GOD’S ANOINTED- Introduction
Whenever Christians voice concerns about the doctrines being taught by professing Christian preachers, you often hear the protest, “Touch not God’s anointed.” Is it wrong to criticize the teaching of others?
GOD’S ANOINTED- No Criticism?
In the Bible God says, “Touch not My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm.” Does this mean, though, that no one may ever criticize others’ teaching?
GOD’S ANOINTED- Who Are the Anointed Ones?
First, the “anointed ones” here are certainly kings of Israel. Although Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers speak frequently of priests as anointed, throughout the Old Testament those who are described simply as “anointed ones” are always kings. In only two passages does anointing have anything to do with a prophet. Thus, “Touch not mine anointed ones” does not refer to preachers or prophets.
GOD’S ANOINTED- Not a Warning against Criticism
Second, “Touch not mine anointed ones” is a warning not to kill or do actual harm to God’s anointed. It is not saying that Christians cannot criticize or correct God’s anointed. The same is true for the warning, “and do My prophets no harm.” Even true prophets, when they are not speaking prophetically, can be mistaken.
GOD’S ANOINTED- Who Are God’s Prophets?
Third, while it is true that we should not reject God’s prophets, that still leaves us with the responsibility to determine who God’s prophets really are. Not everybody who claims today to be a prophet of God can really be one, since they frequently contradict one another. If someone claims to be God’s prophet but teaches false doctrine or proclaims false prophecies, we have every right to reject them — in fact, we must reject them.
GOD’S ANOINTED- Conclusion
People who say, “Touch not God’s anointed,” usually let emotion or claims to miracles determine for them who God’s anointed are. But the Bible tells us to be more discerning than that. Since all Christians have an anointing from God, we don’t need to accept whatever someone says simply because he claims to be God’s anointed.On touching God’s anointed, that’s the CRI perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff.
