Embracing the Anointing of Christ
The Pursuit of Christlikeness
To be conformed to Christ is to embody the same character, purpose, and empowerment that defined Jesus’ life. This transformation is not a mere imitation, but a life that flows from Christ Himself, worked in us by the Holy Spirit. Our primary focus, therefore, is not on the external forms of worship, but on the Person we worship. True worship is perfected when we are conformed to Jesus in all aspects of life.
The Anointing of Christ
In the Bible, anointing signified that an individual was chosen and prepared by God to serve in a role of priestly, prophetic, or kingly authority. As Israel’s Messiah, Christ embodied these three functions perfectly. As born-again believers, we have received a living power that works in us the manifest life of Jesus Christ. God’s goal is not only to bring us to Christ when we die but to manifest Christ in our daily lives.
The Three-Fold Anointing
As we approach the end of the age, the true church will be characterized by Christ’s three-fold anointing: intercession as a priesthood of believers, prophetic discernment and communication of God’s word, and a holy, kingly anointing as ambassadors of Christ’s kingship in heaven. This kingly anointing has been resisted by many Christians, who question the legitimacy of godly leaders serving in government.
Christ’s Fullness
However, Jesus Christ’s authority as king in heaven validates the transference of His representative governmental authority to the church. We are called to reveal the fullness of Christ, and our confidence must abide in the Father’s ability to fulfill what He has spoken concerning us. Let us not be limited by past mistakes or current limitations, but consider our spiritual potential with reverence.
The Proof of Anointing
The proof that we have truly received Christ’s anointing is that we will do the works of Christ. The anointing that rests upon us should, in time, produce the same life that we see in Christ, our heavenly King. When we pray “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” we are receiving grace to represent the character and interests of Christ in our governmental settings.
The Kingly Anointing and Governmental Authority
God has always sent His servants into world systems to transform them and lead nations toward heaven. From righteous kings of Judah to Daniel, God has raised up men and women to lead their nations in wisdom and righteousness. God’s promise to Abraham was that he would be a father of “a multitude of nations,” and that kings would come forth from him. This promise has not been abandoned, and it is still God’s heart to bring nations to Himself.
A Generation of Godly Leaders
The Lord’s promise to Abraham included the raising up of a generation of godly leaders whose sphere of influence would be felt in every strata of secular authority. This is not a new concept, but a fulfillment of God’s original plan to bring nations to Himself. As we embrace the anointing of Christ, we must also embrace our role as ambassadors of Christ’s kingship in heaven, exercising authority over nations and bringing them to God.
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