29/04/2019
TOUCH NOT THE ANOINTED
By Joshua Ankiah
Recently I was asked a question, from an ex-charismatic, concerning this expression so widely used in Charismatic churches by those who pastor churches: “Touch not the anointed.” This is their defense mechanism used in the protection of their position whenever they feel intimidated or threatened either physically or doctrinally.
Their anointing, they claim, is due to the “gift” they possess. They declare that since they have a gift, they have a ministry, and if they have a ministry, they have authority and anyone who has authority is anointed.
In order for us to confirm if such a claim or statement is true, we must consult the word of God.
*pastor – The word “pastor” is stated in inverted commas because it is widely abused. Please refer to my article on the “One Man Pastor System” on our website.
Definition of Anointed
The Greek word χρῖσμα – chrisma means anointing. It is the act of applying oil or an oily liquid (to the head or some other part of the body); especially in order to dedicate a person or object to a particular service or function. It also means to consecrate.
In the Old Testament, kings, priests, prophets and objects were anointed. The heathen king Cyrus of Persia, was also the Lord’s Anointed even though he was not a Jew. Isa. 45:1 shows that the title may be used even where there is no rite of anointing and where a ruler of an alien faith and people is intended.
In the New Testament, all Christians who are consecrated are referred to as the anointed. See 2 Cor. 1:21; 1 John 2:20; 1 John 2:27.
The Origins
"Touch not the anointed” comes from 1 Samuel. Anointing a king was equivalent to crowning him (1 Sam. 16:13; 2 Sam. 2:4, Ps. 89:20; etc.). Saul was an anointed king (1 Sam. 10). God commanded that no one touch His anointed ones (1 Sam. 24:6; Psa. 105:15). Therefore, none in Israel could physically harm God’s anointed and that is the reason why David would not stretch out his hand against Saul.
But “touch not the anointed” does not mean that those anointed could do whatever they wish. It also does not mean that the anointed could not be confronted morally or doctrinally if they transgressed the word of God or conducted themselves in a sinful manner. For example, the anointed king, Saul, is reproached by Samuel on his disobedience to God’s commandments (1 Sam. 15:10-24). He is also confronted by David on his wicked dealings with him (see 1 Sam. 24:8-15 and 26:18-20). This shows that as much as the anointed cannot be physically harmed, he is never above the law of God and can be reproved and corrected (2 Tim. 3:16). It is strange that these “pastors” who use the case of King Saul in support of “touch not the anointed” cannot see that the same scriptures condemn their doctrine.
The Pastor is not the only One Anointed
As indicated by the definition, the anointed refers to all Christians. Any honest student of the Bible will see that the pastor is not the only one that is the “anointed.” The Bible teaches that all Christians, “pastors” or not, are the anointed. “Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God” (2 Cor. 1:21). 1 John 2:20 says, “But you have an anointing from the Holy One…1 John 2:27 also says, “But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you.” These verses are not directed only to pastors but also to all Christians.
Can any of the anointed be tested, reproved, corrected, or rebuked? Absolutely! All Christians are obligated to examine the scriptures to see whether their “anointed pastors” are teaching/preaching the truth or not!
1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
All Christians and “pastors” are required to “…always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15).
Pastors are not above questioning (1 Tim. 5:19-20). Col. 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
This is an address to all Christians Col. 1:2. 2 Tim. 2:25 In humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance. We even have a case of the apostle Peter being rebuked by the apostle Paul (see Gal. 2:11) and none can deny that the apostle Peter was anointed. 1 Tim. 5:19-20 teaches that even the elder/pastor is to be rebuked in the presence of all if an accusation is received from two or three witnesses (also see Matt. 18:15-20).
Conclusion
All Christians are anointed for they are all led by the Spirit of God (2 Cor. 1:21; 1 John 2:20, 27).
No-one is above the law of God even if they are serving as pastors. Rom. 8:14-17 says, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
No one Chrisitan is more anointed than another. God is not a God who shows preference or favoritism (Acts 10:34; James 2:9; Rom. 2:11). In writing to Christians, Peter describes all Christians as: “…a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession…” (1 Pet. 2:9).
At Christ’s second coming, all, both “pastors” and non-pastors, with one talent or many talents, will be judged by the word of God (John 12:48).
If you are a victim of this unbiblical doctrine, perhaps you should seriously consider if you are in the church of our Lord Jesus Christ or a man-made denomination running on man-made doctrines.
