WHO ARE THE ANOINTED?
Sakkie Parsons
Someone wrote to me and asked:
Are all Christians “anointed,” or, for example, are only pastors, evangelists, and prophets “the anointed”?
According to how I understand the New Testament, which was specifically given to us Christians by our Lord Jesus, all His followers are holy ones — the anointed ones of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As for pastors and all church leaders:
There are some who like to think they are somehow more special than ordinary church members — and that is a tragedy.
It is a tragedy in the sense that they then think they can make all sorts of pronouncements, because they consider themselves “special.”
In other words, they assume a position higher than what Jesus Himself took, and higher than the example Jesus set for us — showing how we, and especially those who hold any office or position in the church, ought to view ourselves.
Jesus, as man, was God in human form:
John 1:1–5
In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.
He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God.
All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being.
In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men.
The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it].
John 1:14
And the Word (Christ) became flesh, and lived among us; and we [actually] saw His glory, glory as belongs to the [One and] only begotten Son of the Father, [the Son who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, who is] full of grace and truth [absolutely free of deception].
Then we read in our Lord’s precious Word how Jesus, who is also God, set the example for us — showing what our attitude should be, especially when we hold a position in the church or in society.
Yes, particularly if we have any kind of office or leadership role, we should live out that position in humility.
We read in the Word that Jesus, who is also God, did not consider it beneath Himself to become an ordinary human being:
Philippians 2:5–8
Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility],
who, although He existed in the form and unchanging essence of God [as One with Him, possessing the fullness of all the divine attributes—the entire nature of Deity], did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped or asserted [as if He did not already possess it, or was afraid of losing it];
but emptied Himself [without renouncing or diminishing His Deity, but only temporarily giving up the outward expression of divine equality and His rightful dignity] by assuming the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.
After He was found in [terms of His] outward appearance as a man [for a divinely appointed time], He humbled Himself [still further] by becoming obedient [to the Father] to the point of death, even death on a cross.
That is exactly what Jesus taught us — when He, who is God Almighty, lived here on earth in human form:
Matthew 23:11–12
But the greatest among you will be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be raised to honor.
Finally — and how beautifully clear this is:
Galatians 3:26–29
For you [who are born-again, have been reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified, and] are all children of God [set apart for His purpose with full rights and privileges] through faith in Christ Jesus.
For all of you who were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union with the Christ, the Anointed] have clothed yourselves with Christ [that is, you have taken on His characteristics and values].
There is [now no distinction in regard to salvation] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you [who believe] are all one in Christ Jesus [no one can claim a spiritual superiority].
And if you belong to Christ [if you are in Him], then you are Abraham’s descendants, and [spiritual] heirs according to [God’s] promise.
Of course, we should treat people who are honorable with due respect — but a person who holds an office in the church should not elevate himself or herself in such a way that they claim that honor as if they are somehow more worthy than their brothers or sisters who do not hold a title or position in the church or society.
The person who holds an office in the church is a servant, and that is exactly what the Word means.
I serve my fellow brother and sister, because I am a servant — appointed by our Lord as a servant — and that is precisely how I should see myself.
Greetings,
Sakkie