1 John 2:27 refers to the anointing that all believers in Jesus Christ receive from God. This verse says: “But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.” Let’s break down what this verse teaches about the anointing believers receive:
The Anointing Comes from God
This verse makes it clear that the anointing comes “from him,” meaning from God. When we put our faith in Christ, God anoints us or sets us apart for service by giving us the Holy Spirit to indwell us. The Holy Spirit is described in Scripture as being like oil that is poured out on believers (Acts 10:38). So the anointing refers to the Holy Spirit who comes to empower and equip believers when they receive Christ.
The Anointing Indwells All Believers
The verse says “the anointing that you received.” This indicates that every believer in Jesus receives this anointing. It is not just for certain special believers, but for all who put their faith in Christ. When we receive Christ, we receive the Spirit who then abides or remains in us permanently (John 14:16-17).
The Anointing Teaches Us Spiritual Truth
One key role of the Holy Spirit is to teach us and guide us into truth. 1 John 2:27 says “his anointing teaches you about everything.” The Spirit guides us into truth about who God is, who we are in Christ, and how we are to live. Jesus said the Spirit would teach and remind believers of everything he said (John 14:26). The Spirit reveals biblical truth to us and enables us to understand it.
The Anointing Leads Us into Righteousness
This verse says the anointing “is true, and is no lie.” As the Spirit guides us, he always leads us into truth and righteousness. The world and the devil seek to deceive us, but the Spirit teaches only what is true according to God’s Word. He convicts us of sin and empowers us to walk in holiness when we submit to his leading.
The Anointing Produces Intimacy with God
The verse concludes by saying “abide in him.” Our anointing by the Spirit is meant to produce in us an ongoing intimacy and closeness with Jesus. As we continually rely on the Spirit’s power and guidance, we will grow closer to Christ. By abiding in him, we enjoy deep communion with God.
The Anointing Gives Insight into God’s Word
Without the Spirit’s illumination, we cannot understand the true meaning of Scripture (1 Corinthians 2:14). Part of the Spirit’s teaching ministry is to give us insight into God’s Word so that we grasp the life-transforming truths he wants to communicate to us. The same Spirit who inspired the Bible also guides us in applying it.
The Anointing Provides Wisdom for Life
In addition to helping us understand biblical truth, the Spirit gives wisdom and guidance in practical areas of life. For example, James 1:5 says if we lack wisdom we can ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault. The indwelling Spirit provides specific wisdom and discernment in daily choices, relationships, finances, ministry, and all areas of life.
The Anointing Brings Us into Spiritual Maturity
A key work of the Holy Spirit is to sanctify us and make us more like Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says we are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory. The Spirit works to conform us to the character of Christ as we yield to his work in our hearts. He grows spiritual fruit in our lives such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
The Anointing Gives Power for Ministry
The anointing of the Spirit empowers believers for the work of ministry. Jesus promised the Spirit would give the disciples power to be his witnesses (Acts 1:8). The Spirit equips us with spiritual gifts and works through us to accomplish God’s work on earth. As we yield to the Spirit, we have power to fulfill the calling God has for our lives.
The Anointing Brings Assurance of Salvation
Romans 8:16 says: “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” One ministry of the Holy Spirit is to give inner confirmation that we belong to Christ. As the Spirit guides us into truth, assures us of Christ’s love, and produces his fruit in our lives, we gain confidence that we are truly saved and destined for eternity with God.
The Anointing Abides Forever
This verse emphasizes that “the anointing…abides in you.” Unlike the temporary anointing of prophets or kings in the Old Testament, the anointing of New Testament believers by the Holy Spirit is permanent. Jesus said the Spirit would abide in us forever (John 14:16). The Spirit’s ministry in our lives continues throughout our earthly walk and eternal life in heaven.
In summary, the anointing 1 John 2:27 refers to is the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit that all Christians receive when they trust in Christ. This anointing teaches us truth, guides us into maturity, empowers us for ministry, and produces intimacy with Jesus. As we continue relying on the Spirit’s work in us, we will experience the transforming power of this lifelong anointing.
Implications of This Anointing for Believers
What are some key implications of this anointing for those who have received it?
- We can have confidence in the Spirit’s ongoing guidance and instruction. We do not need to depend solely on human teachers for spiritual truth.
