As the author of The Anointed Bride: Discover the Ancient Truth about Anointing and Anointing Oil (published in 2016), I’ve had the privilege of engaging with countless individuals—from churchgoers to church leaders—who are rediscovering the profound significance of anointing and anointing oil. This resurgence of interest fills me with joy, as it signals a restoration of knowledge that has been largely absent for centuries. However, with this renewed curiosity comes a common misconception: the assumption that essential oils and anointing oils are one and the same. Today, I want to clarify the critical distinction between these two, as they serve entirely different purposes in the life of a believer.
The Misconception: Are Essential Oils Anointing Oils?
I often hear people refer to essential oils as anointing oils, using them to anoint themselves or others in spiritual practices. Many have asked me if I use essential oils in my ministry or if I’m interested in incorporating them. While I appreciate the enthusiasm for fragrant oils, it’s essential to understand that essential oils and anointing oils are not interchangeable. Equating them is like substituting Coca-Cola for wine or a hamburger for bread during the Lord’s Supper—it simply doesn’t align with the biblical purpose and significance.
Essential oils are pure fragrance oils derived from plants, valued for their natural properties, such as promoting relaxation or supporting physical well-being. They operate on a straightforward cause-and-effect basis: apply lavender oil, and you may feel calmer; use eucalyptus, and it might clear your sinuses. These oils require no faith to produce their effects, and their benefits are often attributed to the oil itself rather than to God’s power.
Anointing oil, on the other hand, is rooted in biblical tradition and is primarily composed of olive oil (typically over 90%) with a fragrance added for symbolic purposes. Its significance lies not in its physical properties but in its role as a point of contact for faith. As I explain in The Anointed Bride, anointing oil has no inherent power—it is not a medical remedy or a magical substance. Its efficacy depends entirely on the faith of the one using it, which activates God’s power through prayer and obedience.
The Biblical Role of Anointing Oil
The Bible provides clear examples of how anointing oil functions as a conduit for faith. In James 5:15, we read, “And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.” Here, the anointing oil serves as a tangible symbol, but it is the prayer of faith that releases God’s healing power. Similarly, the Lord’s Supper is a point of contact that, when taken with a sincere heart, releases life to the believer (1 Corinthians 11:30). However, insincere participation can lead to consequences, underscoring the seriousness of these spiritual acts.
Anointing oil, made with olive oil, carries deep symbolic meaning. The olive tree represents a process of crushing and refining, much like the spiritual journey of dying to self to make room for God’s presence. This is not an easy or instant process—it can be painful and requires patience, as many biblical figures waited years to see God’s promises fulfilled. The use of olive oil in anointing reflects this surrender, reminding us that God often chooses the weak and powerless to demonstrate His strength (1 Corinthians 1:27).
Why Olive Oil Matters
You might wonder, why olive oil specifically? Why not use essential oils, which are often more fragrant and widely available? The answer lies in the biblical precedent and spiritual symbolism. Olive oil is central to the anointing recipes described in Scripture, such as in Exodus 30:22-25, where God instructs Moses to blend olive oil with specific fragrances like myrrh and cinnamon for holy anointing oil. This oil was used to consecrate priests, kings, and sacred objects, setting them apart for God’s service.
Using essential oils in place of anointing oil disregards this biblical model. Just as we wouldn’t replace the bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper with arbitrary substitutes, we shouldn’t alter the ingredients of anointing oil. Essential oils, while beneficial in their own right, lack the spiritual context and purpose of anointing oil. They are designed for natural, physical effects, whereas anointing oil is a tool for spiritual acts, activated by faith and obedience to God’s Word.
Giving Credit Where It’s Due
One of the most significant distinctions between essential oils and anointing oils is where the credit for their effects belongs. When essential oils produce a result—say, soothing a headache or improving mood—the praise often goes to the oil itself or to nature’s design. While we can thank God for creating these natural resources, their function doesn’t require faith or a connection to Him.
In contrast, anointing oil is powerless on its own. It has no healing properties or spiritual significance apart from God’s intervention. When used in faith, it becomes a vessel through which God’s power is released to save, heal, deliver, and restore. The glory belongs entirely to Him, not to the oil. This focus on God’s love and power is what makes anointing oil a sacred practice, distinct from the secular use of essential oils.
A Call to Faithful Practice
As the knowledge of anointing oil continues to spread, I encourage you to approach it with reverence and understanding. If you feel called to use anointing oil, seek out biblically grounded resources and ensure you’re using olive oil-based blends, as Scripture instructs. Let your faith be the activator, and always give God the glory for what He accomplishes through this sacred act.
For those eager to dive deeper, I invite you to explore The Anointed Bride, where I unpack the ancient truths of anointing and its relevance for today’s believers. Together, let’s honor God’s design for anointing oil and embrace its role in drawing us closer to Him.
In faith,
Robin Prijs
Founder, LoveUnlimited Ministries