annointing of the holyspirit

8/14/2019 Annointing of the Holyspirit

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THE ANOINTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

CONTENTS

I. The Holy Spirit

II. Symbols and Shadows of the Holy SpiritIII. The Holy Anointing Oil

IV. The Anointing of Kings, Priests and Prophets (Part 1)

IV. The Anointing of Kings, Priests and Prophets (Part II)

VI. The Anointing of Kings, Priests and Prophets (Part III)

VII. Jesus as King, Priest and Prophet

VIII. The Anointing in David

IX. The Anointing of the Shield

X. The Anointed Cherub

XI. The Working of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament Church

XII.

Sanctification through the Holy SpiritXIII. The Spirit of Service - An Important Requisite for Fresh Unction of the Spirit

XIV. Breaking of the Yoke-An important Purpose of the Anointing

XV. The Anointing in servants of God

XVI. Blessings of the Anointing

1Dwelling in unity

2A Radiant Life

3 Healing

4A Life of Joy

5A Life subject to Reproof and Correction6Abundant Grace

7A Life of PrayerEpilogue

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PREFACE

Many thousands all over the world are being anointed with the Holy Spirit in these last

days according to the promise of God. The experience of being anointed with the Holy Spirit for

the first time with the evidence of speaking in other tongues is called the baptism in the Holy

Spirit, by which we are baptized into the Body of Christ, the Church (I Cor.12:13). Before His

ascension, Jesus commanded His disciples to tarry in the city of Jerusalem for the promise of the

Father. This promise of the Father is the baptism in the Holy Spirit (Acts.1:4,5). On the day of

Pentecost, ten days after Jesus' ascension, the disciples and others, about a hundred and twenty innumber, who waited in the upper room according to the commandment of the Lord were baptized

in the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance

(Acts.2:1-4). After this initial experience we are anointed again and again with new infillings or

unctions of the Spirit, so that we may grow in the Spirit, and that the Holy Spirit may fulfil

various purposes in and through us.

Though the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity has been at work in the Old and in

the New Testament days, the baptism in the Holy Spirit is a unique experience of the New

Testament period, whereby the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us (Jn.14:16,17). In the Old

Testament days the Holy Spirit only dwelt with a chosen few among the elders, prophets, priests,

judges and kings, in order that they might fulfil a particular ministry. It is only in the New

Testament days that we enjoy the privilege of having the Holy Spirit dwelling in us.We, in this dispensation of grace, have been called to live according to a law which is

higher than that of the Old Testament times. This is possible only by the anointing of the Holy

Spirit. The Holy Spirit works mightily in every area of the lives of those who are Spirit-baptized,

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so that at the end, they might attain Christ-like perfection.

This book, which is a detailed study on the anointing of the Holy Spirit, is written with the

hope that it will give the readers an insight into the working of the Holy Spirit, the manifold

purposes of the anointing and the fulness of life and blessings we receive through a Spirit-filled

life. May the Lord bless the reading of this book and may it prove to be of help to all those who

ardently await the imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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CHAPTER I.

THE HOLY SPIRITBefore we can proceed with a detailed study on the anointing, it is necessary to have a fair

knowledge of the Holy Spirit Himself from Whom proceed the unctions of the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is the third Person in the Godhead and is distinct from the Father and the

Son. The Holy Spirit has been at work since the creation of the world, "... the earth was without

form, and void-. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters" (Gen.l:l,2). When the

generations of Adam had departed from their Creator, letting sin corrupt their thoughts and

destroy their soul, the Spirit of God was striving with them in their conscience, trying to persuadethem to return to the Lord. The Lord said, "My spirit shall not always strive with man" (Gen.6:3).

Yet, in the various dispensations, the Spirit of God did not forsake man altogether. When He

found a man whose spirit would be submissive to Him, the Spirit of God would come upon him

and reveal His power and wisdom.

The Greek term PARAKLETOS, used for the Holy Spirit by the apostle John, is translated

'Comforter' or 'Advocate', signifying One Who is 'called alongside' to give help and advice,

particularly to the defence.

TheAttributesoftheHolySpirit:

1. He is a Person :

The personal pronoun 'He' is used when reference is made to the Holy Spirit. Also,

personal acts are ascribed to Him (Jn.l6:13, 14; Acts 13:2).Since He is a Person,

(i) He can be grieved (Eph.4:30).

(ii) He can be sinned against (Mk3:28,29).

(iii) He reveals, searches and knows (I Cor. 2:10,11).

(iv) He evaluates situations (Acts 15:28).

(v) He inflicts punishments (Acts 5:3-5,9,0).

2. He is God:

He is specifically called God (Acts 5:3,4; II Cor.3:17).

(i) He is the Spirit of truth (Jn.l6:13).

(ii) He is eternal (Heb.9:14).

(iii) He is omnipresent (Psa.l39:7-10).

(iv) He is omnipotent (Lk.l.-35; Rom.8:ll; 15:19;Eph.l:19,20).

(v) He is omniscient (I Cor.2:10; lsa.ll:2).

(vi) He is life (Rom.8:2).

(vii) His name is also called upon, along with that of the Father and the Son, when water

baptism is administered (Matt.28:19).

viii) He is one with the Father and the Son in the administration of the Church (I Cor.l2:4-

6; Acts 13:2).

(ix) His words and His works are considered the words and works of God

(Gen.l:l,2,26; Job 33:4;Acts 28:25-27; Heb.3:7-ll).

TheHolySpirithasspecificfunctionsinthe TrinityofGodandtheyaremanifold.

Some of them are :

(i) He is equal in His creative powers with the Father and the Son (Job 33:4; Gen.l:26).

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(ii) Though the Holy Spirit is invisible, the ministry or work of the Holy Spirit is visibly

manifest In the Church. His work is never to call attention to Himself, but to glorify the Father

and .the Son (Jn.l6:13-15).

(iii) He exists as the Priest of the most high God (Heb.7:1315;9:14).

(iv) He guides and teaches (Jn.l6:13,15).

(v) He convicts the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment (Jn.l6:7-ll).

(vi) He regenerates (Jn.3:5).(vii) He prays and intercedes (Rom.8:26,27).

(viii) He comforts (Jn.l4:16).

(ix) He renews (Tit.3:5).

(x) He testifies about the Lord Jesus (Jn.l5:26; Acts 5:32).

(xi) He is the Inspirer of the Scriptures (11Tim.3:16; II Pet. 1:20,21).

(xii) He appoints and directs His ministers to places where He wills (Acts 20:28; 13:2).

(xiii) He possesses the same power of resurrection as the Father and the Son in the

Godhead (Rom.8:ll,23; I Pet.3:18).

(xiv) The Holy Spirit works in the believers and in the servants of God in the Church.

After His resurrection, the Lord Jesus handed over all the responsibility concerning the Church, to

the Holy Spirit and it. is through the Holy Spirit that He thereafter expresses Himself to theChurch (Jn.l4:16; 16:13; Acts 1:2).

The Holy Spirit communicates Himself as a presence and power to the individual,

mediating to him forgiveness of sin and new birth. His presence in the believer constitutes a seal,

a guarantee of the final salvation (Eph.l:13;4:30), and an initiation into the Body of Christ

(ICor.12;13). In the believer's daily life, the Holy Spirit is the Source of virtues (Gal.5:22,23) and

the Dynamic for a life pleasing unto God (Rom.8; Gal.5:16), and the One Who equips for service

(Rom.l2:4-8; I Cor.l2:7-ll; Eph.4:7). He nourishes and purifies his whole personality, knitting him

into the fellowship of the saints. Finally, at the resurrection or transformation of the body, He

brings him to the fulness of eternal life.

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CHAPTER II.

SYMBOLS AND SHADOWS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is typified by certain symbols and shadows in the Word of God. We shall

study a few of them here.

1. WIND :

The wind is often a symbol or shadow of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:2,4). God formed man of

the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Gen.2:7). The Holy Spirit

is the very life of God and is able to produce life (Job 27:3). Job says, "The Spirit of God hath

made me and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life" (33:4).Jesus breathed on His disciples and said, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost" (Jn.20:22). On the

day of Pentecost, the Church was formed when the Holy Spirit came down like a "rushing mighty

wind" on the one hundred and twenty who waited in the upper chamber.

Those who are born of the Spirit are like the wind, for, the operation of the Spirit can be

felt and not seen (Jn.3:8).

When the prophet Ezekiel prophesied to the dry bones, there was a noise and a shaking

and the bones came together and the sinews and the flesh came upon them and the skin covered

them. When he called upon the four winds to breathe life into the slain, and prophesied, breath

came into them and they lived and stood upon their feet, an exceeding great army (Ezek.37:5-

10,14). Similarly, in the New Testament period every individual in whom the "breath of God"

enters or one who is baptized by the Holy Spirit, becomes a member of the Body of Christ whichis the Church(I Cor.l2:13). He should be found united with the apostles in their doctrines, in

fellowship with the saints, in breaking of bread and in prayers (Acts 2:42).

The four winds mentioned above are symbolic of the working of the Holy Spirit in leading

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us into deeper experiences:

(a] North wind (S.S.4:16) : In the Holy Land where Solomon lived, the north wind was

cool and refreshing, bringing rain. The north wind brings the continual showers of blessing in the

garden of the New Testament Church. As it blows, the "sweet savour (fragrance) of Christ",

through prayer and praise, emanates from the Church into all the world (II Cor.2:14,15). This

`fragrance' is the example of a Spirit-anointed life.

