Christian Writers Circle

Holy Oil
by Judy Hitson

Exodus 30:31 AMP And say to the Israelites, This is a holy anointing oil [symbol of the Holy Spirit], sacred to Me alone throughout your generations.

When I was born again and first heard about holy oil, I remember buying a small bottle of anointing oil with frankincense and myrrh from a Christian Bookstore. I went home to anoint each room of our home, carried a Bible in my arm which I learned from two mature sisters in Christ and asked the Lord if He had a Word for me to pray. Sometimes the Lord brought a verse or passage of Scripture to mind and I would pray that over the room, anointing the doorway and places in the room like the bed or couch. At night, I was sometimes led to take the oil and pray over my husband or children as they were asleep and anoint them with the oil I saw as holy to the Lord, wanting the guidance of the Holy Spirit for that which concerned me.

This brought to mind times as a child when the priest would come to bless our home. If I remember correctly, he sprinkled holy water through the house as he recited prayers. At a young age, I had a desire to know God and be close to Him. This act of a house blessing remained on my mind as something holy to the Lord. Now as I continue to mature in the Lord as a born again Christian, I discern the difference of outward religious acts to an inward, living relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

The question I recently struggled with, “Is anointing oil for today?

With my experience, I believe it is an act of faith for today as a symbol of the Holy Spirit to guide us in prayer.

Looking up the topic of holy oil on You Tube, I came across several videos and websites on this topic. One was by Daniel Maritz, DLM Christian Lifestyle. He had a different opinion. He said, “Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament and now we are the temple of God. We’ve been anointed with the Holy Spirit,” 1 John 2:27. He said we don’t need to take holy anointing oil through the house or take our Bible with us in each room for anointing. That struck my heart and troubled me to hear his Scriptural opinion since that was the way I believe the Lord led me. I continued in prayer seeking the Lord’s Word for me.

From Jesusleadershiptraining.com, the author Greg Gaines wrote, “Anointing oil represents the anointing of Jesus as the “Christ,” which means, “the anointed one.”

Watching a video by Rick Warren, Saddleback Church speaking on anointing oil, he said, “It is an outward sign of what God is doing in you.” “The oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit.” He said, “Old Testament oil was for prophets, priests and kings but when Jesus died on the cross, we then had direct access to God. In Christ we are a priest, a minister and have authority to anoint with oil.”  

Though there are differing opinions on holy oil for today to anoint our homes, family and others for blessing, protection, deliverance and healing, I am at peace to use anointing oil as a symbol of the Holy Spirit and presence of God. Knowing it is not the oil that has power but it is the Spirit of God who empowers us to pray and declare His word for that which concerns me. Lord bless you with His word for you regarding holy oil today.