Is anyone allowed to anoint the sick with oil?

[Emma!]

Are the elders the only ones that are supposed/allowed to anoint the sick with oil?...i have done it before because i thought that it was good for anyone to do it, but someone said today that its only for the elders to do...i had a look and i cant find any examples of just anyone doing it, so what are your thoughts on this topic?

James 5:14
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

 

[Hisgirl]

Check out these words by our Lord .... Mark 16:17-18

"And these signs shall follow THEM THAT BELIEVE; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they SHALL LAY HANDS ON THE SICK AND THEY WILL RECOVER."

I don't believe one verse cancels out the other (in reference to the one you quoted)....I believe both!

 

[Father Rick]

James 5 says for the 'presbyteros' (some translate that elders, other transliterate it as either presbyter or priest) to anoint the sick with oil for healing.

That is the only teaching in scripture regarding the subject. The sacramental (Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox, Old Catholic) churches teach that while anyone MAY anoint with oil, it is only considered a sacramental anointing when done by either a priest or bishop.

In Pentecostal/Charismatic circles, there is usually no difference placed between those in ordained ministry and those not, so the distinction between sacramental and not sacramental is moot to them.

 

[Andrew]

Are the elders the only ones that are supposed/allowed to anoint the sick with oil?...i have done it before because i thought that it was good for anyone to do it, but someone said today that its only for the elders to do...i had a look and i cant find any examples of just anyone doing it, so what are your thoughts on this topic?

James 5:14
Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

Yes, I believe "anyone" can do it. But obviously, that someone has to believe in divine healing and has the faith to do it.

It would be sad if some sick person had to die becos they couldnt find an elder. That's just not God's way.

So as long as you believe and have faith, continue to heal the sick, don't let any rule discourage or disqualify you. Jesus has qualified you.

 

[ChristianMuse]

I lay my hands on the sick and sometimes they recover. Others I know do the same and it is a hit or miss exercise. HisGirl is correct in that laying of hands on the sick and they recovering is a sign of those who follow Jesus. That does not mean we are free to interpret James 5:14 to mean anyone can do it. God imbues his authority into various people for ministry, government, etc... It is the ministry of the elders of the church to go and anoint the sick with oil and pray for their healing. They carry a special anointing given by God for this purpose. Can all pray and lay hands on the sick, yes. Can all anoint with oil and pray for healing, no. Will some who are not elders do it, yes. Is this God's way, no. Thankfully the grace of God is great enough to overlook for a time our misuse of the word.

 

[Andrew]

I lay my hands on the sick and sometimes they recover. Others I know do the same and it is a hit or miss exercise. HisGirl is correct in that laying of hands on the sick and they recovering is a sign of those who follow Jesus. That does not mean we are free to interpret James 5:14 to mean anyone can do it. God imbues his authority into various people for ministry, government, etc... It is the ministry of the elders of the church to go and anoint the sick with oil and pray for their healing. They carry a special anointing given by God for this purpose. Can all pray and lay hands on the sick, yes. Can all anoint with oil and pray for healing, no. Will some who are not elders do it, yes. Is this God's way, no. Thankfully the grace of God is great enough to overlook for a time our misuse of the word.

Doesn't that imply that God gives one category of Christians a certain method of healing, and another category or class of Christians another method?

The aim is the same -- to get the poor sick fellow healed. That is the more important thing that God is concerned about. He's concerned about sick people and wants them healed. He's not concerned about who's qualified to use oil and who's qualified to use hands.

Yes I acknowledge there are diff methods, but not diff "classes" or "categories" of 'healers for Christ'.

 

[YAWANNAKNOWJESUS?]

I have many times anointed people and prayed for them and seen them healed.

God is not a respecter of persons.

 

[riverpastor]

Can one priest set himself/herself above another?

Are we not all priests in the House of the Lord?

Are we not all imbued with authority?

If a "minister" is endowed with some special calling, ability, authority to lay hands on the sick and to anoint with oil, but doesn't have faith in the healing of the Lord...

and a layperson who has no "proper" education, training, mentoring, upbringing, raising, papers, etc. doesn't have this "special" calling, ability, authority to lay hands on the sick and anoint with oil BUT DOES HAVE FAITH that the Lord will heal...

who would you go to for prayer, anointing and having hands laid on you???