(b] South wind (Job 37:9, 17; Lk.l2:55) : The south wind brings the heat and warmth,which are required for fruits to ripen. As we grow spiritually, we have to pass through a "dry"

experience, but it is then that the inner man feels the need for sanctification, for a closer walk with

God, a life in which the fruit of the Spirit is manifested. These fruits mentioned in Galatians

5:22,23 are being formed in us by the working of His mighty power. By the fire of the Holy Spirit,

the gifts in us also have to be stirred up. Saints of God should be fervent in their spiritual life (II

Tim.l:6; Rev.3:15,16; Rom.l2:ll).

(c] Eastwind (Exo.l4:21) : The east wind being strong, divided the waters of the Red Sea.

The wind has also the power of destruction (Jer.l8:17). Similarly, when the Holy Spirit or the

'excellency of power' works in us mightily, the wicked, backsliding spirits that work in our life are

scattered and destroyed. Therefore, we need to surrender to the working of the Spirit in our lives

continually, so that the Holy Spirit may make us strong and help us destroy the enemy powers(Rom.8:13; lsa.59:19).

[d] West wind (Exo.l0:19) : A mighty strong west wind was sent to take away the locusts

which came as a plague upon Egypt. Locusts have the nature of destroying vegetation and the

locusts mentioned in Revelation 9:3,5 have the power to sting like scorpions. In like manner, we

may have natures which cause grief and pain to others. Even as the locusts were taken away by

the west wind, when the Holy Spirit comes, all our harmful and destructive natures which are

detrimental to the growth of the inner man are removed and destroyed and we are filled with

comfort, peace and consolation.

2.RIVER:

Mention is made of a river for the first time in the Bible in Genesis 2:10. It branched into

four tributaries. This river is also a symbol of the Holy Spirit and its four heads denote the varied

operations of the Holy Spirit in our life. Jesus invited all who are thirsty to drink of Him and

promised "rivers of living water" for all those who believed on Him (Jn.7:37-39). The living water

denotes the Holy Spirit Whose presence brings all the blessings of eternal life an endless supply

indeed. The water flowing from the house of God as mentioned in Ezekiel 47:1,9, produces life.

The water of the river rises in four stages until it becomes abundant (vs.3-5). Jesus said that He

had come to give life and that abundantly (Jn.l0:10). The apostle John saw the river of the water

of life, clear as crystal, flowing from God's throne (Rev.22:l). The rivers seen by prophet Ezekiel

and by St John brought healing where each flowed (Ezek. 47:9-12; Rev.22:l-3).

3.RAIN :

'Rain' is a term used in the Scriptures to express the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Joel

2:23,28; Zech. 10:1;Hos.6:3; Jam.5:7). The Holy Spirit rains righteousness in the Church

(Heb.7:l,2; Hos.l0:12; Jn.l6:8,10). Therefore, we need the heavenly rain of the Holy Spirit, both

former and latter, to make us holy and precious unto God. With the latter rain of the Holy Spirit,

there comes an abundance of joyful and fruitful experiences of corn, wine, oil and fruits.

4.DEW:

The Lord promises to be "dew unto Israel" (Hos.l4:5). The dew denotes the Lord's favour

upon His people (Prov.l9:12). It is a source of freshness. It is nature's provision for renewing the

face of the earth. It falls at night and without it the vegetation would suffer. It is this great value ofthe dew which is so often recognized in the Scriptures. It is used as the symbol of spiritual

refreshing. Just as nature is bathed in dew, so, the Lord renews His people. In Titus 3:5, the same

thought of spiritual refreshing is connected with the ministry of the Holy Spirit "renewing of the

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Holy Ghost". The dew is also a favourite emblem in Scripture for richness and fertility

(Gen.27:28; Deut.32:2; 33:13). In Proverbs 3:20, the formation of dew is ascribed to the

omniscience and the power of the Lord.

In Micah 5:7, the Lord says that Israel shall be as dew from the Lord. This prophecy will

be literally fulfilled during the Millennium. If this is to be true of Israel, how much more should

we, the Spirit-baptized people of the New Testament, receive God's favour and be filled with the

Spirit of grace! We are called to be in fellowship with one another, and it is the Spirit that bringsabout this unity (Psa.133).

Dew brings fragrance and adds beauty to flowers (Hos.l4:5,6). It enriches the sweetness in

fruits and helps in the flourishing growth of crops and grain. All these are experiences which have

to be reflected in those that have received the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

5.SNOW:

The Holy Spirit is also compared to snow characterizing the work of purification and

sanctification done by the Holy Spirit (Lam.4:7; II Tim.2:21). It also speaks of the comforting

Word of God (lsa.55:10,ll). The Spirit-baptized people of God who have been sanctified by the

Holy Spirit will be a source of comfort and consolation to their leaders and to all those who are in

distress and need, for, words of comfort and grace proceed from them (Prov.25:13; Col.4:6).

6. FIRE:

On the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended on the hundred and twenty in the

upper chamber, there appeared "cloven tongues of fire" that rested upon each of them (Acts 2:3).

John the Baptist, while speaking about the Lord Jesus says, "he shall baptize you with the Holy

Ghost, and with fire" (Matt.3:ll). Love is compared to fire. 'Many waters cannot quench love'

(S.S.8:7). The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Rom.5:5). The 'waters'

that try to quench this fire are 'temptations' that come against the love of God. If the fire of God's

love burns vehemently in our hearts, these waters cannot quench it.

Fire has the quality of purifying. Gold is purified by fire (Mal.3:2,3). Even so our body,

soul and spirit are purified or sanctified by the fire of the Holy Spirit (Rom.l5:16).

7. DOVE :

After being baptized in water, the Lord Jesus came out of the water and the Spirit rested on

Him in the form of a dove (Matt.3:16).

The dove, by nature, is gentle and always returns to its resting place, unless it has been

hurt i.e. grieved. Even so, we are exhorted : "Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are

sealed unto the day of redemption" (Eph.4:30). We can grieve the Holy Spirit by "resisting"

Him (Acts 7:51) and also by "quenching" Him (I Thess.5:19) that is, by disobeying His

dictates.

The Holy Spirit has come into us that He might lead us on to perfection. When we grieveHim, we limit His working in us. But when we obey the law of the Spirit by walking after Him

perfectly. He leads us on to perfection.

8. WINE :

In Song of Solomon 1:2, we find the Bride telling her Beloved that His love is better than

wine. It is this love of God which has been shed abroad in our hearts by the baptism in the Holy

Spirit (Rom.5:5). When on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out for the first time,

on the one hundred and twenty, the onlookers mistook them to be drunk with "new wine" (Acts

2:13). The Lord promises His people a "new heart" and a "new spirit" (Ezek.ll:19; 18:31; 36:26).

This 'new spirit' signifies the Holy Spirit. The Shulamite says, "He hath brought me to the

banqueting house" (S.S.2:4). This banqueting house is the "wine house" or the New TestamentChurch which should experience the operation of the Holy Spirit.

St. Paul admonished the Ephesian believers not to be drunk with wine (literal) but to be

"filled with the Spirit" (wine of the Holy Spirit) (Eph.5:18). The filling of the Spirit brings a

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believer's life into absolute control, when his life is yielded to Christ. Wine makes glad the heart

of man and gives him temporary relief from earthly sorrows and cares (Psa.l04:15; Judg. 9:13).

But the wine of the Holy Spirit helps man rejoice in the eternal pleasures of God.

9. SEAL :

Even as a document is sealed until the time of opening, the believer who receives the Holy

Spirit is sealed unto the day of redemption or the final salvation (Eph.l :13; 11Cor.l:22).

10. OIL :

In the Old Testament period, the most important use of oil was for the anointing of priests,

kings and prophets. Aaron was anointed with the anointing oil to be priest (Lev.8:12). David was

anointed with the anointing oil to be king (Psa.89:20). There is only one instance in the Word of

God, of a prophet being anointed (I Kgs.l9:16). By the baptism in the Holy Spirit, we are made

kings and priests (Rev.l:6).

The baptism in the Holy Spirit is only the initial experience of all believers. Hence it is

commanded that the people of God be filled with the Spirit and keep receiving fresh unctions of

the Spirit.

Given below is an outline of symbols and shadows of the Holy Spirit, discussed in detailin this chapter and in various parts of this book. The following list also includes certain

experiences resulting from the anointing. In each of the following, four aspects stand out

prominently.

1. RIVER FROM THE GARDEN OF EDEN (Gen.2:10-14)

parting into four heads :-

Pison -great effusion

Gihon -Valley of Grace

Hiddekel -sharp voice

Euphrates -fruitful

2.RIVERFROMTHETEMPLE (Ezek47:3-5)

Waters up to the 'ankles' - walk in love / in the Spirit (Eph.5:l,2)

Waters up to the 'knees' - prayer life (Rom.8:26; Dan.6:10)

Waters up to the loins' - service (Lk.l2:35;Mk.l0:45)

Waters to 'swim in' - fulness of Christ (Rom.8:37).

