For many generations, Christians have promoted (and made use of) a liquid substance primarily known as anointing oil! I myself keep a bottle of the stuff in my satchel. The question is whether or not there are biblical basis for it's use and, if so, when is it to be used? does it accomplish anything by being used.
I am writing on this topic after a friend of mine contacted me and requested that I share my thoughts on the topic matter and immediately I felt the inspiration to write on the subject matter. My friend asked me about my thoughts on the use of anointing oil and whether or not I thought is was abused, specifically by the charismatic/Pentecostal brethren.
My answer, however, cannot be made without first looking at scripture. In the Bible we see various instances where oil was used for anointing: generals to lead reformation, men to be priests, and a little boy to be a king. In the books and letters of the new covenant we see where people we anointed because they were sick.
The use of anointing oil has been upheld by Christian tradition for centuries. The Roman Catholic Church still supports it use in some of its rites, such as the final rites (which is perceived to be sacramental in nature). The RCC also uses Holy Water (which protestants, in a strange twist of irony, have labeled heretical). Pentecostal traditions have managed to mass produce the liquid substance and find themselves anointing. not only the sick or those being placed in a position of authority, but also the windows, chairs, walls, and doors.
What is the purpose of oil? What good does it do? Is it deeply symbolic, merely another strange action of a bizarre group of people lost in traditions while trying to honor a power and unfathomable God, or is there something deeply spiritual and effective about the use of oil? I'm not going to even pretend that I have the answer...because I don't. As much as I love God and as much as I have read books and had classes on scripture...more and more I realize that I may know more than most, I know nothing compared to all there is to know about Christ and His universe.
So, we have something that has vague use in the Bible, but is in fact used by the the early Church and carried forth by church tradition. It is powerful reminder and physical, tangible substance that draws our attention to the unseen and intangible. Regardless of it having power, it is a powerful tool for worship and prayer, as well as faith strengthening. Just like the incense that fills the naive and the bells that sound in rafters of ancient cathedrals, so does the oil bring us into focus upon our Creator and make us aware of His ever present Presence that covers us, fills us, and leaves a mark upon us.
I think the ultimate question is...does the your use of anointing oil or theology concerning anointing oil take away your worship, praise, faith, or reliance in God? Many pray to "Padre Pio" instead of praying to Christ, and many call on Mary and rely on her to speak on their behalf. Christ is center, Christ is focus, and if you find the anointing oil is a great symbolic reminder of the presence of Christ and helps strengthen your faith...then by all means use it! If you believe that there is a deep, spiritual essence to holy oil by which God causes change and/or acts upon the use of...then great! Point is that a) God gets glory and He is recognized as the life source and b) we are pushed to living a life style the reflects the beauty of the Gospel.
I am writing on this topic after a friend of mine contacted me and requested that I share my thoughts on the topic matter and immediately I felt the inspiration to write on the subject matter. My friend asked me about my thoughts on the use of anointing oil and whether or not I thought is was abused, specifically by the charismatic/Pentecostal brethren.
My answer, however, cannot be made without first looking at scripture. In the Bible we see various instances where oil was used for anointing: generals to lead reformation, men to be priests, and a little boy to be a king. In the books and letters of the new covenant we see where people we anointed because they were sick.
What is the purpose of oil? What good does it do? Is it deeply symbolic, merely another strange action of a bizarre group of people lost in traditions while trying to honor a power and unfathomable God, or is there something deeply spiritual and effective about the use of oil? I'm not going to even pretend that I have the answer...because I don't. As much as I love God and as much as I have read books and had classes on scripture...more and more I realize that I may know more than most, I know nothing compared to all there is to know about Christ and His universe.
So, we have something that has vague use in the Bible, but is in fact used by the the early Church and carried forth by church tradition. It is powerful reminder and physical, tangible substance that draws our attention to the unseen and intangible. Regardless of it having power, it is a powerful tool for worship and prayer, as well as faith strengthening. Just like the incense that fills the naive and the bells that sound in rafters of ancient cathedrals, so does the oil bring us into focus upon our Creator and make us aware of His ever present Presence that covers us, fills us, and leaves a mark upon us.
