Smith Wigglesworth (1859–1947), known as the "Apostle of Faith," was a British evangelist whose ministry shaped the early Pentecostal movement through extraordinary miracles, healings, and salvations. His famous motto, “Only believe,” encapsulated his unshakable trust in God’s power, which he saw released through acts of obedience, including the use of anointing oil. This blog explores Wigglesworth’s life, his use of anointing oil as an act of obedience, and how his faith aligns with biblical teachings on anointing, emphasizing that the power lies not in the oil itself but in God’s strength activated through faith.
A Life Fueled by Faith
Born in poverty in Menston, Yorkshire, England, Smith Wigglesworth worked as a plumber and was illiterate until his wife, Polly, taught him to read using the Bible—the only book he ever studied. Saved at age eight through his Methodist grandmother’s influence, Wigglesworth’s spiritual life transformed in 1907 during the Sunderland Revival, where he received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. This experience launched his global ministry, marked by healings of diseases like cancer and tuberculosis, and even reports of raising the dead.
Wigglesworth’s ministry reflected the biblical truth that anointing represents God’s empowerment through the Holy Spirit. His life demonstrated that faith, not the physical act of anointing, is the key to seeing God’s power manifest, a principle rooted in Scripture’s depiction of anointing as a symbol of divine consecration and authority.
Anointing Oil as an Act of Obedience
Wigglesworth frequently used anointing oil in his healing ministry, following James 5:14–15: “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. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.” For Wigglesworth, anointing oil was not a magical substance but a point of obedience that aligned with God’s Word, releasing His power through faith.
A striking example is the healing of Mrs. Clark, who was near death when Wigglesworth visited. He anointed her with oil and prayed, and as they both saw a vision of Jesus, she was instantly healed. Mrs. Clark later gave her life to Christ and became a minister. This story illustrates that the oil itself held no power; it was Wigglesworth’s faith in God, expressed through the obedient act of anointing, that invited divine intervention.
Wigglesworth also used anointed prayer handkerchiefs, inspired by Acts 19:11–12, where cloths touched by Paul brought healing. He sent one such handkerchief to King George V, showing his bold confidence in God’s power through simple acts of faith. This practice underscores the biblical view of anointing as a symbol of setting apart for God’s purposes, where obedience and belief unlock divine authority.
“Only Believe”: The Heart of Wigglesworth’s Ministry
Wigglesworth’s rallying cry, “Only believe,” captured his conviction that faith in God’s Word releases His power. He saw anointing oil as a tangible act of obedience, not a source of power in itself. This aligns with the biblical understanding that anointing symbolizes the Holy Spirit’s presence, as seen in the Tabernacle’s use of oil for the golden lampstand (light), showbread (fellowship), and altar of incense (worship). Wigglesworth believed that sickness often had spiritual roots, and anointing with oil, paired with prayer, was a faith-filled act to confront these forces, trusting God for the outcome.
His dependence on the Holy Spirit was profound. Despite enduring severe pain from kidney stones for years, Wigglesworth trusted God for healing when he received a divine confirmation of it, standing firm in faith. This does not mean believers should avoid medical help; rather, we should seek God’s guidance and, when He confirms healing, stand in that faith while responsibly seeking medical care as needed. Wigglesworth’s life showed that anointing is a lifestyle of obedience, where faith in God’s promises activates His power.
Lessons for Today’s Believers
Wigglesworth’s life offers practical insights for using anointing oil today:
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Obedience Activates Faith: Anointing oil is a step of obedience, not a magical tool. As Wigglesworth taught, “Only believe,” and trust God to work through your faith.
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God’s Power, Not the Oil: The oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit, but the power comes from God alone, released through the prayer of faith.
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Live in the Spirit’s Power: Wigglesworth’s life shows that anointing is for daily empowerment, enabling believers to walk in victory and share God’s light.
Conclusion: Embracing Faith and Obedience
Smith Wigglesworth’s ministry demonstrates that anointing oil, when used in obedience, becomes a powerful expression of faith in God’s limitless power. His life challenges us to trust God fully, as he did, saying, “Only believe.” At The Anointing Oil Shop, we provide high-quality anointing oils to help believers engage in this biblical practice, not as a source of power, but as a symbol of surrender to the Holy Spirit. Let Wigglesworth’s faith inspire you to anoint and pray with confidence, knowing that God’s power is released through your obedience.
For more on anointing oils and their biblical significance, visit anointingoil.org. Step out in faith, and see God’s power at work in your life.
Sources:
Inspirational Christians
Wikipedia
GotQuestions
LoveFaithandMiracles.com