The Anointing and the Authority of the Church

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The Anointing and the Authority of the Church

The question of anointing has acquired extraordinary political valence in today’s dominant evangelical world. While a free gift of God’s anointing carries an enormous premium, the search for divine power has led to a system of election and distinction that reflects the dominionist “reformation” and the charismatic third wave. The question of anointing also feeds into a new understanding of authority.

The Twelve disciples, Peter and Paul, had healing powers. These men had been called by Jesus to do good and to help people. Jesus also commanded his followers to pray for people. They were called to heal the sick and raise the dead. In fact, the Bible says that church leaders are required to pray for the sick. The apostles were committed to Christ, who was the embodiment of Christ. They are the representatives of the church and are responsible for its life and mission.

Indigenous Africans embraced Christianity in the late nineteenth century, reading the scriptures and seeing God who performed miracles. In this new worldview, Africans believed that God had power over everything. The world of power was a threatening place, and Africans began to question their beliefs. Their indigenous churches grew, and they were precursors to the Pentecostal movements that we see today. There is a great need to examine and understand the true nature of Christian beliefs.

While charismatic Christians focus on evangelism, conversion and persevering in faith of the saved, they are well aware of the satanic forces at war with the Christian church. They recognize that their world is undergoing a titanic end-time battle between God and the demonic. The demonic powers of the world hold the power to conquer nations and undermine the evangelization of the world. So, how can a charismatic Christian engage in such a battle?