The Sunday Mail
Fatima Bulla
Religious Affairs Editor
IT is amazing how much the Christian world has been seized by anointed products yet many people do not understand the doctrine.
With many denominations speaking of anointed mantles in the form of water, bracelets, pens and most recently condoms, The Sunday Mail Religion sought to understand how it works.
Apostle Langton Kanyati of Grace Unlimited Ministries said, “When something is anointed it means it’s sanctified and now belongs to God. I am not sure in which way people are using it.
Anointing mantles have hogged the limelight in different Christian denominations. Ministries like Prophet Walter Magaya’s PHD (right), United Family International Church, led by Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa (left) among others have items like anointing bracelets and oils respectively. Recently Victory World International Ministries attracted controversy after its leader, Pastor Paul Sanyangore (centre) imparted anointing on condoms.
But there are scriptures in James where elders lay hands on the sick and anointed them with oil.”
There have been claims that anointed mantles have healing powers imparted through prayer by an authority who can be a pastor or prophet.
Church of Central Africa Presbetarian Reverend, Gibson Botomani said to anoint, taken from the Greek word anaidzo, is to separate.
“It was a Jewish custom among Israelites who when doing something would set themselves apart for a specific purpose, they used oil.
“A pastor has got authority, for example when a pastor speaks, his congregants listen,” Rev Botomani said.
Rev Selemani said during the Old Testament times, the divine was symbolized by oil when individuals like those from the house of Aaron were set up for priestly duties.
“In the Jewish culture, the olive tree symbolized eternity.
“That is why Jesus always gave reference to it. Olives were pressed thrice and the first press was not used because it was regarded as too pure and reserved for God.
“The oil was also used to strengthen prophets who had been ordained for the work of God. You find that before using ornaments in the church, they would be anointed.
“That which was anointed would be set aside for a particular purpose.
Things have been taken out of context but anointing came from the priest. For instance in the book of Hebrews, Jesus is the High Priest because he is the ultimate sacrifice to God on behalf of the people,” Rev Selemani said.
He added that when Jesus left, he anointed his disciples to pursue his work.
“Those apostles then also anointed their successors. So I am linked to Peter and Jesus through anointed succession. Only the bishop has the oil and I was blessed by him. This means he has given me the authority of the Lord to do sacraments and holy orders.
“So there has to be apostolic succession. It has to be clear how the people are connected to the anointing of Jesus.
“It has to be traceable,” said Rev Selemani.
Weighing in with his thoughts, Pr Brian Mutembedza said anointing is divine enablement from God for one to achieve something.
“It’s not only about demons, prophecy, evangelism and deliverance, one can be anointed to prosper in their business.
“Some have the anointing to counsel people. The challenge is that most people only rush to those things that are more visible. Some people are failing because there are no (spiritual) fathers who are speaking and giving direction into their lives,” Pr Mutembedza said.
Impact Christian Centre co-founder, Pr Gwen Kanokanga said anointing originated from the Old Testament when the shepherds used to pour oil on their sheep to protect them from dangerous insects.
“The oil symbolises blessings, protection and empowerment. ln the Old Testament, one was anointed for a special purpose; to be king, priest or prophet.
In the New testament according to James 5 vs 14-15; the early church used oil on the sick. In Isaiah 10:27, the anointing oil symbolized the power of the Holy Spirit to destroy and lift up burdens.
“When olives were crushed to remove bitterness, the anointing oil also crushed bitterness,”explained Pastor Kanokanga, adding that in the Bible, there are no anointed mantles.
“Most people are now using oil as a magic portion,” charged Pastor Kanokanga.
Email feedback at [email protected]