3. RIVER IN THE CITY (Psa.46:4)

River of God's pleasures - (Psa.36:8)

River of Peace - (Isa.66:12)

River of Righteousness - (Isa.48:18)River of Knowledge - (Isa.11:9)

4.WATERINFOURPLACES (lsa.41:18)

Rivers in high places' - Consecration

Fountains in the midst of

'valleys' - humility

Pools in the 'wilderness' - faith life

Springs in the 'dry land' - joy only in the Lord

5.RIVERFROM THE THRONE (Rev.22:l)

Having:Life - (Rev.22:l)

Clearness - (Rev.22:l)

Power - (Ezek.1:24; Rev.1:15;14:2)

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Purity - (Rev.22:l)

6.ANOINTINGOIL (Exo.30:22-25)

Principal spices mingled with olive oil

Myrrh - prayer

Cinnamon - power in the inner manSweet calamus - humility

Cassia - purging

7.INCENSE (Exo.30:34)

Stacte - supplication

Onycha - prayer

Galbanum - intercession

Frankincense - praising and thanksgiving

8.ANOINTING IN THE TABERNACLE

Upon the vessels in the three places and upon the ministersMost Holy Place -(Exo.30:26)

Holy Place -(Exo.30:27)

Outer Court -(Exo.30:28)

Aaron and his sons -(Exo.30:30)

9.RAIN: (Joel 2:19,22,24) Bringing in

Wine - Joel.l:10 -12)

Oil

Corn - "

Fruits - "

10.FOURTHINGS'NEW

New heart (Ezek.l8:31)

New spirit (Ezek.l8:31)

New Covenant (Jer.31:31)

New fruit (Ezek.47:12)

11.WINDFROMFOURDIRECTIONS (Ezek.37:9)

East wind - (Jer.l8:17; Job 27:21)

West wind - (Exo.l0:19)

North wind - (S.S.4:16; Job 37:9; Prov.25:23)South wind - (S.S.4:16; Job 37:17)

12. FORMATION OF THE BODY AND A REVIVAL BY THE WIND' (Ezek.ch.37)

Bone - life, doctrines

Sinews - fellowship

Flesh - grace and truth

Skin - prayer******

CHAPTER-III

THE HOLY ANOINTING OILAS we studied earlier, oil signifies the anointing of the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament

days, sacred oil was poured on the head as a rite of consecration. There was a belief that this

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imparted to the person anointed, a special endowment of Jehovah.

IngredientsoftheOil:

God commanded Moses to make the anointing oil using various spices such as myrrh,

sweet cinnamon, sweet calamus and cassia along with olive oil (Exo.30: 23-25).

Myrrh:

It is a bitter, aromatic substance that exudes from the bark of the tree Balsamodendronopobalsamum, when pierced. The bitter nature shows a life of suffering suffering that is endured

for the sake of righteousness and one's consecration. Esther 2:12 mentions a six-month

purification that Esther went through with the 'oil of myrrh'. This could be interpreted as the

suffering that God permits in our life for our sanctification. The Shulamite says, "A bundle of

myrrh is my well-beloved unto me" (S.S.1:13). Every Spirit-baptized child of God will have to

endure sufferings for the sake of righteousness and consecration. We will have to go through the

bitter experiences of misunderstanding, hatred, shame and reproach from our own brethren in

accordance with His will. Physically too, according to the will of God, we may have to go through

periods of darkness like Job. He lost everything, but he manifested his love for God, by holding

fast his integrity till the end. In his trial of faith, his confession was, "... When he hath tried me, I

shall come forth as gold" (23:10). In spite of his unbearable suffering, he was filled with hope andsaid, "I know that my redeemer liveth... though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my

flesh shall I see God" (19:25,26). Like Joseph who forgave his brethren who did him evil and

nourished them in time of famine, we must overcome all bitter experiences through the anointing

of love. We must pray for those who do us evil and should not harbour bitterness in our hearts.

Like the Shulamite, we should go to the 'mountain of myrrh' and the 'hill of frankincense'

(S.S.4:6). Here the 'mountain of myrrh' signifies a life of prayer and the 'hill of frankincense'

signifies a life of thanksgiving. In other words, we should have a continual life of prayer and

thanksgiving.

Myrrh signifies, in particular, a life of prayer that emanates from a heart that is broken and

sore through trials, reproaches, tribulation, affliction and persecution. This is discussed in detail in

the chapter on a life of prayer.

In ancient days myrrh was used in embalming. This could spiritually denote our

bodies being preserved from corruption through the anointing which is in us.

SweetCinnamon:

It is obtained from the bark of the cinnamon tree, Cinnamomum zeylanicum. It was sought

for embalming in Egypt, and for its fragrance in Mediaeval Europe. Its bark is stripped in

summer, when abundant sap permits easy pealing. This shows the anointing leading us on to the

experience of having strength in the inner man. Ephesians 3:16 says, 'To be strengthened with

might by his Spirit in the inner man". Though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is

renewed day by day (II Cor.4:16). When St. Paul says, "I die daily", (ICor.l5:31) he

speaks of the death in the 'self that dominates the inner man. When one remains in the death ofChrist, his inner man is renewed through the Holy Spirit. We have to continue in this experience

day by day and be renewed after the image of Him Who created us in righteousness and true

holiness (Eph.4:24), and thereby grow to be a perfect man.

Being strengthened in the inner man means being strengthened in faith, hope and love. As

we are strengthened in our inner man, we will be strengthened in faith (IIThess.l;.3) faith that

God is able to fulfil His promises. Similarly, we are strengthened in the hope that we will enter

within the veil and obtain the very glory of God (Rom.l5:13). The anointing also helps us to get

rooted, grounded and settled in love and helps us to comprehend together with the saints the

breadth, length, depth and height of His love (Eph.3:16-18).

There are trials for faith, sufferings for hope and temptations for love. While going

through these experiences, if we are shaken, our strength is small (Prov.24:10). But if we arestrengthened in our inner man by His Spirit, we will be able to stand as bold as a lion (Prov.28:l)

and emerge as overcomers. On the other hand, if we murmur and complain, we will lose the

anointing, and thereby become weak in the inner man.

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SweetCalamus (Calamus acorus) :

It is the sweet sedge or sweet flag, a marshy plant that flourishes on the banks of all the

streams and lakes of the Jordan valley. Spiritually, sweet calamus which grows in the valley

speaks of the humility of Jesus. In John 16:15 Jesus says, "... he (Holy Spirit) shall take of mine

'and shall shew it unto you". Therefere, the Holy Spirit will teach us the humility of the Lord Jesus

Christ. The anointing of the Holy Spirit will continually rest upon those who are humble. In Isaiah

63:14, we read that God leads His people into the valley so that His people might rest in Him.'Valley' here speaks of a life of humility. Therefore, when we are humble, we will be able to

experience a divine rest through the Spirit of God. The Lord assures us of His promise, "...

inquietness and in confidence shall be your strength" (lsa.30:15). Thus the anointing leads us to

rest in Him when we put on the humility of Jesus.

Cassia:

It is a popular purgative consisting of the leaves of Cassia acutifolia or Cassia angustifolia.

This speaks of a life of sanctification. The Old Testament priests were anointed with the holy

anointing oil and they became holy (Exo.30:30; 40:13-15). The priests were expected to remain

within the sanctuary and keep themselves from defilement. In the New Testament period, we find

that we have to purge our conscience from dead works to serve the living God (Heb.9:14). We

must remember that we have been separated for this cause, for which the anointing is upon us.The anointing that is in us teaches us to preserve this life of sanctification and separation and

continually abide therein.

We have to learn to keep our conscience in all purity through the blood of the Lord Jesus

Christ, through the Word of God and through the Holy Spirit, in order to live a victorious life. In

Isaiah chapter 6, we find Isaiah crying unto the Lord about his uncleanness. A live coal, which is a

type of the anointing, was then brought from the altar and it sanctified him. Therefore we read,

"Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged" (V.7). After

that Isaiah 'had visions of the glory of God in the temple. When we thus purge ourselves from all

kinds of defilements such as breaking of our consecration, murmuring, doubting, having carnal

ties, harbouring distinctions of caste and language etc., we are made vessels unto honour, meet for

the Master's use, through the anointing.

OliveOil:

It speaks of the joy in the Holy Ghost (Rom.l4:17). In preparing the holy anointing oil of

the Old Testament, all the four afore-said ingredients were mixed with the olive oil for its

preservation. Therefore, each of the above- mentioned spiritual experiences should be seen in the

life of a Spirit-baptized child of God, together with the joy in the Holy Ghost.

In conclusion, we understand that as myrrh was mixed with olive oil to make the anointing

oil, a life of prayer and a life of suffering for the sake of righteousness should both be

experienced with joy (II Cor.8:2; I Pet.4:13,14). In like manner, we have to preserve the

experience of being strengthened in faith, hope and love in our inner man, with joy, even as sweet

cinnamon was mingled with olive oil (Col.l:ll). We should be able to joyfully tread the valley ofhumility in order to always rest in Him, as understood from the mixing of sweet calamus with the

olive oil to make the holy anointing oil. Finally, as cassia is mingled with olive oil, we have to

preserve our joy during the process of sanctification (I Pet.l:2,7,8).

