What is the anointing
that we here so much about today? The anointing has become an experience
so that God is not confined to the Scripture alone. While there are shreds of
truth in the statement that God is not limited, neither is He excessive. We
don't put a subjective experience before the objective word of God, nor an
intuitive revelation over the word of eternal revelation. If there is to be any
true experience it would be complimentary to the word and not contradict
it.
Fundamental orthodoxy has been exchanged for a new theological thought. We are being told to learn of God by experience, through the experience, we gain our knowledge of him. This is classic Gnosticism that God cannot be explained except by ones own personal experience. We should not be ignorant of Satan's schemes - he wants us to have spiritual experiences and have us think we are in touch with the true God. He usually works through feelings because they are more difficult to judge as truth. These have become the current trend of mysticism. This does not mean there is no genuine experiences from God. But any experience with quick immediate results means we need to have our discernment on instead of off. Everything needs to be tested, especially when the supernatural is operating. The Bible commands this it is not an option.
Scripturally “the Torah regards as an abomination any attempt of someone giving his anointing to another. Moses was told it was grave sin even to mix the oil of one's anointing in the same measure for another, and anyone who puts it on a person not so designated was to be cut off (Exodus 30:33). The Hebrew text says that the oil is in Heb.mekudesh lacha, literally 'set apart', or' sanctified specifically unto you.' This prohibition was evident When Elisha asked Elijah for his mantle in which he told his protégé it is not mine to give. He was told to wait and see if the Lord would place it on him ( Kings 2: 10) If he saw him taken to heaven he would receive the blessing. Yet he had to leave for it to be placed on him. 2 Kings 13:21 (adapted from PROPHECY TODAY, Volume 11, No. 6, Is the 'Toronto Blessing' a Hands-On Experience? November 1995, Jacob Prasch of Moriel ministries).
What do we see about the anointing in the Bible? When the anointing came on Jesus it rested on him it did not come and go as it does in the “modern anointing services,” it came only once. You will not find the apostles speaking of an anointing coming on them to do miracle’s, their baptism of the Spirit was no different than ours. While we all have the same Spirit, clearly their position was greater than the regular believer. And God did through them, the apostles what he would not do
through regular Christians.
NOWHERE in the New Testament do we read of the anointing being transmitted from one person to another person by the laying on of hands. It was never by or from but through the laying on of hands (Acts 19). The apostles did not preach about receiving the anointing by their hands or ministry. Nor do we read of there being a “double-portion” anointing, or triple as Benny hinn claims. What about Elisha, didn't he ask for a double portion of Elijah's spirit? He did not ask for a double portion of his anointing. These are two different words in the Hebrew.
2 Kings 2:9: “And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.” Vs.13 “He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;” Vs.15 “And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.” The mantle was his authority, clearly Elisha asked for more authority, the same as Elijah but double. Today the anointing means having more power or to have an immediate experience, this is not what is presented in Scripture.
Elisha had a double anointing, both for when he was alive and when he was dead. When a dead person was thrown into his grave and it touched his bones, the dead person became alive. (2 King 13:21) It wasn’t Elisha that resurrected him, but God. Elisha was dead and had nothing to do with it. It was a rising up, not a slaying or putting one down, but raising them from the dead to new life. This is what a true anointing would do. If Elisha were anointed as some teach the anointing today, he wouldn’t have died and stayed dead. He would have raised from the dead because of the double anointing, at least the way some present it today.
Elisha had his prophetical office for at least fifty years, living to the age of eighty until he died of an illness (2 Kings 13:14).The purpose was to affirm his ministry. Remember he received the mantle, the authority from one who never died and was taken by God. It was not passed on through Elijah.
Simon the sorcerer was the first to presume one can get the anointing by buying it or by knowing an apostle. In Acts 8:19-23 Simon asks: “Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter responds saying unto him, ‘Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.’”
Peter summed it up by saying Simon was “bound by iniquity.” Peter’s response was a rebuke. He cursed Simon for his presumption that the Holy Spirit was like any other power he dealt with, and that he could buy this ability. Only the apostles (a select group) could possibly do these great miracles. It was something clearly apostolic, a sign to prove their ministry. In 2 Corinthians 12:12, in a rare case Paul, in rare instance, appealed to the signs he worked as proof of his apostleship.
