The term “anointing” in both the Old and New Testament refers to the act of consecrating or setting apart someone or something for a special, holy purpose. It often involves the symbolic act of pouring oil, signifying God’s blessing, empowerment, or authority.
In the Old Testament, anointing was used to consecrate priests, kings, and objects for sacred use (e.g., Exodus 30:30, 1 Samuel 16:13). It represented God’s selection and empowerment for a specific role. In the New Testament, anointing extends to spiritual empowerment by the Holy Spirit, as seen in the life of Jesus and believers (e.g., Luke 4:18, 1 John 2:20). It signifies divine favor, guidance, and the Holy Spirit’s presence.
In both Testaments, anointing symbolizes God’s favor, empowerment, and setting apart for His purposes. However, we must be cautious: even those who are anointed can be led astray, and they can lead others astray. For instance, after Samuel anointed Saul, Saul prophesied, and it was said that he was changed into a different person (1 Samuel 10:6-10). The presence of God had to be incredibly strong for such a transformation to occur. Yet, over time, Saul lost his anointing through a series of disobedient acts. The moment it became clear that God had rejected him as king is detailed in 1 Samuel 15.
Saul’s downfall began with disobedience during his battle with the Amalekites. God instructed him to completely destroy everything, including the livestock and King Agag. However, Saul spared Agag and the best of the livestock, leading to God’s rejection of him as king. In 1 Samuel 15:11, God tells the prophet Samuel, “I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me and has not performed my commandments.”
Saul’s rebellion escalated to the point where Samuel had to confront him, explaining that God values obedience more than sacrifice. 1 Samuel 15:22-23 records Samuel’s words to Saul: “To obey is better than sacrifice… Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has rejected you as king.” After this event, the anointing of God departed from Saul. 1 Samuel 16:14 states, “Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him.” This marked the official departure of God’s favor and anointing, and from that point onward, David began to rise as the newly anointed king. In summary, Saul’s anointing was lost due to his continual disobedience, with the turning point occurring in 1 Samuel 15, after his failure to obey God’s commands regarding the Amalekites.
Now, what about New Testament believers—can they lose their anointing? While the concept of “losing anointing” isn’t explicitly stated, several biblical examples imply the loss of divine favor or the rejection of a spiritual calling.
Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ disciples, clearly fell out of divine favor and rejected his calling. His betrayal of Christ for 30 pieces of silver led to his ultimate downfall and the loss of his place among the apostles.
Another sobering example is Ananias and Sapphira, a couple in the early church. They lied to the apostles and the Holy Spirit about the proceeds from a land sale, and their deception was met with immediate judgment as both were struck dead. This incident highlights how dishonesty and lack of integrity in a setting where the Holy Spirit is powerfully at work can lead to severe consequences (Acts 5:1-11).
Paul also mentions Hymenaeus and Alexander, stating that they had “shipwrecked their faith.” He even says he handed them over to Satan to teach them not to blaspheme. While the Bible doesn’t directly say they lost their anointing, it strongly suggests they fell from their spiritual calling due to false teaching and opposition to the truth (1 Timothy 1:19-20).
Demas, once a co-worker of Paul, also serves as a cautionary example. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 4:10, “Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me.” Demas had once been involved in anointed ministry but chose worldly things over God’s call, ultimately walking away from his spiritual path.
The author of Hebrews offers a stark warning to those who have “tasted the heavenly gift” and “shared in the Holy Spirit” but then fall away. The passage suggests that those who turn their backs on Christ after receiving an anointing or spiritual gifts could lose that anointing and face severe consequences. While it doesn’t mention a specific individual, it implies the potential for losing divine favor or the presence of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 6:4-6).
Conclusion
In the New Testament, losing anointing or spiritual favor is closely connected to a rejection of the Holy Spirit, disobedience, or outright rebellion against God’s purposes. Judas Iscariot, Ananias and Sapphira, and others stand as sobering examples of individuals who once participated in God’s work but faced the consequences of their choices. The concept of losing anointing is intricately tied to our personal actions and the ongoing relationship we maintain with the Holy Spirit. Let us guard this precious gift, walking in obedience, humility, and integrity, so that the anointing of God in our lives remains strong and fruitful.