TheUseoftheHolyOil;

God asked Moses to anoint Aaron and sanctify him that he might minister unto the Lord in

the priest's office (Exo.40:13). His sons also had to be anointed with the anointing oil to minister

unto the Lord. This anointing made the Aaronic priesthood an everlasting one throughout their

generations (Exo.40:15). Moses also anointed the tabernacle and all that was therein and

sanctified them (Exo.40:9). "To anoint" spiritually means 'to separate' or 'to consecrate'. The

anointing oil was holy and was called the 'holy anointing oil' (Exo.30:25) and it was used tosanctify (Lev.8:10-12). It could not be used for any other purpose. Only when the instruments in

the tabernacle are anointed with the anointing oil do they become 'most holy' (Exo.30:26-29) and

it is by the anointing that they are 'set apart' or 'dedicated' for the Lord's service. This signifies that

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everyone in the house of God is anointed, separated and consecrated for the ministry. Just as

every vessel finds a use in the tabernacle, every Spirit-baptized child of God has a ministry in

the Church (lsa.52:11; IITim.2:20,21). Every work in the house of God is a good or righteous

work. Aaron and his sons could minister in the tabernacle only after they were anointed, implying

thereby that there is no ministry without the anointing (Acts 1:8; Lk.24:49). But it is necessary for

each Spirit-baptized child of God to make sure his calling and election. St. Peter exhorts : "Give

diligence to make your calling and election sure" (II Pet. 1:10). Trials and temptations help us toconfirm our calling and we need to always have a revelation about the high calling wherewith we

have been called of God.

The vessels of ministry in the tabernacle depict the divine character or the life of Jesus in a

type for example, the altar and the laver. The altar depicts the sacrificial life of Jesus. The brazen

laver signifies water baptism, whereby we become partakers of Christ's death and burial. The

vessels in the tabernacle signify all the Spirit-baptized children of God too who gradually attain

the character of Jesus in their lives. Therefore, the anointing helps us to be delivered from the

nature of the old man and it forms the character of Jesus in our inner man.

The anointing oil is not to be poured on the flesh. Therefore, the priest had to first put on

the holy garments before being anointed (Exo.29:29; 30:30-32). In water baptism, we put on

Christ and by faith we become the sons of God (Gal.3:26,27). Then God baptizes us with the HolySpirit whereby our fleshly mind is removed. All distinctions of caste, creed and nationality are

removed and we are made one in Christ Jesus (Gal.3:28). If we are thus Christ's, then are we

Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise, Christ Himself being the first seed of this

promise (Gal.3:29,16). Hereby, we have the mind of Christ i,e. the wisdom of God (I Cor.2:7,16),

the character of Christ i.e. obedience, humility etc. - (Phil. 2:5-8) and the mind to suffer as Christ

did (I Pet.4:l). Thus, by being filled with the anointing repeatedly, we are led from victory to

victory (II Cor. 2:14).

*******

CHAPTER IV.

THEANOINTINGOFKINGS,PRIESTS ANDPROPHETS(PART1)

In the Old Testament period, kings, priests and prophets were anointed with the anointing

oil for their respective offices. No one individual among them could hold all three offices at the

same time.

As a sign of royalty, kings were anointed and clothed in purple. Purple signifies

'Righteousness'. It is written that "the throne is established in righteousness" (Prov.l6:12). A king

is one who rules, and he must rule justly for his nation to be exalted (Prov.l4:34).

The high priest was anointed for his office. He was to serve the Lord in holiness with the

mitre which had the plate of pure gold bearing the engraving "Holiness unto the Lord"

(Exo.28:36-38; Lev.8:9). The life of a high priest was always associated with worship and service,

blessing the people, standing before the Lord and offering sacrifices.

The Old Testament records only one instance where a prophet was anointed to his office (I

Kgs.l9:16). The life of a prophet was fraught with sufferings, for, he was called to reveal to God's

people, the mind of God. For this cause he was reproached, persecuted and even stoned to death

or slain with the sword.

All the above three offices are found in the triune God. God the Father is a Prophet. His

prophetical utterance after the fall of Adam and Eve as recorded in Genesis 3:15, finds fulfilment

in Galatians 4:4. God, the Son as a King, has the authority to rule, and He rules in righteousness.

"Righteousness is the habitation of his throne" (Psa.97:2) and as a righteous Judge, He "executes

righteous judgments" (Psa.99:4).God, the Holy Spirit is the Priest Who officiated at the sacrifice of the only begotten Son

of the Father (Heb.9:14). He is holy and teaches us how we should worship God in holiness and

righteousness (Lk.l:75), in spirit and in truth (Jn.4:24) and serve Him in grace (mercy) and godly

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fear (Psa.5:7).

Though we have in particular discussed the Father as a Prophet, the Son as a King and the

Holy Spirit as a Priest, each of these offices is found in each of the three Persons of the Godhead.

Anointingofkings:

For one to be anointed long' in the Old Testament, fresh oil was needed (Psa.92:10). In the

New Testament, one needs fresh unctions of the Holy Spirit every day, to reign in life. This helpsin having God's plan and will fulfilled in one's life. That which is mentioned in Psalm 92:10, was

fulfilled literally in David's life and prophetically in Jesus (Psa.89:20; 45:7) and spiritually, it is

being fulfilled in the lives of the saints of the New Testament period (Rev.l:5,6).

One purpose of a king's anointing is to fight the battles of God (I Sam.25:28) and yet

another, to reveal the character of God (Psa.l7:15). An instance in point is David fighting God's

battles in two ways. Firstly, he overcame the enemies of Israel by the power of God, as vividly

described in II Samuel ch.8. Secondly, it was by his divine characterstics such as humility

(Psa.l31:2) and love for his enemies (Psa.l09:4,5) that David overcame his seven enemies within

Israel, viz., Saul (I Sam.l9:l; 24:2), Absalom (II Sam.l5:10-13), Shimei (IISam.l6:5-12), Doeg

(I Sam. 22:9,10), Nabal (I Sam. 25:10,11), Ahithophel (II Sam. 15:12) and Joab (II Sam.3:39).

The anointing in the heart or soul of man can help him imbibe God's character (Col.3:12-14). Jesus said that he who has seen Him has seen the Father (Jn. 14:9). During His life on the

earth, He revealed the perfect character of the Father, namely, love, compassion, mercy, zeal etc.

(lsa.42;l).

As spiritual kings we are anointed to fight against wicked spirits, some of which, as a type,

are mentioned in Psalm 50:16-22. God hates the abominations mentioned in Proverbs 6:16-19.

We, the anointed children of God should also hate them. The power of the anointing promises us

the victory.

We are made 'kings' by the anointing, and are thus made worthy to receive certain

blessings. We become the inheritance of God (Deut.4:20). We become heirs of a good land, even

Canaan (Deut.4:21), which in the New Testament is New Jerusalem and Zion. Every day we

have to possess more of this land through the anointing. When the Israelites of old lost their

kingdom i.e. their inheritance, the joy of their heart ceased (Lam.5:15). The joy derived through

the anointing by the "oil of gladness" can be preserved only when we hate wickedness and love

God and His righteousness (Psa.45:7).

The anointing of a king enables one to receive a kingdom, a throne, a crown and a sceptre.

This was fulfilled literally in the Old Testament times and is now being fulfilled spiritually in the

New Testament times.

Kingdom:

By the anointing, we receive a kingdom (Mk.9:l; Lk.l2:32). In the New Testament, the

kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. The

kingdom of God is not in word, but in power (I Cor. 4:20). God's kingdom (divine character andpower of God) is established in our hearts by the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Throne:

The throne of God shows ruling or an overcoming life. The throne must be established in

righteousness (Prov.l6:12; 25:5). Only after we learn to rule over our own spirit (Prov.25:28), can

grace reign through righteousness in us (Rom.5:21).

One's throne can be subject to destruction by several spirits. They must be overcome if the

throne is to be established (Prov.25:5).

1. The spirit of Adonijah :

This can be referred to as

a) carnal mindedness (I Kgs.2:15-17), which is death. To be spiritually minded is life and

peace. Therefore, one must overcome this carnal mind by new unctions of the Spirit.b) the spirit of self-exaltation or pride (IKgs.l:5). This is the spirit of the antichrist (II

Thess.2:4). Adonijah exalted himself to be king. The pride of beauty, the pride of one's own race,

the pride of one's place of nativity, the pride of capability and the pride of grace bestowed upon

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one, must be destroyed. One can overcome these by the spirit of humility, even the spirit of Christ

(Phil.2:5-8).

c) spirits that work against the plan of God (I Kgs.l:9,10,29,30). For example, the

plan of God made Solomon king. Although Adonijah knew of this plan, he went against it.

Therefore, one must not be deceived by such spirits.

2. The spirit of Abiathar (IKgs.l:7,19,25) :

This could be called the spirit of division which makes one lose the anointing. Toovercome this, unity must be maintained with the saints of God by the fulness of God's love given

through the anointing.

3. The spirit of Joab (II Sam. 3:30) :

This signifies the spirit of hatred and revenge which can be overthrown by continuous

infillings of His divine love.

4. The spirit of Shimei (IISam.l6:5-7) :

This indicates the spirit of wickedness that prevents prayer for enemies. It is said to be the

spirit of cursing instead of blessing. This can be overcome by the divine love poured into our

hearts by the Holy Spirit.

CrownandSceptre:

The crown and sceptre, in general, show royal authority. Jesus gave authority over all evilpowers, sickness, curse and death to those who followed Him (Matt.l0:10; Lk.9:l). Through the

anointing we receive the glory of God. This glory is said to be the crown (lsa.28:5). In Leviticus

21:12 also, we read of the 'crown of the anointing' of the high priest. The servants of God ought to

preserve this anointing to reign as the glory of the Church. When the Spirit of God is upon us, the

glory of God preserves us. God was the glory and protection of Israel. Thus Israel got victory

over her enemies (Psa.24:7,8; Zech.2:5). When the Spirit of God is upon us, the glory of God

gives us victory over our enemies. When the crown is lost, everything is lost (II Sam.l:10;

Lam.5:16). Even as the kingdom is established in righteousness, the sceptre is also preserved

through righteousness (Psa.45:6; Heb.l:8).