Today the anointing has become a buzz word equal to power and authority. There is no such thing as buying an anointed audio tape or prayer cloth. That by listening or using it, one will inherit its power or gain revelation. This is classic occultism, to present the Holy Spirit functioning in this manner is to misrepresent not only his activities but his personhood as God. Nowhere do we find Paul saying to bring handkerchiefs to him and he will place his hands on it (Acts 19:12). How to perform miracles or obtain stronger anointing's are not taught in Scripture, nor throughout Church history. This is being taught only recently by those who promote power crusades of miracles and healing.
Those who claim giftings like the apostles are far removed from what the scriptures teach. When apostles laid hands on people, the Holy Spirit was not coming from them. Acts 19 tells us that when Paul laid hands on some believers from Ephesus the Spirit came epi, upon them, not dia, through him. The Spirit did not come through Paul’s hands but it came upon, from above. In every New Testament example the gift of the Spirit was given from Christ above, and through the APOSTLES MINISTRY, not by any other person (Acts 2,8,10,19). It is clear these manifestations of miracles were not available to all Christians. We do not read anywhere of Paul transmitting his anointing to others by the laying on of hands, as some think Elisha received from Elijah.
Those who claim apostolic offices today are mostly biblically and historically illiterate. Apostolic succession comes from Roman Catholicism and Mormonism, not from historic Christianity, nor Protestantism. We do not see the anointing portrayed as a supernatural power given to the disciples so they can go city to city to do the miraculous, or give others an experience.
The great Miracles done in the early Church were clearly apostolic. These were signs to prove their ministry to the unbelievers. Today these are supposed signs to the believer. Paul in 2 Cor. 12:12 appealed to the signs he worked as one of his proofs of his apostleship, (but not as THE sign). So it is clear the same manifestations of miracles was not available to all Christians. We do not read anywhere of Paul transmitting his anointing to others by the laying on of hands? Neither does Jesus teach on how to obtain or release the anointing, yet we do find him teaching on prayer and following after him.
Acts 19:11-12: “Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.” Theses were extraordinary not common miracles and they were by his hands as an apostle these signs would follow them. This is not a normal practice for a regular Christian nor was it one for the apostles. Paul did not put his hands on other peoples prayer clothes for them to get it, there was no transference involved. It could mean he used these to wipe the sick and they got healed, but it wasn’t the handkerchief ministry, anymore than Jesus taught to practice here's mud or spit in your eye ministry. Paul did not distribute clothes for people to release their faith they were healed by the clothes by their being laid on the sick persons body.
(Strong's Concordance #4612 simikinthion- a narrow apron, or a linen covering, which workmen and servants were accustomed to wear. This was something that Paul wore himself, his own clothing that was used, and I hope I'm not giving anyone any new Ideas.)
There is no such thing as “point-of-contact” as what the new Charismatics teach by a prayer cloth or through physical objects like the TV. The Holy Spirit does not come by men’s hands through images on TV or pictures or inanimate objects. This is a subtle form of Idolatry. You can’t transfer the anointing (Holy Spirit) by your own commands, but they can transfer someone's money from their account into their own. That’s the extent of our current modern day miracles from the new anointed leaders!
The Montanist movement in the early church would be a similar model that is copied today, yet the Church condemned them for their heresy. Not just for the excess in their prophesying and tongues. They declared the age of the Holy Spirit had come and the end of the world was soon coming. Their practice was imparting the anointing and spiritual gifts to others.
Many describe a change of personality when this power comes on them. Others can see the moment this takes place. When the anointing comes on them they are a different person, they become loud, rude, moved by a power beyond normal. They can become violent and out of control, and may not even remember what they said or did under the influence. If this isn't their own pumping themselves up then it is of great concern. Then this has to be another spirit, because 1 Jn.2:27 says that he is in us already, and they do not act like this all the time, so something “new” is occurring, something that is certainly not described in the Scripture. Can you picture the Apostle's Paul or Peter running up to people slapping them on the side of their head, yelling about the power or lining people up to be slain. Today perspiration has been mistaken for inspiration.
