Sacramental Theology: Theology of Anointing of the Sick (Extreme Unction)
The theology of the Anointing of the Sick, often called Extreme Unction, reflects the church’s pastoral concern for the suffering, the weak, and the dying. While sometimes misunderstood as a ritual only for those at death’s door, its biblical roots and sacramental significance show that it is about much more: the restoration of hope, the assurance of forgiveness, and the strengthening of believers as they face trials of sickness and mortality.
The Catholic Church and many Eastern traditions affirm its sacramental character, rooted in Christ’s ministry of healing and confirmed in the writings of James. For Protestants, while not usually considered a sacrament, the practice of praying for the sick with anointing remains biblically grounded. This theology calls the church to take seriously the reality of human frailty while pointing to God’s promise of resurrection and new creation.
1. Biblical Foundations of Anointing the Sick
The clearest biblical foundation comes from James 5:14–15: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”
From this text, several truths emerge:
The sick are to call upon the church for prayer and care.
Anointing with oil is not merely symbolic but an act connected with God’s healing power.
Forgiveness of sins is tied to this practice, showing its sacramental character.
Healing is granted according to God’s will and ultimate purpose.
The use of oil also recalls the ministry of Jesus, who healed many with both word and touch (Mark 6:13). The Spirit, symbolized by oil, is the source of renewal for body and soul.
2. Historical Development of the Sacrament
In the early church, anointing was understood primarily as a healing rite, grounded in Scripture and carried out within the gathered community. Over time, this practice evolved:
Patristic era: Emphasis on both physical and spiritual healing.
Middle Ages: The rite increasingly associated with preparation for death. The term Extreme Unction arose, signifying the “last anointing” administered at life’s end.
Council of Trent (16th century): Defined it as one of the seven sacraments, clarifying its intent as strengthening the soul, forgiving sins, and preparing for either healing or death.
Modern Catholic practice: Restored balance by returning to James’ original intent: anointing is for the seriously ill, not only the dying.
This development shows the tension between healing in this life and preparation for eternal life, both embraced within the sacrament’s theology.
3. Matter, Form, and Minister of the Sacrament
Like all sacraments, the Anointing of the Sick involves matter and form:
Matter: The blessed oil (usually olive oil) consecrated by a bishop.
Form: The prayer of the priest, asking God for healing, forgiveness, and strength.
Minister: In Catholic and Orthodox traditions, only priests (or bishops) may administer the sacrament, reflecting its connection to the forgiveness of sins.
The external signs—oil and prayer—are visible assurances of God’s invisible grace. The oil symbolizes healing, consecration, and the Spirit’s presence, while the prayer entrusts the sick into God’s care.
4. Theological Meaning of the Anointing
The sacrament carries rich theological significance:
Spiritual healing – The primary effect is the forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God.
Strength for suffering – The Spirit fortifies the believer to endure illness with faith and hope.
Union with Christ’s suffering – The sick are drawn into Christ’s passion, sharing in His redemptive work (Colossians 1:24).
Occasional physical healing – While not guaranteed, healing may be granted if it serves the person’s salvation.
Thus, the sacrament embodies the truth that God redeems both soul and body, though full restoration awaits the resurrection.
5. Protestant and Catholic Approaches
The Reformation challenged the Catholic understanding of Extreme Unction as a sacrament. Reformers emphasized direct prayer to God for healing but often retained the practice of anointing the sick, based on James 5. For example, many Reformed churches allow pastoral anointing and prayer, though not with sacramental claims.
Catholic and Orthodox traditions continue to uphold its sacramental nature, highlighting its role in preparing believers for death or healing. This divergence reflects broader differences in sacramental theology but does not obscure the common biblical ground of prayer, anointing, and God’s mercy.
6. Connection to the Gospel of Christ
In Anthony Delgado’s vision of a bigger Gospel, this sacrament reflects the kingdom’s reach into human frailty. The Gospel is not only about forgiveness but about the renewal of creation, including broken bodies. Anointing of the Sick reminds the church that:
Christ bore our sicknesses and carried our sorrows (Isaiah 53:4).
The Spirit comforts believers in weakness (Romans 8:26).
The church embodies Christ’s compassion by ministering to the suffering.
Through this lens, the sacrament is not merely a rite for the dying but a proclamation of the Gospel’s power to restore and renew.
7. Eschatological Dimensions of Anointing
The sacrament also points forward to the new creation. Even when physical healing does not occur, the anointing assures believers of their place in God’s eternal kingdom. The final healing is resurrection itself, when “death shall be no more” (Revelation 21:4).
In this way, the Anointing of the Sick holds together present grace and future hope:
Present grace strengthens the believer in illness.
Future hope guarantees ultimate healing in Christ’s return.
Thus, the sacrament bridges the gap between earthly suffering and eternal restoration.
8. Practical Implications for the Church
The theology of anointing challenges churches to embody compassion and hope:
Recover community care: Encourage prayer for the sick as a normal part of church life.
Balance present healing with future hope: Affirm God’s power to heal now while reminding believers of the resurrection.
Minister to the dying with dignity: Provide pastoral presence, prayer, and assurance of forgiveness.
Encourage participation: Remind the sick that they are not forgotten but remain vital members of Christ’s body.
By practicing this ministry, the church becomes a visible witness to God’s healing kingdom.
Conclusion
The Anointing of the Sick, or Extreme Unction, embodies the church’s ministry of mercy to those facing illness and death. Rooted in Scripture and developed through tradition, it assures believers of God’s forgiveness, strengthens them in suffering, and points to the ultimate hope of resurrection.
In this sacrament, the Gospel of Christ is proclaimed in word and deed: sins are forgiven, the weak are comforted, and hope is renewed. While practices vary across Christian traditions, the biblical call remains the same—pray for the sick, anoint them with oil, and entrust them to the Lord who promises eternal life.
Bible Verses about Anointing of the Sick
“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:14)
“And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.” (James 5:15)
“They cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.” (Mark 6:13)
“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows.” (Isaiah 53:4)
“The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health.” (Psalm 41:3)
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
“The Spirit helps us in our weakness.” (Romans 8:26)
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” (Psalm 23:4)
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more.” (Revelation 21:4)
“The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” (1 Corinthians 15:26)
