Anointing the Sick: Biblical Guidance and Ellen White's Perspective

Anointing the sick is a sacred duty and a divinely appointed instruction for the church, emphasizing that while human power cannot heal, the prayer of faith combined with this ordinance allows the Great Physician to fulfill His promises James 5:14-15CTBH 113.2+1.

The Biblical Instruction for Anointing

The primary instruction for this practice is found in the Epistle of James, which directs that if anyone is sick, they should call for the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord James 5:14CTBH 113.2+1. This act is a solemn work that should not be entered into in a careless or hasty manner, as the "prayer of faith shall save the sick" James 5:15PH089 46.1+1.

Spiritual Preparation and Conditions

Healing is often connected to the spiritual state of the individual and those praying for them:

• Self-Examination: Before anointing and prayer, there should be a close examination to see if the sick person has indulged in evil speaking, discord, or dissensionPH089 46.1+1.

• Confession of Sin: If wrongs have been committed, they must be confessed to God and the church, for the promise includes the assurance that "if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him" James 5:15PH089 46.1+1.

• Submission to God's Will: It is not always safe to ask for unconditional healing; petitions should be offered with the thought, "not as we will, but as He wills," trusting that God knows if the person's life will truly glorify HimPH089 46.1+2.

• Avoiding Presumption: Prayer for the sick is a solemn act, and claiming faith without following nature’s laws or having a heart right with God is considered presumptionGW 215.2+1.

The Purpose and Effects of Anointing

The act of anointing serves multiple purposes beyond physical restoration:

• A Channel for the Spirit: Anointing with oil represents the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit and the "oil of grace" that provides spiritual eyesight and strengthCTBH 113.2+2.

• Healing for Body and Soul: Christ is the merciful physician of both body and soul, and through this process, He brings relief and pardon for sin8MR 267.2+1.

• A Testimony of Faith: In times of conflict or when human help fails, laying hold of the promises through anointing has resulted in immediate healing, enabling believers to continue their work for God8MR 221.5+2.

Cooperation with Divine Agencies

Anointing does not replace the need for practical care or the use of natural remedies:

• Work with Prayer: After praying earnestly for the sick, one must work even more diligently to cooperate with God through the means He has provided, such as proper nursing and hygienic treatmentsCCh 21.1+2.

• Acts of Mercy: Like the Good Samaritan who poured in oil and wine, we are called to provide physical comfort and relief to the suffering as a part of our ministry Luke 10:33-34DA 503.2+1.

• The Holy Oil of Grace: Beyond the physical rite, believers must receive the "golden oil" from the heavenly messengers—representing the Holy Spirit—so that their character and words may be as smooth and healing as the oil itself Zechariah 4:121MCP 318.2+2.

Christ's representatives are the channels for His healing power today, and He is just as willing to heal the sick now as He was during His earthly ministry Mark 16:17-18WM 25.1+1.