When He Is Come - Media Sabda Org

WHEN HE IS COME
by
Joshua Stauffer
Chapter 21
AN UNCTION FROM THE HOLY ONE
"But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things" (I John 2:20).
Little is said concerning unction. Whenever preachers speak of unction, they generally say it is
indefinable. The term "unction" in the New Testament is employed only once in the authorized
version, but the same Greek word is translated "anointed" twice. Unction simply means an anointing.
There are several types of anointing: one type means to smear or daub; another, pouring of oil, and
a third type rubbing in. Unction is an anointing of the "rubbing in" type. Anointing was a general
practice in the East. It dates back to an early date. It is claimed that it originated in seeking relief
from the effects of the sun, or sunburn. Common vegetable or animal fat was used. As society
advanced and refinement became a part of civilization, delicately perfumed ointments were used.
People were anointed for health; as a mark of hospitality, for special honor; as a preparation for
social occasions, and to initiate into offices of responsibility and dignity. Jacob poured oil on the
stone he had used for his pillows. The place where he had slept and where God came into his life
became sacred to him. Priests and prophets were anointed by oil being poured on their heads. The
kings were recognized as the "the Lord's anointed," and this term became a synonym for "king." The
Hebrews believed that the anointing effected a transference of the holiness and virtue of Deity, and
the impartation of a special endowment of the Spirit of the Lord to the anointed one. There could be
but little progress in the world without oil. If there were no oil, there could be no operation of
automobiles, trains, airplanes, ships or factories. Oil is one of the great elements which God has
given to the human race. It is a blessing and a necessity. The Holy Spirit is symbolized by oil. What
oil is to the material world, the Holy Spirit is in the spiritual world. Without Him no progress could
be made. Where the Holy Spirit is not recognized or desired, all church activities are dry and formal.
I. An Unction Gives Power to the Spiritual Machinery and Oils the Wheels
The prophet Zechariah said, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord." If we,
like Zechariah, could learn this truth, it would prove a great blessing to us which would lead us to
depend more upon the Holy Spirit. Self, apart from the Spirit, avails nothing. This also is true
concerning human skill, wisdom, power, and planning. These all come short of accomplishing
anything for the Lord. Oil relieves friction, keeps the machinery from overheating, and causes the
machinery to run smoothly. Without the Spirit in the believer, or in groups of believers, their
operations and contacts will create friction, but where He is present, honored, and recognized, all
will run smoothly and harmoniously.
II. An Unction Gives Divine and Human Recognition
Christ was sent into the world by the Father, and all who did not recognize Him were rejected by
the Father, because no one can come to the Father except through the Son. Since Christ ascended,