There is nothing written in the in the Old Testament or New Testament of any methodology, formulas, or keys, by which individuals can receive the anointing,
When the Samaritans in Acts 8 and the Gentiles in Acts 10 received the Holy Spirit it was a shock to the Jewish believers. This was not the normal occurrence to see people receive the Spirit by someone laying hands on them, or falling on them and as a group speaking another language. While the Samaritans had the apostles lay hands on them, this was a one time occurrence. They didn't have to do this every time someone came into the body of Christ. They were approving of God’s work in and toward them giving them his blessing. It was Paul who said to Timothy (1 Tim.5:22) not to lay hands on people quickly, to avoid partaking in their sins. Essentially the laying on of hands was to approve someone into ministry or speak or approve a blessing.
There is another laying on of hands that we seem to overlook. In Acts 4 Peter and John spoke to the religious leaders boldly of what is right before God, they spoke of his resurrection giving them the Gospel. In vs. 3 it states from their being so disturbed that they rebuked the popular leaders in office, “they laid hands on them and put them in custody until the next day.” It appears this kind of laying on of hands is spiritually applied to those who speak out against false representations of the Holy Spirit.
When the apostles laid hands on people it wasn’t to give there anointing. In Ex.30:32 Israel was told not to mix the oil to another. Oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit, God’s anointing. Incense has to do with worship and prayer. Vs.34 no oil and no incense is to be mixed either. Do these people who are promoting this anointing have a crucified life or are they living lavishly. Jesus was anointed for burial in the house of Mary and Martha before he was exalted before his brethren. Which tells us that we need to die to our self first before we can exhibit the true power of God. It always the flesh being aroused and exhibited instead in the background and Jesus in the forefront. God wants the church to be honest of our need. To really say we are broken and in need not saying we have it and are going to give it out. You can make a corpse look alive with a lot of perfume and activity but underneath it still stinks of death. What did Paul say the proof of his anointing was? His miracles? No! Signs and wonders or his wealth? No! It was I bear the marks of Christ on my body, fulfilling the suffering. He died to his old life, he first was anointed for his burial, so God anointed him with his power to new life.
The charismatic cliché for self protection is “touch not my anointed.” It is grinded into the followers and whined by them to those who have anything to say about their favorite teachers. In the OT prophets, priests and Kings were anointed. David did not touch Saul (1 Sam.26:23) because he was God’s anointed, but it did not prevent him from telling the truth about Saul. 1 Sam. 16:13-16 David was anointed before God took away Saul's position. David wouldn’t touch Saul physically, but it didn’t stop him from telling the truth about him. Look at v.11, it tells us that he would not stretch his hand out to touch him but took his spear and water jug. In v.15 David rebukes Abner for not guarding Saul and he says that he deserved to die. Saul hears the commotion and comes out and David rebukes him before all the troops asking why he is pursuing his life since he is innocent that the king has come out to seek a flea. Saul then repents for his rash behavior and called himself a fool. David then returns Saul's possessions and says, “For the Lord delivered you into my hand but I would not stretch out my hand against the Lords anointed.” Saul was anointed as King over Israel, he had a position of rulership that was temporary. Unlike those today who shout don’t touch God’s anointed, they are self appointed positions. In the real story it Saul was pursuing to kill David who was innocent. Likewise today the threats are made against those who speak out against the abuse and manipulation of Saul’s. David did not touch him physically, I agree neither should we, but I also agree they should not make threats against those who speak out about them. But instead repent as Saul did and go their way, leaving the ones who speak the truth to live another day. David did not physically touch Saul, he respected his office but this did not prevent him from giving a public rebuke. Even David later on in his ministry as King accepted rebuke and correction from Nathan the prophet. He did not say, “don’t touch Gods anointed” to protect himself, and neither should those in leadership do the same.
