What Jesus’ Anointing Means for Us

This brings us to our third point: what Jesus’s anointing means for us. This is summarized in Answer 32 of the Heidelberg Catechism: “Why are you called a Christian? Because I am a member of Christ by faith and thus a partaker of His anointing, so that I may confess His name, present myself a living sacrifice of thankfulness to Him, and, with a free and good conscience, fight against sin and Satan in this life, and afterward reign with Him eternally over all creatures.”

Jesus was anointed so that we could partake in His anointing. This is the profound truth and privilege of being a Christian. We are not merely followers who imitate Christ; we are united with Him by faith and share in His threefold office of Prophet, Priest, and King.

Participation in Christ’s Anointing

Imagine pouring oil onto someone’s head—it doesn’t stay confined to the head but flows down over the entire body. In the same way, as Christ is the head of the Church and we are members of His body, His anointing flows to us all. This participation in His anointing belongs to every believer, regardless of strength or weakness.

Since Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit, everyone united to Him by faith is sanctified by the Spirit of Christ. Each office of Christ—Prophet, Priest, and King—bears specific effects through the Holy Spirit’s work in us.

The Effects of Christ’s Offices in Believers

Prophetical Office: Knowing and Professing God

Through Christ’s prophetical office, we are empowered to know God rightly and to profess His name. The truth of God’s Word has been revealed to us in power, enabling us to confess it with faith and confidence.

Priestly Office: Living Sacrifices and Access to God

Christ’s priestly work enables us to present ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God. Because of His atoning sacrifice, we have access to the throne of grace. This grants us boldness to lift our prayers to God, knowing that He hears us. Our sins are atoned for, and divine justice is satisfied, allowing us to offer thanksgiving and praise with confidence.

Kingly Office: Victory and Empowerment

Through Christ’s kingship, we are united to Him by faith and empowered by the same Spirit. We are given the strength to overcome sin, death, and the devil. As believers, we share in Christ’s victory and are assured of everlasting life.

Consolation in Christ’s Preservation

The anointing of Jesus should bring profound consolation. He continually preserves, governs, and strengthens us through faith. By sharing in His anointing, we are made prophets, priests, and kings unto God. This is a source of comfort, reminding us of our secure position in Christ.

Exhortation to Active Faith

However, this truth also serves as a call to action. It exhorts us not to be lazy, slothful, or spiritually dormant. Understanding the great benefits Christ has communicated to us, we are motivated to respond in faith and obedience.

• As Prophets: Let us never cease to celebrate, praise, and declare the name of the Lord.
• As Priests: Let us offer ourselves wholly to God as living sacrifices, in praise and thanksgiving.
• As Kings: Let us fight against sin, the world, and the devil, striving to reign with Christ in glory forever.

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