In many religious circles, the “anointing” is treated as a fragile substance that can be leaked, lost, or stolen if you don’t follow a strict set of rules. We are often told that we must “protect the anointing” through our own grit and religious performance. However, under the New Covenant, the anointing is not a liquid you carry in a jar; it is a Person who abides in you.
To walk in the fullness of your ruler anointing, you must understand the difference between the “outward” performance that Judas leaned on and the “inward” restoration that Peter experienced. Protecting the anointing is not about your perfection; it is about your perspective on the Finished Work.
1. The Judas Error: Relying on External Association
Judas had the ultimate external anointing. He walked with Jesus, healed the sick, and cast out demons. Yet, he never allowed the revelation of the Son to penetrate his heart. He stayed in a “servant” mindset while handling “son” resources.
- The Danger of Toiling: Judas was preoccupied with the money bag and the systems of this world. He was trying to manage the Kingdom through human logic rather than spiritual revelation.
- Association vs. Union: You can be around the anointing without being changed by it. If your identity is in your “ministry” rather than your “sonship,” you are vulnerable to the same crash Judas experienced.
2. The Peter Shift: From Performance to Grace
Peter’s story is the ultimate example of how the anointing is preserved through failure. Peter failed miserably by denying Christ, yet his anointing was not revoked. Why? Because his restoration was based on Jesus’ intercession, not Peter’s willpower.
- The Sifting Process: Jesus told Peter that Satan desired to sift him, but Jesus prayed that his faith would not fail—not that his performance would be perfect.
- Righteousness-Consciousness: After the Cross, Peter stopped trying to be the “best disciple” and started being a recipient of Grace. This is what empowered him to stand and preach to thousands on the day of Pentecost.
3. The Anointing Abides Forever
Under the Old Covenant, the Spirit would “come upon” people and then leave (as it did with Saul). Under the New Covenant, the anointing “abides.” 1 John 2-27 (NKJV) says: “But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you.”
- Sealed by the Spirit: You are sealed for the day of redemption. You don’t “lose” the anointing when you make a mistake; you simply lose your awareness of it if you fall back into sin-consciousness.
- The Gift is Irrevocable: Romans 11-29 (NKJV) tells us that the gifts and calling of God are without repentance (irrevocable). God does not take back what He gave as a gift because of your struggle.
4. Protecting the Anointing Through Rest
You protect the anointing by refusing to return to the “ministry of death” or Law-based living. When you try to “earn” the power of God, you are essentially insulting the Grace that provided it.
- Stay in the Vine: The branch doesn’t toil to keep the sap flowing; it simply stays attached. You protect the flow by staying in a state of rest, acknowledging that Jesus is your source.
- Reject Condemnation: Condemnation is the “anointing-killer” in your mind. It makes you feel unqualified to use what God has given you. When you reject guilt, you release the flow of power.
5. Enforcing the Ruler Anointing
To protect the anointing is to use it. An unused anointing becomes stagnant. You are a king and a priest; you protect your office by exercising your authority.
- Decree and Declare: When you speak the Word, you are “stirring up” the gift within you.
- Ministering from Abundance: Don’t wait until you feel “holy enough” to lay hands on the sick or command increase. Do it because the One who is holy abides in you.
Conclusion
You don’t protect the anointing by building a wall of religious rules around your life. You protect it by keeping your eyes on Jesus and your heart in Grace. Judas lost his way because he trusted in his own schemes; Peter found his way because he trusted in Christ’s intercession. The anointing in you is secure because the One who gave it is faithful. Stop worrying about “leaking” and start rejoicing in “abiding.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I “dry up” spiritually?
You can feel dry in your soul if you focus on the world or your own failures, but your spirit is always “full” of the Holy Spirit. To refresh yourself, simply turn your attention back to the Finished Work and start thanking God for His presence.
Does sin stop the anointing?
Sin doesn’t stop God from being in you, but it creates a “veil” in your mind that hinders your ability to cooperate with the Spirit. When you realize you’ve sinned, don’t beg for the anointing to return; declare your righteousness and watch the flow resume.
How do I “stir up” the anointing?
2 Timothy 1-6 (NKJV) tells us to “stir up the gift of God.” You do this through praying in the Spirit, meditating on the Word, and making bold confessions about your identity in Christ.
What is the “unction” the Bible talks about?
“Unction” is just another word for anointing. It is the divine enablement that gives you “knowing” and insight that goes beyond your natural education.
This article is part of a series answering difficult questions about grace and the New Covenant.