The crowns mentioned in the New Testament are the crown of life (Jam.l:12), the crown

of righteousness (II Tim.4:8) and the crown of glory (I Pet.5:4). We should not give room to sin

lest we lose our crown. Let us therefore, take heed to hold fast our crown (Rev.3:ll).

The anointing in us must be preserved that we may as kings, continually maintain the

kingdom, throne, crown and sceptre, given to us of God. The Lord is the saving strength of His

anointed (Psa.28:8). This can be experienced in our lives when we give our strength and glory to

the Lord (Psa.29:l,ll). The glory of God needed to protect us and the strength of God required to

resist the enemy, while we live on this earth as kings, is granted to us by the anointing of the Holy

Spirit. This reign, as kings, will then be continued into the Millennium, and subsequently, into the

coming eternity (Rev.20:6; 22:5).

*********

CHAPTER V.

THE ANOINTING OF KINGS, PRIESTS AND PROPHETS(PARTII)

Anointingofpriests:

God brought the Israelites out of Egypt and after they crossed the Red Sea, they were

brought to the foot of Mount Sinai under the leadership of Moses and Aaron. It was here that God

chose the tribe of Levi from which the priests and the high priest were chosen to minister among

His redeemed ones. Before beginning their priestly office, they had to wash themselves, put on

their priestly garments and be anointed with the holy anointing oil (Exo.40:12-15; Lev.8:6-13).

This proves that there is no ministry without the anointing. The purpose of the anointed ministriesperformed by anointed ministers is to lead people to excellent glory (II Cor.3:7-9). The anointing

of the high priest is a special one, called the 'crown of the anointing oil' and he was the

representative of the people to God and also their intercessor.

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When David speaks of the anointing, he says that "it is like the precious ointment upon the

head, that ran down the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments"

(Psa.l33:2). Aaron's anointing is a shadow and a type of the anointing that is upon those who are

being led to Zion. To preserve and continue in the "crown of the anointing", Aaron had to observe

many laws and statutes and lead a life of separation (Lev.21:10-14). Even so, in the New

Testament, to preserve the anointing in us, we have to observe the spiritual laws and lead a life of

separation (II Cor.6: 14-18; I Cor.3:16,17).

Someoftheimportantministriesperformed bythehighpriestandthepriestswere:

1. To keep the charge of the tabernacle (Num.l8:l-5).

2. To offer sacrifices (Lev.9:22).

3. To burn sweet incense (Exo.30:7).

4. To light the lamps (Exo.30:8).

5. To make atonement for the unclean (Lev.l4:19,20).

6. To make atonement for the whole of Israel (Lev.l6:32).

7. To teach laws and statutes (Lev.l0:8,ll; Mal.2:7).

8. To set the shewbread (Lev.24:5,8,9).

9. To bear the ark of the covenant (Deut.l0:8; Josh.3:6).10.To differentiate between the holy and the unholy (Lev.l0:10).

11. To bless the people (Lev.9:22; Num.6:23-26).

12. To blow the trumpet on various occasions (Num.l0:8).

AlltheseministrieswerereflectedinJesus:

1. He kept all those who were given Him (Jn.l7:12).

2. By His sacrifice He became a sweet smelling savour (Eph.5:2).

3. He prayed with strong crying and tears and offered up supplications unto Him that was

able to save Him from death (Heb.5:7).

4. He is the Light of the world (Jn.l:9; 8:12).

5. He cleansed lepers (Matt.8:l-4; Lk.l7:ll-19).

6. He made atonement for our sins (Rom.3:25; I Jn.2:l).

7. Christ is the end of the law to everyone who believes in Him (Rom.l0:4).

8. He became the Bread of life for us (Jn.6:35,48).

9. Christ wanted those whom the Father had given Him to be with Him and to partake of

His ministry (Mk.3:14).

10. He was separate from sinners (Heb.7:26).

11. He blessed all those who came to Him and He went about doing good (Acts 10:38).

12. He called all people to be gathered unto Him (Matt.ll:28).

Though the anointing of the high priest of the Old Testament enabled him to perform allthese blessed ministries and he alone went into the most holy place, one day in a year, these

ministries could only lead the people to glory and were not sufficient to take them to the Most

Holy Place or to excellent glory (II Cor.3:7-ll). But once Jesus entered within the veil through His

death and resurrection. He opened a new and a living way for all the Spirit-baptized people to

follow Him within the veil (Heb.l0:19,20). Therefore, the "able ministers" of the New Testament

(II Cor.3:6) who lead the anointed children of God to enter into the Holiest, are in need of an

excellent anointing to perform a better and a much more glorious ministry (Heb.8:6; II

Cor.3:9,10).

Anointingofprophets:

Apart from the anointed kings and priests, there was yet another group called 'prophets'who ministered to the people of Israel. They were God's representatives to the people, revealing

His counsel to them and thereby building up their hope, and comforting them in their distress.

Though man had fallen, we see some among men having the spirit of prophecy. But the

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prophetical ministry began with Samuel. However, there is only one instance recorded in the

Word of God where a prophet was anointed. God commanded Elijah "to anoint" Elisha to the

office of a prophet in his place (I Kgs.l9:16). Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit,

and as an evidence to this, Elijah's mantle fell on Elisha (II Kgs.2:9,13). With the power of this

double-fold anointing upon him, he was able to perform twice as many miracles as Elijah.

To do a powerful ministry, we need the gifts of power, such as the gift of faith, the gift of

working of miracles and the gifts of healing (I Cor.l2:9,10). In comparison with the life of a kingand priest, a prophet needs more faith and wisdom for his life and ministry. Prophets like Isaiah

gave more importance to the ministry of instilling hope in people through their prophecies, than to

performing miracles.

*******

CHAPTER VI.

THE ANOINTING OF KINGS, PRIESTS AND PROPHETS(Part III)

The three offices cease in the Old Testament :

Although the kings, priests and prophets of the Old Testament had the anointing, manyamong them were unfaithful in abiding by the laws of God. The office of a king ceased with the

last king of Judah, namely Jehoiachin. With Malachi, ended the prophetical office but the priestly

office continued in a form. Notwithstanding, when the high priest rent his garment during the trial

of Jesus (Matt.26:65; Lev.21:10), the priestly office also came to an end.

All these three offices in the Old Testament were not fulfilled to perfection. Owing to the

backsliding and the life of pleasure lived by the kings, priests and prophets, they were defiled and

God gave them over to their enemies. Thus the ministry of the anointed kings, priests and

prophets ceased literally amidst the children of Israel in accordance with the prophecy in Hosea

3:4. For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and

without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and without teraphim.

Kings (Ezek.19:1-9; Mic.3:1-3; Zeph.3:3).Priests (Ezek.22:26; Jer.23:11; Mal.2:7,8).

Prophets (Jer.23:9,11,14; Zeph.3:4).

Although they failed in Gods plan being fulfilled in their lives, the plan of God was not

frustrated. In fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies, Jesus as the Anointed One is made King

(Psa.2:6), Priest (Psa.2:7; Heb. 5:5,6) and Prophet (Psa.2:2).

The three offices in the New Testament :

In the New Testament this excellent and glorious ministry bearing all the three offices

began with Jesus and it continues in every anointed child of God. Jesus was anointed with the

Holy Ghost and with power and He went about doing good (Acts 10:38). Even so the anointing

works in us and helps us perform these three offices (Rom.5:19; 15:16; Phil.1:29).

In these New Testament times, those who are saved become kings and priests by the

anointing of the Holy Spirit (Rev.1:5,6). We have been anointed like the prophets also. One who

has the testimony of Jesus has the spirit of prophecy (Rev.19:10). Even as our prophet Jesus went

through much suffering, we who are His followers have to tread in His footsteps, for, it is by

much tribulation that we can enter into the kingdom of God (I Pet.2:21; 4:1; Acts 14:22).

Nevertheless, this life of suffering will come to an end when we depart from this world or at

Jesus appearing. If we learn to rule our spirit (Prov.16:32) and discipline our life while on the

earth, we shall reign as kings in the coming kingdom. We must learn to offer up our body as a

living sacrifice, keep our body, soul and spirit blameless in holiness, and serve the Lord with fear

and trembling. Then shall we be the priests of God eternally in His kingdom.

Obedience is an essential characteristic in order to maintain or preserve this anointing todo an effectual ministry (I Pet.1:2). The beauty of our ministry lies in our surrendering entirely to

the leading of the Spirit, thus dying to our own desires and will. As we obey the Lord and the

leaders appointed by Him, it is imputed unto us for righteousness. Obedience is the fruit of

righteousness and coupled with humility, it works out for us a life that is rich with the blessings of

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God (Phil.1:11; 2:8; Psa.45:7). And in the eternity to come, we shall continue to serve Him as

priests, and to reign with Him as kings forevermore.

In comparison with the Old Testament offices of king, priest and prophet, the Lord Jesus

stands unique, for in Him are found all the three offices.

Prophets like Isaiah and Zechariah prophesied of Jesus as King (Isa.9:6,7; Zech.9:9).

David prophesied of Him as the High Priest (Psa.110:4; Heb.5:6). Moses foretelling about Jesus,

said that God would raise for the Israelites 'a Prophet from among their brethren like unto himself'(Deut.18:18;Acts 3:22).

