The ritual of anointing is practiced in almost every religion and among all races. Although application of oil may sometimes be done for medicinal reasons, frequently it is also thought to imbue a person with certain desired qualities or powers. Some people in East Africa, for example, pour lion oil on themselves, hoping to gain courage and strength for some great task.

The Bible speaks of an anointing that enables a person to take on the characteristics of another, but it is not with the oil of lions. Instead, it is the coming of the Holy Spirit into a person's life (2 Cor. 1:21-22).

This divine anointing is performed by God Himself on all who have the wonderful privilege of becoming His children. It accompanies the conversion of those who trust in Christ. Paul said that the Spirit indwells every believer, and His presence is the guarantee of our future glory in heaven (v.22). As a result of His indwelling presence, we have the ability to become more like Christ (3:17-18).

We who are born of God have no excuse for remaining as we are. We can be increasingly conformed to the image of Christ by yielding ourselves to God's anointing--the Holy Spirit who dwells in our hearts.  — Mart De Haan