Ask the Pastor: Can Someone Lose Their Anointing?

Ask the Pastor: A question from Matt Garcia- Can Someone Lose Their Anointing?

The word anointing carries weight. It speaks of God’s empowerment, His setting apart of a person for a task, and His Spirit resting upon someone to accomplish His work. From the Old Testament prophets to the apostles of the New Testament, anointing is never about personal glory. It is always about God’s purpose.

But the question lingers: Can someone lose their anointing? The sobering answer is yes.

Biblical Examples

One of the clearest examples is King Saul. Scripture tells us that “the Spirit of Yahweh departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from Yahweh terrorized him” (1 Samuel 16:14, LSB). Saul was chosen, called, and anointed as Israel’s first king. But his continual disobedience, pride, and rebellion led to God removing His Spirit and choosing David instead. Saul lost his anointing because he rejected God’s authority.

Another example is Samson. He was set apart from birth as a Nazirite and empowered by God’s Spirit to deliver Israel. Yet his compromise, sin, and lack of self-control cost him his strength. Judges 16:20 says chillingly, “But he did not know that Yahweh had departed from him.” Samson’s anointing was tied to his obedience, and when he continually broke covenant, the Spirit lifted.

In the New Testament, Paul warns Timothy about leaders who “suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith” (1 Timothy 1:19). Paul himself lived with holy fear, saying, “I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27, LSB).

What This Means for Us

God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable (Romans 11:29), meaning He does not change His mind about His purposes. But the power of the anointing, the active work of the Spirit in a person’s life, can be quenched, grieved, and withdrawn when sin, pride, or disobedience persist.

Losing the anointing does not mean losing salvation. A believer is sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13), but a Christian can lose effectiveness, power, and the blessing of God’s hand upon their ministry if they do not walk in holiness.

This is why David, after his sin with Bathsheba, prayed desperately, “Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me” (Psalm 51:11, LSB). He had seen it happen to Saul. He knew that while God forgives, sin carries consequences, and one of the greatest is the lifting of His anointing.

Living with the Anointing

The anointing is precious. It is not to be taken for granted. We keep it alive through:

• Obedience to God’s Word – His Spirit rests on those who obey.
• Humility before God – Pride drove Saul away from God’s Spirit, but humility drew David near.
• Holiness of life – “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” (Ephesians 4:30).
• Dependency on prayer – Fresh anointing flows when we abide in Him daily.

Yes, someone can lose their anointing, not because God is fickle, but because sin and rebellion quench the Spirit’s power. The good news is that through repentance, restoration is possible. Samson’s hair grew back, and in his final moments, he fulfilled God’s calling. David was restored after his repentance. Peter was reinstated after his denial of Christ.

If you feel the fire of God is fading, do not ignore it. Run to the cross. Cry out like David. Surrender afresh because the same Spirit who anoints is also the Spirit who restores.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Jody