It is the duty of the "minister" and the "priest" to train the saints of the House of the Lord to operate and walk in this anointing, calling, ability, power and authority.

IF THE PERSON ON THE PEW ISN'T HEALING THE SICK, THEN THE PERSON BEHIND THE PULPIT HAS NO RIGHT TO ATTEMPT TO DO SO EITHER!

 

[Asaph]

Luke 10:30-37
30 Then Jesus answered and said: "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.' 36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?" 37 And he said, "He who showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
NKJV

Notice that Jesus does not say the Samaritan was in error by anointing this fellow with oil.

It is my understanding (though I could be wrong) that the staples of medical treatment in these times revolved around anointing with oil and the use of alcohol. We still do these things today. When we are wounded we first clean the wound with antiseptic (alcohol then) and then cover the wound in someway (oil then) to prevent infection.

If this is correct then the passage in James is saying to first use whatever medical treatment is available and then to have the elders pray over you and lay on hands.

Sort of like the oil was the equivalent of the church's first aid kit.

I've never researched it myself though, it is just something I heard in a sermon one time.

Asaph

 

[ChristianMuse]

Luke 10:30-37
30 Then Jesus answered and said: "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.' 36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?" 37 And he said, "He who showed mercy on him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
NKJV

Notice that Jesus does not say the Samaritan was in error by anointing this fellow with oil.

It is my understanding (though I could be wrong) that the staples of medical treatment in these times revolved around anointing with oil and the use of alcohol. We still do these things today. When we are wounded we first clean the wound with antiseptic (alcohol then) and then cover the wound in someway (oil then) to prevent infection.

If this is correct then the passage in James is saying to first use whatever medical treatment is available and then to have the elders pray over you and lay on hands.

Sort of like the oil was the equivalent of the church's first aid kit.

I've never researched it myself though, it is just something I heard in a sermon one time.

Asaph

The natural healing properties of oil and wine are not the issue. This has nothing to do with the action of anointing with oil and prayer.

 

[ChristianMuse]

Doesn't that imply that God gives one category of Christians a certain method of healing, and another category or class of Christians another method?

The aim is the same -- to get the poor sick fellow healed. That is the more important thing that God is concerned about. He's concerned about sick people and wants them healed. He's not concerned about who's qualified to use oil and who's qualified to use hands.

Yes I acknowledge there are diff methods, but not diff "classes" or "categories" of 'healers for Christ'.

The scripture makes the difference in ministry between the prayer of faith (laying on of hands) of the laity and the anointing with oil and prayer of the elders. Why should we neglect the difference that the scripture shows between the two? Should we take all scriptures, throw them in a blender and then whip the whole into a grey homogenized cream? I think not.

 

[Asaph]

The natural healing properties of oil and wine are not the issue. This has nothing to do with the action of anointing with oil and prayer.

Well, obviously I am saying that it does have to do with a proper understanding. It's ok if I disagree with you isn't it?...

Asaph

 

[KleinerApfel]

The natural healing properties of oil and wine are not the issue. This has nothing to do with the action of anointing with oil and prayer.

Maybe not, but look: how lovely, how beautiful, that the Lord provided us with natural substances for healing, then made them a sacrament.

Blessings, love Susana

 

[riverpastor]

I actually use several oils on occasion to help my physiacl body.

Cinnamon oil has a potent anti-biotic and antioxidant property. (when you apply, only use a single drop on the palms of your feet or hands - not on some sensitive area of skin or you will understand the meaning of baptism of fire...)

Frankincense and Myrrh actually DO HAVE healing properties as well.

Maybe it is that the "prayer of faith" potentiates the healing properties of this oil...

 

[Andrew]

How can it be that the oil plays a part in the healing? I understnd that some oils can "sooth" or aid in the healing of certain things -- like certain aromertherapy oils.

But if the person is dying of last stage cancer, can the oil actually do anything? Does it play a part?

I thot that in the Bible, when you annoint something or somebody with oil, you are setting the thing or person apart for the Lord's use? Sanctifying it for God's use/purpose. etc

So isnt the annointing of the sick to set apart the sick person for the Lord's healing? ie he's set apart from the sick unto the Lord. The oil is not for healing IOW.

