“Is any among you sick? Let them summon the elders of the church to pray over them—anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:14).
Full disclosure: none of our elders at Charleston Presbyterian are faith healers; and the “anointing” oil we use (in the ceremony described by James) is merely olive oil from Food Lion—no magical powers in it!
Nevertheless, we believe that the ceremony described by James is an important dimension of pastoral care for the congregation. What outcomes might a church member expect from the ceremony? Well, a physical cure is not guaranteed. James begins his letter by describing how God can use trials to mature our faith, perseverance, and wisdom (1:2-5). A writer who begins that way is unlikely to end his letter (in chapter 5) by promising miracle cures for every affliction! So then—what does he promise? “The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and God will resurrect them.” (James 5:15). The literal language here is interesting—“save”; “resurrect”—and indicates holistic benefits from the ceremony of prayer, by elders, who apply anointing oil in the name of the Lord.
In the New Testament, the resurrection of Jesus impacts both the future and the present, both the physical and the spiritual realms. In the future, the resurrection will gloriously transform our frail bodies (Philippians 3:21). In the present, the resurrection guarantees the forgiveness of sins (Romans 4:25) and increasing victory over our vices (Romans 6:1-4). The anointing oil (James 5) witnesses to the power of the resurrection in the life of the anointed person—and that resurrection power may even result in a physical cure . . . or it may result in spiritual power to endure the ongoing trial.
The oil also symbolizes joy and gladness (Psalm 104:15)—and the gift of the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:27), who is the ultimate source of joy. When Moses emerged from the presence of God, Moses’ face was shining (Exodus 34:29-35). According to the Apostle Paul, every Christian has the privilege of access to God that Moses enjoyed! (2 Corinthians 3:12-13, 18). Therefore, the anointing oil on the forehead “makes our faces shine”—an outward picture of the inward reality of the divine presence.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ—if any among you, who are undergoing a chronic/intense physical trial, would like our elders to perform for you a dignified private ceremony of anointing oil with prayer—please do not hesitate to contact us! “And may the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.” (Numbers 6:25).
– Dr. Adrian Smith