The gifts that the wise men brought for Jesus are a type of the offices He held. Gold

denotes royalty. Jesus entered Jerusalem as a king. Though the Lord Jesus is King and Lord of

all the earth, the world is now in the hands of the devil. But in the Millennium, Jesus will reign as

King of kings and rule the world in righteousness (Jn.12:13-15; Rev.19:16). Gold also depicts

faith. To reign in righteousness, one must go on from faith to faith (Rom.1:17; 5:21; Prov.25:5).

Frankincense stands for maintaining an effectual life of prayer by preserving ones

holiness (Rev.8:3,4). Thus it reflects the priestly life that Jesus lived while on the earth. On two

occasions, He entered the temple and cleansed it, which only a priest could do (Matt.21:12;

Jn.2:15). By His resurrection, Jesus proved to be the Son of God with power (Rom.1:4), and being

made a High Priest according to the order of Melchisedec, He entered into the Most Holy Place(Heb.4:14; 5:5,6,10; 9:24; 6:19,20). As a High Priest Who can be touched with the feeling of our

infirmities (Heb.4:15), and having entered within the veil, He is now interceding for us at the right

hand of the Father (Acts 2:33; Heb.7:25).

Myrrh shows a bitter life - a life of suffering which is mostly a prophets lot. Jesus

endured suffering in the flesh. He came unto His own but His own received Him not (Jn.1:11),

and gave Him no honour. He was rejected by His people (Matt.13:57; 21:42) and finally He met

with a cruel death. We too must be partakers of His sufferings (I Pet.4:1). In another sense, myrrh

denotes the spirit of a prophet that is in every anointed child of God. Therefore everything of the

world is bitter to him. Hence St. Paul declares, The world is crucified unto me and I unto the

world (Gal.6:14).

*******

CHAPTER VII

JESUS AS KING, PRIEST AND PROPHET(Fulfilment of Old Testament Prophecies)

The Lord Jesus Christ, according to the eternal plan of God, was set up or separated or

anointed from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth was (Prov.8:23).

Even before Jesus Christ could come into the world, He was known as the Messiah, or

the Anointed One. The Old Testament speaks about the ministry of Jesus Christ in three aspects

as King, Priest and Prophet. Jesus Himself said that it was mentioned concerning Him in thelaw of Moses and in the prophets and in the Psalms (Lk.24:44).

In the books of Moses, we find prophecies which foretell the ministry of Jesus. The

Patriarch Jacob foretold the coming of a King (Gen.49:10) and so did Balaam (Num.24:17).

Moses himself foretold the work of Jesus as a Prophet Whom God would raise up to speak to

mankind (Deut.18:15-19).

Most specific Messianic prophecies cluster around the name of David. Psalm 2:6 refers to

the anointed King in Zion. The Psalmist speaks of the Anointed One as the holy one of Israel (is)

our King in Psalm 89:18. David also foresaw the ministry of the Anointed One after His

resurrection, as of a High Priest after the order of Melchisedec, at the right hand of God the Father

(110:4). The sufferings the Messiah would undergo as a Prophet while on the earth have been

foretold by David in Psalm 22.Some of the prophets of Israel had glimpses of the coming Messiah. In Isaiah 11:2, we

read of the anointing Jesus had in His mind. Isaiah 42:1 reveals the anointing in the soul of Jesus.

Isaiah 61:1-3 portrays the ministry of Jesus as King, Priest and Prophet. Zechariah foretells the

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work of the Messiah as Priest (6:13).

Most Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus during His sojourn on this earth and

after His resurrection. But there are yet others which will be fulfilled in the Millennium and in the

Eternity to come.

In Matthew 21:5-10, we read that Jesus entered Jerusalem as King, in fulfilment of

Zechariahs prophecy, and the people shouted saying, Hosanna to the Son of David. The

anointing in Him enabled Him to be reckoned as King. But the literal fulfilment of the office orministry of Jesus as King will be during the Millennium when He will reign on this earth in

righteousness and peace. In the eternity to come, His throne will last for ever and ever. His saints

will reign with Him and it will be an everlasting kingdom.

The anointing in the Lord Jesus Christ also enabled Him to be reckoned as Priest, for, He

was zealous for holiness. The apostles Matthew and John record how Jesus entered the temple and

cleansed it of money changers and of them that sold and bought, just as only a priest could do

(Matt.21:12,13; Jn.2:13-17), in fulfilment of Davids prophecy in Psalm 69:9. It is the duty of a

priest to differentiate between the clean and the unclean, the holy and the unholy (Lev.10:10), and

Jesus did this faithfully. However, the ministry or office of a priest after the order of Melchisedec

was given to Him only after His resurrection.

His earthly ministry having come to an end, when the Lord Jesus died and rose again, Hewas exalted to the right hand of the Father where He is now interceding for us as the great High

Priest after the order of Melchisedec (Heb.7:17,25,26), in fulfilment of the prophecy stated in

Psalm 110:4. He will continue this priestly ministry till all His enemies are made subject to Him

and till the final enemy, that is, death, is conquered (I Cor.15:25,26).

For the most part, the life that Jesus led while on the earth right from birth to death was

full of suffering, which is the lot of a prophet. The anointing that was in Him enabled Him to

minister in the office of a prophet in fulfilment of old time prophecies. A prophet is one who, by

bringing the Word of God to the people, brings conviction in their hearts and kindles hope and

comfort in them. In this capacity, Jesus is the greatest Prophet the world has ever known, for, He

brought to mankind a message of conviction, hope and cheer, not only for this life but also for life

beyond the grave. He went about preaching the Kingdom of God and repentance, and doing good,

even as it was prophesied about Him (Isa.61:1-3). In Matthew 21:4-11, we read of Jesus riding an

asss colt when He entered Jerusalem, in fulfilment of prophecy. This was the customary mode of

conveyance for prophets in Israel.

When His own people rejected Him and sent Him out of His own country, Jesus Himself

said that a prophet is never accepted in his own country. Besides He endured untold suffering,

humiliation, reproach, shame, and finally, an ignoble death at the hands of His own people.

However, the anointing that was in Him was without measure (Jn.3:34) and He endured

everything joyfully for the joy set before Him. But the ministry of Jesus as a Prophet ceased with

His sojourn on the earth.

As prophesied in Psalm 45:7, He was anointed with the oil of gladness. He received thisanointing because He loved righteousness and hated iniquity. Though despised, rejected,

humiliated, buffeted and condemned to die a criminals death, Jesus never sorrowed, for the oil of

gladness was upon Him. In the same manner, we who have been called to be partakers of Christs

sufferings, should receive this oil of gladness which God gives to those who love righteousness

and hate wickedness. When we receive this anointing, we can go through any path or

circumstance, however hard and sorrowful, with joy.

Christ dwells in the hearts of His Spirit-baptized children as the hope of glory (Col.1:27).

As the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon us, we must endure sufferings joyfully looking for

that blessed hope of attaining the glory of God. The sufferings of our present time are not worthy

to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Rom.8:18). Our sufferings here are

but light afflictions when compared with the eternal glory (II Cor.4:17). If we suffer with Him,we shall also reign with Him (II Tim.2:12).

Jesus always did the will of the Father and this pleased the Father (Jn.8:29) Who therefore

put His Spirit upon Him and that without measure (Matt.12:18; Jn.3:34). Those who are in the

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flesh cannot please God (Rom.8:8). Though Jesus was in this physical body, there was nothing

carnal in Him, and He always did those things which pleased the Father. This is why sin, sickness,

the world, the devil, death and hell could have no power over Him. He prevailed over all these

powers, rose again from the dead and is alive for evermore by the Power that worked in Him

mightily.

Even so, when we allow the Spirit of God to take over the reins of our life, and be filled

with the anointing, no power on earth can prevail against us. Such overcomers will reign in lifethrough righteousness unto eternal life by the Lord Jesus and will be kept by the power of God

unto that day when they will be transformed and will reign with the Lord Jesus, their Victor, for

evermore.

*******

CHAPTER VIII

THE ANOINTING IN DAVIDOf those anointed of God in the Old Testament times, for their various offices, David

stands as an outstanding example. His anointing was unique among the Old Testament kings

(Psa.89:20,29) in the sense that he was anointed thrice and the blessings of God were promised to

him as the sure mercies of David (Psa.89:1,28-37; Isa.55:3; Acts 13:34). He maintained hiskingship till the end. Let us now see the purpose of God in anointing David thrice.

Saul, the first king of Israel turned out to be a proud and disobedient king. The Lord

therefore repented for having made Saul king. Consequently, the Lord looked for a man after his

own heart and found David to be the apt one to be captain over His people Israel (I Sam.13:14).

At that time, David, the son of Jesse was a young lad tending his fathers flock in the wilderness (I

Sam.16:11; Psa.78:70). God had provided Himself a king from among the sons of Jesse and

therefore He sent His prophet Samuel who anointed David in the midst of his brethren. From that

day forward the Spirit of the Lord came upon David (I Sam.16:13).

Though David was young, he became mighty by the anointing (I Sam.16:18). I Samuel

chapter 17 recounts his mighty deeds of slaying a lion and a bear and also the much dreaded

enemy of the Israelites, Goliath, the champion of the Philistines. Psalm 18 is a song of praise inwhich David extols God for all that He had been to him. As the anointed one of God, he proved

that God was with him in every step of life as his Saving Strength and Shield (Psa.20:6; 28:8;

89:20).

