How is the Spirits filling different from His anointing?
- Details
- Parent Category: FAQs
- Category: Bible Questions and Answers about the Holy Spirit
- Published on Thursday, 19 November 2009 10:25
Individuals were anointed with oil to identify them as divinely appointed to a work. They thus had the honor of being identified with God and the work He gave them. They became the "Lords anointed" (1 Samuel 24:10; see also Psalm 105:15).
The Lord Jesus was Gods Anointed, meaning Messiah or Christ. Referring to His baptism, Peter says, "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power" (Acts 10:38). His work and identification with God follow this statement of honor, for He "went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him." The Savior said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel..." (Luke 4:18).
God never gives a work without enabling the worker; therefore, the Spirit was "upon Me" (enabling) because He "anointed Me" (identification and honor). We likewise have an anointing (1 John 2:20, YLT), befitting to those in Gods family who are now able to know God and His truth.
Being filled with the Spirit suggests capability for a work, whereas being anointed with the Spirit expresses honor and identification for a work.
D. Oliver