II Corinthians 1:21 “Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.”
To anoint is to designate positions, duties, and status upon a person; conveying upon them the power and authority to fulfill their duties. Old Testament priests were “anointed” (Exodus 40:15), kings and prophets were “anointed” (I Kings 19:16), and Isaiah prophesied that Christ would be “anointed” by God (Isaiah 61:1). While the Apostles were called and anointed by God to serve Him as Apostles; the Children of God are also “anointed” by God; signifying their secure position as saints of God. John puts it this way, “ye have an unction (anointing) from the Holy One” (I John 2:20) and “the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you” (I John 2:27). With this blessed “unction”, “anointing” the Children of God are granted power to worship and serve our Lord (Philippians 4:13) and liberty to “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Thus, we can pray, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.” (Luke 11:2) and we can joyfully declare “our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace” (II Thessalonians 2:16)!