- We should actively seek a dependent, intimate relationship with the Spirit. The anointing is meant to draw us closer to God.
- We need to walk in purity so as not to grieve the Spirit. Sin can hinder the Spirit’s work in our lives.
- We should humbly rely on the Spirit’s wisdom for all areas of life, not just spiritual truths.
- We can access the Spirit’s power for accomplishing God’s work. The anointing equips us for ministry.
- We should continually yield control of our lives to the Spirit’s leading as He conforms us to Christlikeness.
- We have hope of becoming more like Jesus and reflecting His character by the Spirit’s transforming work in us.
This amazing anointing is a gift that every Christian receives, yet we often fail to walk fully in its power and blessing. As we learn to rely continually on the Spirit’s work within us, we can experience the incredible impact of this lifelong anointing in ever-increasing measure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to “abide” in Christ according to this passage?
Abiding in Christ means sustaining an ongoing, intimate relationship with Him. It involves depending constantly on His Spirit rather than living in our own strength. It means allowing His truth to remain in us and shape us. As we abide in Christ, it enables the fullness of the Spirit’s anointing in our lives.
How does this anointing teach us?
The Holy Spirit teaches us inwardly as we study Scripture, commune with God in prayer, meditate on His truth, and allow His Word to dwell in us richly. He illuminates our understanding of biblical truths. He also guides us practically by producing spiritual fruit in our lives, convicting us of sin, providing wisdom for decisions, and discerning God’s will.
Should Christians primarily rely on the Holy Spirit or human teachers?
We should rely primarily on the Holy Spirit’s teaching, while also appreciating God’s gift of human teachers. Scripture encourages us to learn from spiritual leaders and teachers in the church. However, human teachers are fallible and should always be evaluated against God’s Word. The Holy Spirit is fully true and reliable.
What happens when believers do not abide in Christ as this passage instructs?
Failing to abide in Christ can lead to spiritual regression and stagnation rather than growth in Christlikeness. We may operate in our own limited strength and wisdom rather than relying on the Spirit’s power. Intimacy with Christ can suffer when we do not depend constantly on the Spirit’s presence. Not abiding may also result in grieving the Spirit through ongoing unrepentant sin.
What are the differences between the anointing of Old Testament prophets/priests/kings and New Testament believers?
In the Old Testament, anointing with oil symbolized the empowerment and authorization of certain persons for leadership roles in Israel. Their anointing was external and temporary. The New Testament anointing of all believers by the Spirit is internal (the indwelling Spirit) and permanent. It is a spiritual anointing for spiritual purposes.
Warnings about False Views of This Anointing
While the anointing described in 1 John 2:27 is a beautiful biblical truth that all Christians possess, there are also some errant views about this anointing to avoid:
- It should not be viewed as a “second blessing” or special endowment for some believers. All Christians receive this anointing at conversion.
- It does not make us impervious to false teaching or deception. Christians should still exercise spiritual discernment.
- It does not eliminate our need for Bible study or spiritual instruction within the church. Human teaching can complement the Spirit’s work.
- It does not make us independent, self-sufficient believers. We still need Christian community.
- It does not guarantee perfect sinlessness or wisdom. We still struggle with sin and need to gain spiritual maturity.
In summary, this anointing is a special empowerment but not a guarantee of perfection. As we rely on the Spirit’s work, we must also remain grounded in Scripture, Christian community, and biblical wisdom.
How to Walk in This Anointing Daily
Here are some practical tips for continually relying on this anointing in your daily life as a believer:
- Study the Scriptures daily and ask the Spirit to illuminate what you read.
- Pray frequently throughout the day, inviting the Spirit to guide you.
- When facing decisions, specifically ask the Spirit for wisdom.
- Consciously rely on the Spirit’s power for ministry opportunities.
- Thank the Spirit for His work in your life.
- Seek to obey God’s commands and follow the Spirit’s leading.
- Deal with any sin issues promptly that could hinder the Spirit.
- Develop deeper intimacy with Christ as you see the Spirit’s fruit produced in you.
- Remind yourself often of the Spirit’s presence within you.
- Serve others in the power of the Spirit.
The anointing of the Holy Spirit is not meant to be dormant within believers, but active and operating. As we continually rely on the Spirit’s work and submit to His guidance, we can experience the incredible difference this anointing makes in our lives and ministries.