Do these people who are promoting this anointing have a crucified life or are they living lavishly. Jesus was anointed for burial in the house of Mary and Martha before he was exalted. Which tells us by his example that we need to die to self first, before we can exhibit the true power of God. It always the flesh being aroused and exhibited in the forefront, instead Jesus is in the background. God wants the Church to be honest. To really say we are broken and in need not saying we have it and are going to give it out. You can’t make a corpse look alive with a lot of perfume and activity. What did Paul say the proof of his anointing was? His miracles? No! signs and wonders or wealth. No! It was I bear the marks of Christ on my body, fulfilling the suffering. He died to his old life anointed for burial, so that god could anoint him with power as he lived his life fully unto Christ.
Who is “My anointed”? There is only one anointed one, that is Jesus. Acts 2:36 Peter says God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ, (anointed one) he points to the person of Christ not himself as anointed. Peter is drawing on Ps.133 it begins to talk about unity before it talks of the anointing. It is like the precious oil (Holy Spirit) coming down upon the head coming down upon the beard (Aaron) Aaron is a type of Jesus, a shadow of the New Testament priest who is Jesus. In the Old Testament they poured the oil over the head and it dripped down over the garment which is over the body. Christ is the head of the church as the husband is over the wife. To be anointed we must be part of the body, united and attached to the head only under his headship
(leadership) are we anointed, we need to be attached to the body. These men are
free agents not under any authority because they deny any accountability for
their actions when something goes wrong or are caught being unbiblical or worse.
With the true anointing comes humility, the opposite would be acting in pride.
When you hear someone says “Touch
not my anointed”,
it needs to be put in the New Testament context.. The New Testament view
identifies the anointed as all those who have received Jesus into their hearts
and baptized into the body. It is not a certain group of people who have
appointed themselves as leaders over the Church but the whole body of Christ is
anointed. And when they make threats or coerce people not to say anything and
get in line it is THEY that are coming against the anointed. For everyone shares
the same anointing. Before they give the cliché “don't
touch my anointed”
and then threaten someone who is searching what the Scripture to see what it
actually says about this, they should think it through.
If the church wants the true anointing we need to get under the anointed one who was made head of the Church. Ps. 133 tells us “Behold how good and how pleasant it is for the brethren to dwell together.” The next verse it is like the precious oil poured out on Aaron's head, coming down off his beard and dripping on to the rest of his body. Hebrews tells us Aaron as high priest is a picture of Christ a greater one. Christ replaces the Levitical priesthood as an eternal priest according to the order of Melchizedek. Biblically the anointing flows off the head to the members of his body.
It become obvious to those who are biblically literate that whatever is being transferred today from one person to another is not the true anointing. There was no such silliness practiced by the apostles. There was a sobriety and peace when the truth was communicated. There is only one anointed “ THE CHRIST”, and we need to be under him. Which means to obey him and present the TRUTH, the way it was written.
Today there is a lot of spiritual guruism in Christianity right now. People go to teachers to get their revelation and have others lead them into their relationship with God. They ask for their prayers, as Protestants we never would buy into a single Pope, so instead we now have several of them, they are called the anointed, the new apostles and prophets. A Mediator is someone who stands between an individual or group and God, he is essential to tTheir relationship, just as the guru is to his devotee. They wait for him to impart a word or a technique to them. Fresh words touted as if they supersede the Bible itself, and are accepted as new knowledge. The Bible says we don’t need human mediators we can instead go directly to the Lord by the merit of His blood. (Heb10). This is the whole point of a personal relationship!
Fundamental orthodoxy has been exchanged for a new theological thought. We are being told to learn of God by experience, through the experience, we gain our knowledge of him. This is classic Gnosticism that God cannot be explained except by ones own personal experience. We should not be ignorant of Satan's schemes - he wants us to have spiritual experiences and have us think we are in touch with the true God. He usually works through feelings because they are more difficult to judge as truth. These have become the current trend of mysticism. This does not mean there is no genuine experiences from God. But any experience with quick immediate results means we need to have our discernment on instead of off. Everything needs to be tested, especially when the supernatural is operating. The Bible commands this it is not an option.
