The Narrow Path Ministries

We Christians often develop ways of talking that are used frequently by certain groups and little, or not at all, by others. I hear frequent reference among pentecostal/ charismatics to individuals who are "anointed" preachers, teachers, singers, etc, and I am unsure what is meant by the term. Sometimes people are said to "have the anointing".

In the NT (KJV) we find the word chrisma translated into English as "anointing" twice and "unction" once, all in 1 John, and referring to Christians in general. And the word chrio is only used five times and is translated "anointed", referring four times to Christ and once to believers in general. So in the NT the anointing is used individually only of Christ (the Anointed One), and generally of all Christians- we are all "anointed".

So perhaps pentecostal/charismatic types are using the term esoterically to refer to being gifted....or what? Perhaps some bros or sisters can enlighten me.

here is a definition i found, from a charismatic website:

"Supernatural enablement, grace, manifested presence of the Holy Spirit operating upon or through an individual or corporate group to produce the works of Jesus."

That's pretty much what I mean when I have used the term "anointed."

Men like Spurgeon and Tozer used the word "unction" which I take to mean close to the same thing.

I have also heard the word "enduement" used-- I know Finney used this term, as did DL Moody.

TK

Thanks TK.