© 06 Colin Melbourne
Symbolism & purpose of anointing oil
A subscriber to the Salvation Newsletter asks this Epistle question: “What is anointing oil?”
It is oil extracted from crushed olives: Olive oil.
In the Old Testament it was used to anoint kings, prophets, and priests for service in God’s kingdom. It symbolised the Holy Spirit coming upon a person to divinely empower them.
In the New Testament the original disciples anointed the sick with oil and healed them in Jesus’ Name. Holy Bible Mk. 6:12-13 KJV;
And they went out and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
Why do Christians anoint the sick with oil?
James gives the ordinance for sick believers to call Christian elders to anoint them with oil and pray in faith for them, and they will be healed. Jas. 5:14-16 KJV
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Both disciples and elders may anoint the sick and pray the prayer of faith and they will be healed. (Mtt. 28:20, Jas. 5:14-16.)
Smith Wigglesworth designed and carried a specially made leak-proof vial of oil to use in his ministry. He would ask people what was going to happen when he anointed them with the oil in Jesus’ Name. He was encouraging them to have faith in the word of God. Until they gave a positive reply he would not proceed.
It is fascinating to see how this works.
God is so gracious and understanding. He’s aware of the huge amount of doubt and unbelief in professing ‘believers’, but instead of scolding them He gives this anointing procedure to encourage them. It is really for those wobblers who walk by sight, and not by faith.
They need to see something before they will believe it. Remember how Christ chided doubting Thomas, and what He promised? Shout this you saints!
Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
Holy Bible Jn. 20:29b KJV
That is true in respect of His resurrection, and every consequence of it, including your healing.
God has already healed every believer. He’s not going to do it: He has done it.
I don’t care what you say, if you are a born again believer you are completely healed right now. God says so, and I believe Him, not you. Those who haven’t caught on, can at least see and feel the anointing oil, and hear the prayer of faith, and that should be enough to build their faith.
God heals them on the basis of the other Christian’s faith. So it is far from ideal. The best way is that they hear God’s word and believe it, then act on it for themselves. Such people stay healed, and heal others.
The oil doesn’t heal the sick, it’s not snake-oil, or a New Age magic potion. It’s just a symbol and point of contact to stimulate faith in God’s Word. Healing comes by faith in the word of God.
Those who believe, receive, those who doubt, don’t. Be a believer, and act on what God says.
The Apostle John Boiled Alive in Oil
Who’s allowed to anoint with oil?
More Epistle Questions and Answers
© 06 Colin Melbourne