Scripturally “the Torah regards as an abomination any attempt of someone giving his anointing to another. Moses was told it was grave sin even to mix the oil of one's anointing in the same measure for another, and anyone who puts it on a person not so designated was to be cut off (Exodus 30:33). The Hebrew text says that the oil is in Heb.mekudesh lacha, literally 'set apart', or' sanctified specifically unto you.' This prohibition was evident When Elisha asked Elijah for his mantle in which he told his protégé it is not mine to give. He was told to wait and see if the Lord would place it on him ( Kings 2: 10) If he saw him taken to heaven he would receive the blessing. Yet he had to leave for it to be placed on him. 2 Kings 13:21 (adapted from PROPHECY TODAY, Volume 11, No. 6, Is the 'Toronto Blessing' a Hands-On Experience? November 1995, Jacob Prasch of Moriel ministries).
What do we see about the anointing in the Bible? When the anointing came on Jesus it rested on him it did not come and go as it does in the “modern anointing services,” it came only once. You will not find the apostles speaking of an anointing coming on them to do miracle’s, their baptism of the Spirit was no different than ours. While we all have the same Spirit, clearly their position was greater than the regular believer.
NOWHERE in the New Testament do we read of the anointing being transmitted from one person to another person by the laying on of hands. It was never by or from but through the laying on of hands (Acts 19). The apostles did not preach about receiving the anointing by their hands or ministry. Nor do we read of there being a “double-portion” anointing, or triple as Benny hinn claims. What about Elisha, didn't he ask for a double portion of Elijah's spirit? He did not ask for a double portion of his anointing. These are two different words in the Hebrew.
2 Kings 2:9: “And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.” Vs.13 “He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;” Vs.15 “And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him.” The mantle was his authority, clearly Elisha asked for more authority, the same as Elijah but double. Today the anointing means having more power or to have an immediate experience, this is not what is presented in Scripture.
Elisha had a double anointing, both for when he was alive and when he was dead. When a dead person was thrown into his grave and it touched his bones, the dead person became alive. (2 King 13:21) It wasn’t Elisha that resurrected him, but God. Elisha was dead and had nothing to do with it. It was a rising up, not a slaying or putting one down, but raising them from the dead to new life. This is what a true anointing would do. If Elisha were anointed as some teach the anointing today, he wouldn’t have died and stayed dead. He would have raised from the dead because of the double anointing, at least the way some present it today.
Elisha had his prophetical office for at least fifty years, living to the age of eighty until he died of an illness (2 Kings 13:14).The purpose was to affirm his ministry. Remember he received the mantle, the authority from one who never died and was taken by God. It was not passed on through Elijah.
His ministry was
double that of his predecessor Elijah. Both had unique miracles in
their ministry but it was Elisha who raised someone from the dead. The contrast of the two prophets and friends
is that one was taken away, never seeing death. Elisha saw death yet gave life
to another in his death. This miracle of
Elisha’s bones is greater than any he did during his lifetime. It served as
confirmation to his unfulfilled prophecies, as to that concerning the coming
triumphs of Israel over Syria. The nation Israel was depressed, and this miracle
would be just the thing to encourage them. This is what is meant by a
double portion, there are no double portions today -- we all share the same
anointing equally as he is in us (1 John 2:27). Nowhere does the New terstament
teach such a thing.
Elisha
had his prophetical office for at least fifty years, living to the age of
eighty. His ministry was double that of Elijah. There are no double portions today, we all
share the same anointing equally, (1 Jn.2:27) it expresses itself in different
gifting's and functions. Today we hear of all kinds of “different anointing's,”
or “fresh anointing's.” The anointing is the Spirit of God, he doesn't wear out.
If one claims to have a different anointing, scripturally speaking they
have a different Spirit. Today we hear of 'new” 'fresh”, and several other
descriptions of this anointing. What's wrong with the ancient one, did it wear
out, or lose its vitality? It doesn’t get stale so what exactly are they saying?
While we all need to be continually filled with the Spirit, it is dependent on
us to yield ourselves, be humble so our life has Holy Spirit control.
Simon the sorcerer was the first to presume one can get the anointing by buying it or by knowing an apostle. In Acts 8:19-23 Simon asks: “Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter responds saying unto him, ‘Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.’”
