Understanding the Anointing by Kenneth E. Hagin

“The Anointing” is a term that is often discussed in religious meetings, but for many Christians it remains a mysterious concept that only happens to certain “special” people. Understanding the Anointing explains the various ways in which people may be anointed, from the individual anointing that abides within all believers to the anointings for various offices and the corporate anointing that brings manifestations of the glory of God. This book answers many of the questions that surround this interesting topic with Scripture and illustrates those answers with personal experiences.

Section I: The Individual Anointing

The Anointing on Jesus — Jesus ministered as a man anointed by the Holy Spirit. He functioned in all five of the ministry gifts and serves as our example in each one.

The Anointing Within — We have an individual anointing of the Holy Spirit that abides in each one of us because He comes to live in us when we are born again. That anointing will teach us and guide us into all truth.

How the Anointing Led Me — An example of the Holy Spirit teaching and guiding into the things of God.

Ministering Healing Without an Anointing — A believer may act on the Word of God and see results when the personal anointing of the new birth has led him into that revelation.

Section II: Anointing on Ministry Gifts

The Fivefold Ministry Gifts — The anointing to function in a ministry office is different than the anointing that abides within every believer. If we will excel where our anointing is, we will be a greater blessing to the body of Christ.

The Anointing to Preach — There is a greater power in preaching that is done under the anointing to preach.

The Anointing to Teach — A description of the contrast between attempting to teach with no skill and anointing for it and under the anointing to teach.

The Anointing to Pastor — It takes time to develop ministries. Just obey God in each step and God will promote you. You can add to or diminish the anointing.

The Anointing of the Prophet — There is a difference between the office of the prophet and the gift of prophecy. Those in the office of prophet do not function as prophets all the time, only when the anointing of the prophet is on them as the Spirit wills. Music will affect the anointing. Musicians that flow with the Spirit can cause the anointing of the prophet to intensify.

The Anointing of the Apostle — An apostle is one who has been commissioned by the Lord in a deep and real personal experience with Him.

How to Increase the Anointing — Study the Word and be prayerful to increase the anointing. A particular anointing will come through association, environment, and influence, so choose those who influence your life wisely.

Yielding to the Anointing — The more we yield to the Spirit of God, the more results we will see.

Peculiar Anointings — God anoints some people to minister in special ways.

The Healing Anointing — The anointing of healing power comes as God wills (whereas healing that comes through faith in the Word of God always works). The healing anointing is a tangible substance that can be transferred from one person to another through touch. It can be stored in cloth.

The healing power must still be administered by faith. It can be increased by fasting and prayer. The stronger the anointing, the more instant healings will occur.

Section III: The Corporate Anointing

The Corporate Anointing — The whole church collectively has the anointing of all. When believers come together to worship and praise God, His glory can manifest in their midst.