The Lord anointing David for the first time could be compared to the anointing in the New

Testament that is able to transform our character. In the New Testament times we can become

mighty inwardly, through the anointing, to the extent God's character is formed in our life. The

Spirit of God was with David at all times. People were able to see this through the beautiful

character displayed by David on various occasions. The Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul and

an evil spirit troubled him (I Sam.16:14). He knew that David was anointed to be king in his place

and out of envy, he sought to kill David (I Sam.18:9-11; 19:9,10; 23:14,15). But David behaved

himself wisely wherever he went. Saul was afraid of him because he knew that God was with him

(I Sam. 18:5,12,14; Psa.101:2). Though Saul sought to slay him, David would not lift his hand

against Saul (I Sam. ch. 24 & 26).

When David left his palace for the wilderness, Shimei cursed him on the way and cast

stones at him and his servants. However, David did not use his strength to retaliate but bore it all

patiently (II Sam.16:5-14). Consequently, Shimei met the king when he returned to his palace and

begged his pardon (II Sam. 19:16-23).

His own son, Absalom, conspired and rose against him but David commanded his men to

deal gently with him (II Sam.18:5). However, God brought an end to his wicked son (II Sam.18:9-

15). The anointing that was upon David made him humble himself always. It is this beautiful trait

which enabled him to say, Surely I have behaved and quieted myself as a child that is weaned ofhis mother; my soul is even as a weaned child (Psa.131:2).

The overall purpose of God in anointing us with His Holy Spirit is to make us like Him.

The Lord God said, Ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy (Lev.11:45). The Lord Jesus too

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said, Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect (Matt.5:48). The

standard of perfection of character set out for us in the New Testament times is that of Christ

(Eph.4:13). Christ Himself taught such valuable lessons in character, particularly in Matthew

chapters 5,6,&7. We have to live the beautiful life of Christ by forgiving our enemies, praying for

them and blessing them. It is a life of harbouring no ill-will and bitterness, of nursing no revenge,

and of being willing to be wronged and to suffer for well-doing as Christ did (I Pet.2:20; 3:14,16-

18). The perfection in character is not attained in a day, but is formed in us over the years throughthe paths in which God leads us, as in the case of David. But the Spirit of glory Who rests upon us

keeps supplying abundant grace to endure the trials and temptations, the reproaches and shame

and the hardship and suffering, that shape our character into His likeness (II Cor.3:18; I Pet.4:14).

One of the remarkable qualities that adorned David was his constant, intimate fellowship

with the Lord in spite of his taxing royal duties. This in turn, enabled him to resort to God to know

His will and to do accordingly, by the Spirit of God that was upon him. Numerous are the

instances when he turned to the Lord for help, guidance or deliverance when he had to go up to

cities, to battle etc. (I Sam.23:2-4; 9-12; 30:7,8; II Sam.2:1; 5:19,23).

We the Spirit-baptized children of God are called to know and to do the perfect will of

God (Rom.12:2). When we resort to the Holy Spirit constantly, the anointing helps us to discern

the perfect will of God and to do accordingly (I Jn.2:27). As we continue to abide in the anointing,He teaches us how we could imbibe the character of Christ (Jn.16:13,14).

When David was reproved for his sin by Nathan the prophet, he wept bitterly and with

deep remorse he repented of his sin, and returned to the Lord. Did not David himself say, The

sacrifices of God are a broken spirit : a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise

(Psa.51:17) ? Though Davids sin was grievous in the sight of God, God could not forsake him or

cast him away because of his sincere and penitent heart. David knew the value of the Spirit of

God with him and pleaded with God saying "Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not

thy holy spirit from me" (Psa.51:11).

After the death of Saul, David did not rush to occupy the throne though he knew well that

he was anointed to be the next occupant of the throne. He did not rejoice, but rather, lamented the

death of his enemy and enquired of the Lord about the next step he was to take. The Lord

counselled him to go to Hebron. Accordingly, he went to Hebron and there he was anointed king

over the house of Judah. This was the second time he was anointed (II Sam.2:1,4).

Hebron is a type of death and burial, for, it was here that Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah

and many of the fore-fathers were buried. Spiritually we have to die daily to the old man (I

Cor.15:31). i.e., we have to remain in the death of Christ. We receive this experience first at water

baptism. Only those who remain in the death of Christ and put off the old man and his deeds

(Col.3:9) will have a continual fellowship with God through the anointing.

The purpose in David being anointed the second time was to fight the battles of the Lord.

Abigail testifies to this fact (I Sam.25:28). David ascended the throne at a time when Israel was

besieged by enemies and he had to fight and overthrow them. On the other hand, David also hadto fight his personal enemies. But his words prove his confidence in the Lord : Blessed be the

Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight (Psa.144:1). He was

able to subdue and prevail over those who rose against him, for the Lord gave him the necks of

his enemies Psa.18:39,40,48,50). Chapter 8 of II Samuel recounts Davids victory over the

Philistines, the Moabites, the Syrians, the Ammonites and the Edomites.

Spiritually, the anointing equips us to fight and overcome our enemies on two fronts, that

is, the enemies in our personal life and the enemies which rise against the Church. It is said that he

who has clean hands will be stronger and stronger (Job 17:9). David was one who continually

cleansed his life (Psa.26:6; 73:1,13). David therefore waxed stronger and stronger while the house

of Saul waxed weaker and weaker (II Sam.3:1). Even so, when we abide in the anointing, it does a

deep work of sanctification in us. We will keep putting off or mortifying the natures pertaining tothe old man (Eph.4:22,23; 5:11; Col.3:5-9). Thereby, the new man becomes stronger and stronger

by the Spirit of God (Eph.3:16), whereas the old man becomes weaker and weaker.

The Church as a whole has to battle against a host of spiritual wickedness (spirits) in

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heavenly places which wrestle with her day and night (Eph.6:12). Girded with the armour of light,

we have to unite ourselves as one man, and fight these evil powers (Rom.13:12; Eph.6:10-18).

David was anointed king the third time in Hebron (II Sam. 5:3). The purpose for which he

was anointed this time could be understood as for capturing Zion and Jerusalem. Soon after the

anointing, David set out to capture Zion. But he was hindered by the Jebusites who discouraged

him saying, Except ye take away the blind and the lame thou shalt not come in hither (II

Sam.5:6). Nevertheless, David overcame the blind and the lame, smote the Jebusites and wentinto the stronghold of Zion through the gutter and captured Zion, and made it the city of kings.

Only after this did he reign over all Israel (II Sam.5:5-8).

When we continue our close walk with God in Hebron, the anointing abounds in us to help

us capture Zion and Jerusalem. We have enemies preventing us from taking the stronghold of

Zion. The spirit of discouragement is the first enemy that blocks our pathway to Zion. However,

the anointing in us strengthens us not only to fight off discouragement but also to strengthen the

brethren and to encourage one another (Isa.41:6,7; Acts 18:23; I Thess.5:14).

Spiritually, the blind are those who have lost their vision of Zion and Jerusalem. They

have allowed their hearts to become hardened to deeper truths. Thereafter, they are no more

spiritual but their spiritual vision being blinded, they become carnal. But the anointing opens

blinded eyes and breaks hardened hearts. When yielded to the Spirit of God entirely, He canrenew our spirit, body and soul (Eph.4:23; Rom.8:11; I Cor.15:45; I Pet.1:22), prove to us the

perfect will of God (Rom.12:2) and open our blinded eyes to envision the things God has prepared

for us. Therefore, he who is spiritual and has the mind of Christ will discern all things whether

they be spiritual or not (I Cor.2:9-15).

The lame spiritually denote those who do not walk or grow in their spiritual life but

remain carnal and are in darkness (Prov.26:7; I Jn.2:11). We are called to walk in love, to walk as

children of light, to walk in faith and to walk after the Spirit (Eph.5:2,8; II Cor.5:7; Rom.8:1).

Such will be blessed by the anointing to defeat all the enemies of Zion and Jerusalem and to

possess Zion and Jerusalem.

The way to Zion is the way up the gutter and David was able to go up that way because

the Lord was with him. So it is with us - the pathway to Zion is not easy but fraught with

reproach, shame, humiliation, rejection etc. which we can overcome by the anointing of the Holy

Spirit and thereafter inherit Zion.

The Psalmist speaks of being anointed with fresh oil (Psa.92:10). David had this

experience and so he had the courage to say, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow

of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; ... thou anointest my head with oil (Psa.23:4,5).

The Spirit of God Who was with him helped him prevail over his enemies. He took diligent care

to see that the Spirit of God departed not from him. As a result, his name was much set by (I

Sam.18:30) and he saw prosperity all the days of his life.

In the same manner, we who have yielded ourselves to the Holy Spirit will be led by Him

and will continue to receive fresh unctions of the Spirit to endure sufferings joyfully (I Pet.4:13,14). The anointing helps us subdue and prevail over our enemies (II Cor.10:4,5). As the

anointing abides in us, the Holy Spirit makes our life a praise, to the glory of God (Eph.1:5,6; II

Cor.2:14,15). Finally, on that glorious day, we shall see in ourselves His likeness which has been

wrought in us by the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

*******

CHAPTER IX

THE ANOINTING OF THE SHIELDThe anointing of the shield spiritually implies that the Triune God Who comes to make

His abode in us through the baptism in the Holy Spirit becomes our strength, defence and help. It

also signifies the shield of faith which is given us to ward off the enemy onslaughts.In the Old Testament times, it was believed that before princes went out to war, they had to

anoint their shield with oil. ... watch in the watchtower, ... arise, ye princes, and anoint the

shield (Isa.21:5).