Peter summed it up by saying Simon was “bound by iniquity.” Peter’s response was a rebuke. He cursed Simon for his presumption that the Holy Spirit was like any other power he dealt with, and that he could buy this ability. Only the apostles (a select group) could possibly do these great miracles. It was something clearly apostolic, a sign to prove their ministry. In 2 Corinthians 12:12, in a rare case Paul, in rare instance, appealed to the signs he worked as proof of his apostleship.
Today the anointing has become a buzz word equal to power and authority. There is no such thing as buying an anointed audio tape or prayer cloth. That by listening or using it, one will inherit its power or gain revelation. This is classic occultism, to present the Holy Spirit functioning in this manner is to misrepresent not only his activities but his personhood as God. Nowhere do we find Paul saying to bring handkerchiefs to him and he will place his hands on it (Acts 19:12). How to perform miracles or obtain stronger anointing's are not taught in Scripture, nor throughout Church history. This is being taught only recently by those who promote power crusades of miracles and healing.
Those who claim giftings like the apostles are far removed from what the scriptures teach. When apostles laid hands on people, the Holy Spirit was not coming from them. Acts 19 tells us that when Paul laid hands on some believers from Ephesus the Spirit came epi, upon them, not dia, through him. The Spirit did not come through Paul’s hands but it came upon, from above. In every New Testament example the gift of the Spirit was given from Christ above, and through the APOSTLES MINISTRY, not by any other person (Acts 2,8,10,19). It is clear these manifestations of miracles were not available to all Christians. We do not read anywhere of Paul transmitting his anointing to others by the laying on of hands, as some think Elisha received from Elijah.
Those who claim apostolic offices today are mostly biblically and historically illiterate. Apostolic succession comes from Roman Catholicism and Mormonism, not from historic Christianity, nor Protestantism. We do not see the anointing portrayed as a supernatural power given to the disciples so they can go city to city to do the miraculous, or give others an experience.
The great Miracles done in the early Church were clearly apostolic. These were signs to prove their ministry to the unbelievers. Today these are supposed signs to the believer. Paul in 2 Cor. 12:12 appealed to the signs he worked as one of his proofs of his apostleship, (but not as THE sign). So it is clear the same manifestations of miracles was not available to all Christians. We do not read anywhere of Paul transmitting his anointing to others by the laying on of hands? Neither does Jesus teach on how to obtain or release the anointing, yet we do find him teaching on prayer and following after him.
Acts 19:11-12: “Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.” Theses were extraordinary not common miracles and they were by his hands as an apostle these signs would follow them. This is not a normal practice for a regular Christian nor was it one for the apostles. Paul did not put his hands on other peoples prayer clothes for them to get it, there was no transference involved. It could mean he used these to wipe the sick and they got healed, but it wasn’t the handkerchief ministry, anymore than Jesus taught to practice here's mud or spit in your eye ministry. Paul did not distribute clothes for people to release their faith they were healed by the clothes by their being laid on the sick persons body.
(Strong's Concordance #4612 simikinthion- a narrow apron, or a linen covering, which workmen and servants were accustomed to wear. This was something that Paul wore himself, his own clothing that was used, and I hope I'm not giving anyone any new Ideas.)
There is no such thing as “point-of-contact” as what the new Charismatics teach by a prayer cloth or through physical objects like the TV. The Holy Spirit does not come by men’s hands through images on TV or pictures or inanimate objects. This is a subtle form of Idolatry. You can’t transfer the anointing (Holy Spirit) by your own commands, but they can transfer someone's money from their account into their own. That’s the extent of our current modern day miracles from the new anointed leaders!
The Montanist movement in the early church would be a similar model that is copied today, yet the Church condemned them for their heresy. Not just for the excess in their prophesying and tongues. They declared the age of the Holy Spirit had come and the end of the world was soon coming. Their practice was imparting the anointing and spiritual gifts to others.
But
didn’t Christ say in John 14:12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in
me, the works that I do he will do also, and greater works than these he will
do, because I am going to the Father.” The word for “greater” is meizon
which means in greater degree, not greater in nature but larger in extension.
