Response:

Yes, I do believe in the practice of annointing with oil. It is clearly taught in James 5:14-16. I did teach on it when I did a series on the book of James. I do not see any reason why it should not be practiced today.

Here are the requirements.

• 1) The sick person calls for the elders of the church. This is not a service that the pastor advertises. He does not go to the sick and offer it. It is up to the sick to call.

• 2) It is to be done by the elders, who are the Pastors. No one else is mentioned.

• 3) There must be confession of sin. The sick person must confess his sins to God, and to those whom he has wronged. He must have a clean slate before God. I believe the elders must also confess their sins, for "if I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me" (Psalm 66:18).

• 4) The prayer must be made in faith. The Bible says that the prayer of faith SHALL save the sick. Some have taught that God may or may not answer. That would be a lack of faith.

• 5) The person should be annointed with oil in the name of the Lord. Some say this is medicine, but I disagree. I believe that this is symbolic of the Holy Spirit, and is done to show that both parties believe that God is doing the work.

The only reasons that I can think of as to why it not practiced more often are:

• 1) Lack of Bible teaching and knowledge.

• 2) The hesitency of Pastors to "offer the sevice" because it is the sick person's resposibility to make the call.

• 3) The fear of being lumped in with charismatic "faith healers" like Oral Roberts.

• 4) A general lack of faith and unwillingness to confess sin.

Hope this helps. May the Lord bless you.

By Dr Mark Montgomery Ambassador Baptist Church 1926 Babcock Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15209 (412)477-3210