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In his lamentation for Saul who was slain by a Gentile, David mourns thus: ... the shield

of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with

oil(II Sam.1:21). When Saul was anointed as the first king of Israel, he was very humble but as

days went by, he became proud and disobedient to the Word of God, thereby failing to be Israel

or holiness unto the Lord (Jer.2:3). He began to do things contrary to the will of God.

Consequently, the Lord rejected him and chose a man after His own heart to be king over His

people Israel (I Sam.13:13,14; 15:26; Acts 13:22) and anointed him. Saul reigned over Israel forforty years. But his life did not please God in that he did not allow the anointing to work in him.

Therefore, an evil spirit troubled him (I Sam.16:14). The Lord spoke to him no more through

dreams, or by Urim or by prophets (I Sam.28:6). Though his shield may have been anointed

literally, he died at the hands of the uncircumcised enemy because the Lord Who had been his

defence was no more with him.

The shield is a defensive weapon of war. God has provided every soldier on the spiritual

battle field with various weapons and one among them is the shield of faith (Eph.6:16).

Before the disciples could set out to proclaim the gospel, the Lord Jesus commanded them

to tarry in Jerusalem till they were endued with power from on high (Lk.24:49). Subsequently,

after they received this heavenly power, they were able to perform mighty signs and wonders by

faith and they went about confirming the souls of the disciples and exhorting them to continue inthe faith (Acts 2:43; 14:22). Apostle Paul prayed that the Ephesian Church be strengthened with

might by His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in their hearts by faith (3:16,17). By

the baptism in the Holy Spirit, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit have come into us and made

their abode in us, making us kings and priests and becoming our Defence, Help and Protection

(Deut.33:29; Psa.33:20; 59:11; 84:9,11; Rev.1:6).

Since our battle is not with flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places

(Eph.6:12), it is essential for us to be girded with the spiritual armour of God by the anointing of

the Holy Spirit. These weapons are mighty through God to the pulling down of the devils

strongholds (II Cor. 10:4,5). Through the anointing the Lord becomes our strength. "... he is the

saving strength of his anointed" (Psa.28:8).

Now our faith, which increases through the anointing must be kept in a good and pure

conscience (I Tim.3:9). If our good conscience is lost, we make a shipwreck of our faith (I

Tim.1:19) thus rendering our shield of faith ineffective, and God Who is our defence departs from

us. Thereby, we become vulnerable to the attack of the enemy. A good conscience can be

maintained only by waiting for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in every little matter and obeying

Him. When every aspect of our life comes under the anointing, we cannot sin against God but

rather we will be subject to His will and be able to subdue and overcome the wicked powers.

Therefore, we ought to give diligence to be frequently filled with the anointing.

The Psalmist says, His truth shall be thy shield and buckler" (91:4). The truth mentionedhere refers to the deeper truths, the apostolic doctrines or the faith which was once (and for ever)

delivered to the saints (Jude 3). This truth is a shield to us. God Who is the God of truth

(Deut.32:4) has in this age, revealed these deeper truths to His holy apostles and prophets by the

Holy Spirit. These truths which were hidden in the past have now come down to us as a heritage.

We have received salvation from our sins by believing the truth (II Thess.2:13). The truth

has set us free from the bondage of sin. The apostle of love states, when the Spirit of truth is

come, he will guide you into all truth (Jn.16:13) for, He will shew us about Christ Who is

Himself the Truth and from Whom proceed all truths. He also says that we should abide in the

anointing to be taught the truth by the anointing (I Jn.2:27). Let us not err concerning the truth as

Hymenaeus and Philetus did and thereby overthrow the faith of others (II Tim.2:17,18). We

should not resist the truth as Jannes and Jambres did and become reprobates concerning the faith(II Tim.3:8); neither should we turn our ears away from the truth to hearken to fables (II Tim.4:4).

It is through the knowledge of the truth that we grow from faith to faith. We must remain stedfast

in the truth and contend for it till the end of our life (Jude 3). Then we will be kept by the truth

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(Prov.4:4-6).

Like Saul, let us not be proud, but at all times, remember our former estate from whence

the Lord has lifted us and anointed us. Let us take heed always like David to keep humble and

contrite and to turn to the Lord for His guidance in every matter, and be a people after His own

heart, doing all His will. Let us keep our faith stedfast in the face of enemy onslaughts and press

forward, unwavering, in the might of the anointing, for, the Lord God is a shield to those who put

their trust in Him.******

CHAPTER X

THE ANOINTED CHERUBIn every dispensation, whether during the Old Testament days or the New Testament

period, the ministry is given through the anointing. We have already considered how Aaron and

his sons, the priests and also the vessels or instruments of the tabernacle were anointed with the

holy anointing oil (Exo.40:15; 30:26-29). The priests were anointed with a specific purpose to

fulfil their respective ministries effectively. This implies that there is no ministry without the

anointing. The anointing oil was holy and could not be made use of for any other purpose. Hence,

those who were anointed were separated or dedicated or set apart to carry out the will of God

in the respective ministries appointed to them. That is the reason why the Lord said in Numbers

18:7, that the stranger that cometh nigh (to do this ministry) shall be put to death.

In the dispensation of angels, there were four groups of angels thrones, dominions,

principalities and powers (Col.1:16). They were anointed to carry out their work in their set

offices. Among them, the anointed cherub was created full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. He

was covered with every precious stone and was set to cover the holy mountain of God and to walk

up and down in the midst of the stones of fire (Ezek.28:12-16). Here the mountain refers to a

kingdom (Rev.17:9-12). When he is referred to as the anointed cherub it means that he was

separated or set apart to do the will of God in his own capacity. In other words, he was

appointed by God to protect and guard the angelic kingdom. Where there is a kingdom, it alsofollows that there will be power, authority and dominion. The cherub was endowed with all these

but later, his heart was lifted up with pride because of his extra-ordinary beauty and wisdom. He

therefore fell, and was not able to continue doing the will of God. This fallen angel is the fallen

spirit that entered into the fallen kingdom of Tyre (Ezek.28:12).

Satan, who is the head of fallen spirits, will give his power, seat and authority to the beast,

the Antichrist, who will unleash a reign of terror in this world during the Tribulation period. But

God will remove his power, seat and authority from him and the dominion and kingdom under the

whole heaven will be given to the saints who will rule this earth in the Millennium (Dan.7:26,27).

Finally, all rule, power and authority will be delivered to the Father when the eternity to come

shall be ushered in (I Cor.15:24).

Unlike the anointed cherub, we find some in the kingdom of men who fulfilled thepurpose of God for which they were anointed. Two such examples are David and Cyrus.

God anointed David to be king over Israel, because He found him to be a man after His

own heart (I Sam.13:14). David served his own generation by the will of God (Acts 13:36),

thereby accomplishing the plan that God had purposed in him. This is why the Lord testified of

him that he was a man after His own heart who fulfilled all His will (Acts 13:22).

The Lord calls Cyrus His anointed that he might carry out His plan (Isa.45:1) to build the

temple. Cyrus proclaimed a decree and stirred the hearts of the people to repair and build the

temple at Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1-6). Therefore did the Lord testify of him, that he would perform all

His pleasure and build Jerusalem and the temple (Isa.44:28).

Just as every vessel finds use in the tabernacle, every Spirit-baptized child of God has a

ministry to do in the Church (II Tim. 2:20,21). It is the baptism in the Holy Spirit thatconsecrates us or sets us apart for service (Acts 1:8). In a sense, every Spirit-baptized child of

God is a servant of God and therefore every individual must take heed to maintain a spirit of

service and be faithful and willing to serve the Lord according to the purpose and calling with

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which one is called. Then the Lord will send fresh unctions of the Spirit, that our service may be

more effective and the same anointing will exalt us to the very throne of God.

Let us take heed therefore, to perfect our life and to fulfil the ministry that is entrusted to

us that having done all, we may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God (Col.4:12,17).

********

CHAPTER XI

THE WORKING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

The New Testament Church was formed when the Holy Spirit was shed forth on the day of

Pentecost after Jesus ascension. Jesus Christ gave the responsibility concerning the Church to the

Holy Spirit and it is through the Holy Spirit that He thereafter expressed Himself to the Church.

The Holy Spirit alone Who is the Comforter, can lead the Church into all truth, for He is the Spirit

of truth (Jn.14:16; 16:13). Vast and manifold are the purposes for which the Holy Spirit is given to

the Church and some of them are enumerated below.

1.The Holy Spirit baptizes us into one body :

St. Paul says, For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or

Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit (ICor.12:13). It is through the baptism in the Holy Spirit that the Body of Christ which is the

Church is formed. The Holy Spirit unites the Spirit-baptized believers with Christ, the risen and

glorified Head (Eph.1:22,23; 5:23).

Every kind of distinction - national, social, linguistic or caste - is destroyed at water

baptism (Gal.3:27,28). On the day of Pentecost, the one hundred and twenty who received the

baptism in the Holy Spirit were baptized into one body - to live and to serve God in the Spirit.

At the baptism in the Holy Spirit, one enters into a vital fellowship with the Father, the

Son and the Holy Spirit (Jn.14:16,20). Thenceforth, the Body of Christ, the Church receives its

nourishment and guidance from the Head by the Spirit (Col.2:19; Eph.4:16). Just as every

member in a body has its respective function, every member of the Church has his or her part to

perform (I Cor.12:12-27). The unity among

annointing of the holyspirit

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