The word for “works” is ergon. It
means (to work); toil (as an effort or occupation); an activity if Jesus meant
miracles he would have used dunamis as with power.
During His ministry time on earth, Jesus
had confined in His influence to the Jews in Palestine. After His departure, His apostles and
followers were able to go to places he never did having their influence reach
much larger numbers all over the world.
We also can do
greater works, as in more abundance, because the ministry of the Spirit is not
limited to one only, but now has many. Greater is in reference to number, not in
quality or nature. Our extent will have a greater affect. The apostles
never did a greater miracle than the resurrection or make the blind see, nor we
can. What is greater is the ability to bring someone in a direct contact with
Christ and have the Holy Spirit live in them by their believing the gospel, this
was something that was not offered at the time he said this.
Yet
read in context he also states afterward, “Whatever you Ask in my name, that
I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the son.” In other words by
prayer and following his will this will be accomplished. Notice he will do this,
it is not that one goes around using the power at their own volition.
Many describe a change of personality when this power comes on them. Others can see the moment this takes place. When the anointing comes on them they are a different person, they become loud, rude, moved by a power beyond normal. They can become violent and out of control, and may not even remember what they said or did under the influence. If this isn't their own pumping themselves up then it is of great concern. Then this has to be another spirit, because 1 Jn.2:27 says that he is in us already, and they do not act like this all the time, so something “new” is occurring, something that is certainly not described in the Scripture. Can you picture the Apostle's Paul or Peter running up to people slapping them on the side of their head, yelling about the power or lining people up to be slain. Today perspiration has been mistaken for inspiration.
There is nothing written in the in the Old Testament or New Testament of any methodology, formulas, or keys, by which individuals can receive the anointing,
When the Samaritans in Acts 8 and the Gentiles in Acts 10 received the Holy Spirit it was a shock to the Jewish believers. This was not the normal occurrence to see people receive the Spirit by someone laying hands on them, or falling on them and as a group speaking another language. While the Samaritans had the apostles lay hands on them, this was a one time occurrence. They didn't have to do this every time someone came into the body of Christ. They were approving of God’s work in and toward them giving them his blessing. It was Paul who said to Timothy (1 Tim.5:22) not to lay hands on people quickly, to avoid partaking in their sins. Essentially the laying on of hands was to approve someone into ministry or speak or approve a blessing.
There is another laying on of hands that we seem to overlook. In Acts 4 Peter and John spoke to the religious leaders boldly of what is right before God, they spoke of his resurrection giving them the Gospel. In vs. 3 it states from their being so disturbed that they rebuked the popular leaders in office, “they laid hands on them and put them in custody until the next day.” It appears this kind of laying on of hands is spiritually applied to those who speak out against false representations of the Holy Spirit.
When the apostles laid hands on people it wasn’t to give there anointing. In Ex.30:32 Israel was told not to mix the oil to another. Oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit, God’s anointing. Incense has to do with worship and prayer. Vs.34 no oil and no incense is to be mixed either. Do these people who are promoting this anointing have a crucified life or are they living lavishly. Jesus was anointed for burial in the house of Mary and Martha before he was exalted before his brethren. Which tells us that we need to die to our self first before we can exhibit the true power of God. It always the flesh being aroused and exhibited instead in the background and Jesus in the forefront. God wants the church to be honest of our need. To really say we are broken and in need not saying we have it and are going to give it out. You can make a corpse look alive with a lot of perfume and activity but underneath it still stinks of death. What did Paul say the proof of his anointing was? His miracles? No! Signs and wonders or his wealth? No! It was I bear the marks of Christ on my body, fulfilling the suffering. He died to his old life, he first was anointed for his burial, so God anointed him with his power to new life.
