is no condemnation in the Lord’s Presence. If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive our every sin (1 John 1:9). We can then go to His word where He washes us, strengthens us, and equips us.
Dear Holy Spirit,
Thank you for dwelling within me. You are the anointing within me and the anointing upon me. Thank you that ever since I made Jesus the Lord of my life, you have lived in me. Lord, fill me to overflowing. Live big in me. I invite You to have Your way in my worship times. I invite you to have Your way in my family, and in my work and ministry. I need You, Holy Spirit. Apart from You, I am nothing. Fill me with Your Spirit and fill me with Your word. I desire to worship you more fully and to serve others more effectively. Amen.
What a mystery that His spirit indwells us.
Yes, and the word says in 1 Corinthians 6:17 that our spirits are one with His Spirit.
Really good explanation of one purpose of the Holy Spirit. I find it interesting that in the parable of the ten virgins, five had enough oil to keep their lamps (the Word) lit, and five did not. It’s as if Jesus is saying, “Without My Spirit, you will not know or remain alert.” I also find it rare that any church promotes the baptism of the Holy Spirit, even though Paul calls such baptisms “basic” to the believer’s life. Thanks for this, Tom!
I appreciate your comments. Blessings!
Tom Truly the Holy Spirit is so precious, we can not have fellowship with Jesus without Him. He takes from the Lord and makes it known to us! Thank you for these lovely thoughts
Lori