We are continuing to look at the 6 elementary principles referred to in Hebrews 6:1-3. “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment”.
As you read the 6 principles it is natural to pair them up
[1] Repentance and Faith towards God
[2] Baptisms and Laying on of Hands
[3] The resurrection of the dead and Eternal Judgment Show More
You will find the practice of the “laying on of hands” throughout the Bible, Old Testament, and New Testament. From the scriptures, it seems that there were at least 3 different functions for this practice.
[1] The laying on of hands as a spiritual impartation. Something in the realm of the spirit is transferred. Someone may ask what is transferred? I doubt anyone is qualified to answer that other than God, but I would say God’s power and authority. They are transmitted through the believer to the one receiving the ministry. We see this in Healings and The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
[2] The laying on of hands as a point of faith. A central focus point for the release of faith. We see this again in Healing and The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
[3] The laying on of hands as a custom or tradition.That is a sign in that it points to God!
The question for us is how did Jesus want us, as believers, to use the laying on of hands? I believe the answer is found in all of the three possibilities above. Scriptures can be found for all three “uses” of the laying on of hands in the New Testament. Some may argue the point, but I believe that there is no limit to what God can do or will do, even today!
It would be easy for me to recount the testimonies of how I have seen the Holy Spirit work miraculously in the lives of so many people, but instead let’s look at the Words of God- here are some scriptural examples:
FIRST – HERE ARE SOME SCRIPTURE THAT INDICATES THAT HOLY SPIRIT POWER IS IMPARTED BY THE LAYING ON OF HANDS:
In Luke 8:43-48Jesus heals a woman who had an issue of blood (an ailment) for 12 years. The woman believed that even if she could only touch the hem of Jesus’ garment she would be healed. In the crowd, she does just that and is instantly healed, no surprise! What is interesting is verse 46, But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.” Jesus felt a release of power! Then Jesus said to the healed woman, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”
In Luke 13:10-13, Jesus heals a woman who was bent over with a spirit of infirmity for 18 years. Then in verse 13 “And Jesus laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God”. Something had to be released into her in order for her to stand up straight and be totally healed!
In 1 Timothy 4:14 the Apostle Paul exhorts young Timothy with the following words, “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership”. You see some ministry gifting was passed on.
POINT OF FAITH ILLUSTRATION:
In Mark 6:1-6, Jesus returns to where He grew up and many could not see Him as the Christ or Messiah. They looked at him as “Joseph’s kid”. As a result, verse 5 says, “So He was not able to do any miracles, there, except that, He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them”. Because of their unbelief or lack of faith they missed out on an opportunity for many more miracles to take place in their midst.
LAYING ON OF HANDS AS IN A BLESSING:
In Mark 10:16Jesus blesses the children, “After taking them in His arms, He laid His hands on them and blessed them”.
Finally, let me close with the Great Commission found in Mark 16:17-18. Jesus said, “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover”. That is Jesus’ commandment to us.
The key to seeing the spiritual realm in operation in your life is faith. The spiritual realm is not visible to the naked eye but is seen through the eyes of faith. The power and authority of the Holy Spirit is not something that you can control by whim or convenience. The power of the Holy Spirit is released as we walk in obedience to the prompting of the Holy Spirit! We must be ready “in season and out” (2Tim 4:2) unafraid to be the vessel whom God will use to demonstrate His love, compassion, and power to a world that is lost.
Jesus and His disciples gave us the examples, how can we not follow His example!
