The Anointing with Oil and the Exegesis of James 5:14

The subject of anointing with oil has been extensively explored by various schools of New Testament interpretation and has been debated among scholars, critics, and systematic theologians. Therefore, it is not a new topic. Many pastors in our circles, including Reformed ones, have made use of this practice. However, there is a need for clarification regarding the nature of this anointing with oil—how it was performed and in which cases it was applied. This need arises because we live in a time when the topic has been pushed to an extreme similar to that of the Roman Church, which upholds the practice of anointing with oil, based on James 5, as a sacrament. Many otherwise serious churches and pastors are falling into the same doctrinal error, especially under the influence of the signs and wonders movement, which supports this practice and even goes beyond the teachings of the Roman Church.

In this book, the author presents a careful study of the Reformed and exegetical understanding of James 5:14. After a thorough historical and exegetical analysis, the conclusion he reaches will undoubtedly clarify many of the doubts evangelical Christians have regarding what the Scriptures actually teach about anointing with oil.