Following the Spirit: Understanding Anointing and Modern Blessings

Brothers and sisters, as we continue to dig deeper into the restored gospel—whether we’re studying in a Book Club, working through a challenging missionary discussion, or just journaling in quiet reflection—we inevitably run into questions that bridge the gap between the sacred covenants of the past and the glorious reality we live in today. Sometimes, these questions touch on physical practices, like the use of anointing oil.

It’s natural to wonder: What did the scriptures mean when they spoke of this? Is there a specific ritual we need to replicate? When we study things like the covenants and the role of the Holy Ghost, we are always seeking to understand the *pattern* of God's grace, not just the physical details.

Recently, I came across a discussion online regarding anointing oil. It was a good reminder that even seemingly simple cultural or historical details can prompt deep theological questions. If you’ve ever wondered about the purpose, I encourage you to take a look at this resource:

As I reviewed the material, I was struck by a key takeaway, one that always brings me back to the heart of our discipleship: The focus shifts from the *object* (the oil) to the *Source* (the Spirit). The transcript pointed out that while anointing oil was used in specific, sacred contexts in the Old Testament—marking things as holy and set apart—the New Testament passages show us a beautiful progression.

The Spirit’s Anointing: Our True Source

The core message, which I hope resonates with all of us who are striving to be more Christlike, is this: The scriptures teach us that we don't need a physical substance to feel the fullness of the Spirit’s guidance or comfort. We have the Spirit! And we are continually anointed by it.

“...you have an anointing from the Holy One and all of you know the truth.”

This is such a powerful anchor for us as disciples. When we feel uncertain, when the field seems overwhelming, or when we’re prepping for a difficult missionary discussion, we don't look for a specific, rare ingredient; we look inward and upward to the constant, abiding gift of the Holy Ghost. He guides us into all truth.

A Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill: Contextualizing Scripture

This brings me to a little skill I want to share with you all, especially those of us who are currently in mission prep or who are returning missionaries getting back into the rhythm of the field. When an investigator asks a question rooted in a cultural practice—like this one—don't just give the academic answer. Always pivot back to the *principle* of the gospel. Ask yourself: "What is the underlying covenant or principle at play here?"

If the question is about anointing oil, the principle is: *Dedication and sacred setting apart*. Our dedication is made through covenants, and our sacred setting apart is found in keeping our hearts clean and following the Spirit's promptings.

Keep the Learning Going

The Lord never intends for us to stop asking questions. The desire to know *why* things are the way they are is the very engine of discipleship. If you found this discussion helpful, or if it sparked a new question in your heart, I highly recommend diving into the deep end of study. Check out the Book Club discussions in HolyPlaces, or join a Bible Study Group to wrestle with scripture together. That’s where the real learning happens!

For those who enjoy digging into doctrinal nuances, I always recommend checking out the latest writings from the Iron Rod authors available in LivingBook. It’s a wonderful resource for expanding our understanding of the restored gospel. Keep asking, keep learning, and keep following the Spirit!