Touch not my
anointed
The charismatic cliché for self protection is “touch not my anointed.” It is grinded into the followers and whined by them to those who have anything to say about their favorite teachers. In the OT prophets, priests and Kings were anointed. David did not touch Saul (1 Sam.26:23) because he was God’s anointed, but it did not prevent him from telling the truth about Saul. 1 Sam. 16:13-16 David was anointed before God took away Saul's position. David wouldn’t touch Saul physically, but it didn’t stop him from telling the truth about him. Look at v.11, it tells us that he would not stretch his hand out to touch him but took his spear and water jug. In v.15 David rebukes Abner for not guarding Saul and he says that he deserved to die. Saul hears the commotion and comes out and David rebukes him before all the troops asking why he is pursuing his life since he is innocent that the king has come out to seek a flea. Saul then repents for his rash behavior and called himself a fool. David then returns Saul's possessions and says, “For the Lord delivered you into my hand but I would not stretch out my hand against the Lords anointed.” Saul was anointed as King over Israel, he had a position of rulership that was temporary. Unlike those today who shout don’t touch God’s anointed, they are self appointed positions. In the real story it Saul was pursuing to kill David who was innocent. Likewise today the threats are made against those who speak out against the abuse and manipulation of Saul’s. David did not touch him physically, I agree neither should we, but I also agree they should not make threats against those who speak out about them. But instead repent as Saul did and go their way, leaving the ones who speak the truth to live another day. David did not physically touch Saul, he respected his office but this did not prevent him from giving a public rebuke. Even David later on in his ministry as King accepted rebuke and correction from Nathan the prophet. He did not say, “don’t touch Gods anointed” to protect himself, and neither should those in leadership do the same.
Do these people who are promoting this anointing have a crucified life or are they living lavishly. Jesus was anointed for burial in the house of Mary and Martha before he was exalted. Which tells us by his example that we need to die to self first, before we can exhibit the true power of God. It always the flesh being aroused and exhibited in the forefront, instead Jesus is in the background. God wants the Church to be honest. To really say we are broken and in need not saying we have it and are going to give it out. You can’t make a corpse look alive with a lot of perfume and activity. What did Paul say the proof of his anointing was? His miracles? No! signs and wonders or wealth. No! It was I bear the marks of Christ on my body, fulfilling the suffering. He died to his old life anointed for burial, so that god could anoint him with power as he lived his life fully unto Christ.
Who is “My anointed”? There is only one anointed one, that is Jesus. Acts 2:36 Peter says God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ, (anointed one) he points to the person of Christ not himself as anointed. Peter is drawing on Ps.133 it begins to talk about unity before it talks of the anointing. It is like the precious oil (Holy Spirit) coming down upon the head coming down upon the beard (Aaron) Aaron is a type of Jesus, a shadow of the New Testament priest who is Jesus. In the Old Testament they poured the oil over the head and it dripped down over the garment which is over the body. Christ is the head of the church as the husband is over the wife. To be anointed we must be part of the body, united and attached to the head only under his head
If the church wants the true anointing we need to get under the anointed one who was made head of the Church. Ps. 133 tells us “Behold how good and how pleasant it is for the brethren to dwell together.” The next verse it is like the precious oil poured out on Aaron's head, coming down off his beard and dripping on to the rest of his body. Hebrews tells us Aaron as high priest is a picture of Christ a greater one. Christ replaces the Levitical priesthood as an eternal priest according to the order of Melchizedek. Biblically the anointing flows off the head to the members of his body.
It become obvious to those who are biblically literate that whatever is being transferred today from one person to another is not the true anointing. There was no such silliness practiced by the apostles. There was a sobriety and peace when the truth was communicated. There is only one anointed “ THE CHRIST”, and we need to be under him. Which means to obey him and present the TRUTH, the way it was written.
Today there is a lot of spiritual guruism in Christianity right now. People go to teachers to get their revelation and have others lead them into their relationship with God. They ask for their prayers, as Protestants we never would buy into a single Pope, so instead we now have several of them, they are called the anointed, the new apostles and prophets. A Mediator is someone who stands between an individual or group and God, he is essential to tTheir relationship, just as the guru is to his devotee. They wait for him to impart a word or a technique to them. Fresh words touted as if they supersede the Bible itself, and are accepted as new knowledge. The Bible says we don’t need human mediators we can instead go directly to the Lord by the merit of His blood. (Heb10). This is the whole point of a personal relationship!
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