 

[Asaph]

How can it be that the oil plays a part in the healing? I understnd that some oils can "sooth" or aid in the healing of certain things -- like certain aromertherapy oils.

But if the person is dying of last stage cancer, can the oil actually do anything? Does it play a part?

I thot that in the Bible, when you annoint something or somebody with oil, you are setting the thing or person apart for the Lord's use? Sanctifying it for God's use/purpose. etc

So isnt the annointing of the sick to set apart the sick person for the Lord's healing? ie he's set apart from the sick unto the Lord. The oil is not for healing IOW.

I understand what you are saying Andrew, but I'm attempting to take the "hocus-pocus" potential out of it.

In other words, I do not think the admonition to anoint with oil is a liturgical command, but rather one of practicality.

Asaph

 

[Andrew]

Can you explain the practicality part a bit more Asaph? I have this idea that when you annoint the sick, you just put some oil on your thumb and put a mark of the cross on the sick person's forhead or just a "stripe" of it. so even if the oil has healing properties, it's too little.

unless we give that guy a Thai massage or something! that could kill him too *LOL*

 

[Asaph]

Can you explain the practicality part a bit more Asaph? I have this idea that when you annoint the sick, you just put some oil on your thumb and put a mark of the cross on the sick person's forhead or just a "stripe" of it. so even if the oil has healing properties, it's too little.

unless we give that guy a Thai massage or something! that could kill him too *LOL*

I'm certainly no expert on it Andrew, so my opinion here amounts mostly to speculation based on what I've heard from the pulpit and what little I have been able to gather from the scriptures.

The way I understand it, one of the primary ways that ointments of most kinds are efficatious to healing wounds is just that they seal the wound from contaminants. That is what I believe the good Samaritan was doing. He was administering the only first aid available to him.

As far as healing from sickness goes and the administration of oils as a part of practical medicine, I think this too is still a practice. If I have a cold the anointing of Vicks vapor-rub helps to heal by reducing my congestion and allowing for better breathing etc. The binder for Vicks is petroleum based, and I do know from scripture that the use of aromatic oils was common.

I'm not sure what a Thai massage is, but I'm pretty sure I don't want one!!...

Asaph

 

[ChristianMuse]

Well, obviously I am saying that it does have to do with a proper understanding. It's ok if I disagree with you isn't it?...

Asaph

In relation to the good samaritan's use of oil and wine I agree with you. The use of oil and prayer by elders is a different method and not the same principle as the good samaritan's usage. One is physical properties of oil and wine, the other spiritual properties of oil (representative of the Holy Spirit) and prayer (of faith) of the elders. We disagree... and it is ok.

 

[riverpastor]

Andrew,

The part that these "essential oils" play in the life of the flesh & blood life would generally be stated as one of "prevention" and overall health.

If I don't have Frankincense to anoint someone with and all I have is Valvoline 10W-30 (automobile oil), then I'll use that (though it may not necessarily be healthy to the physical body in the long run). The oil, then, is only a symbol of the consecration which you spoke of.

How long ago has it been since you've been sick last?

For me, other than the two times that I had the "scratchy throat" (for which I took Communion and was healed through Christ), it has been around 5 years. I used to get sick 3-4 times per year (mostly with upper respiratory infections and such) prior to this release of faith.

I believed years ago that one day, I would walk in divine health. I don't know what else to call what has happened to me.

Only over the past year, I have started using essential oils as "preventative medicine", and that only occasionally. IOW, maybe once every two weeks for one or two days, I will use oil to anoint (which again means to "smear" from several New Testament Greek transliterations) myself with. IOW, I am not faithful to use these oils.

What I am faithful to do is to meditate that Christ lives in me and through me and that I do not have to suffer sickness as I used to.

IMO, a subject who wants to be consecrated with oil in order to receive healing should be WILLING to consecrate themselves spiritually first. Their minds need to be renewed to the fact that Christ paid the debt on Calvary and that they have no need to carry what He has already borne on His Person on the Cross.

Remember that the Levites were consecrated this way FIRST, before oil was ever poured over them in anointing them for service.

A lot of people want to be anointed with oil but they do not want to consecrate themselves to the Spirit of God and His Kingdom. They want a quick fix. Some want to be able to be free of pain when they sin...