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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!

In Matthew 16:13-18 Jesus asked His disciples the question, who do others say that I am? They came up with a variety of answers but only Peter recognized who Jesus really was. Peter said, “You ae the Christ or Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus responded with the following significant statement of truth, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah (Peter), for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter (Petros in Greek-a pebble), and on this rock (Petra in Greek-a boulder), I will build My church, and the gates (forces) of Hades shall not prevail against it”. The play on the Greek words of Petros and petra may mean that Jesus will use Peter the pebble to build the church which is the Rock, but how? Up to this point, Peter has not demonstrated any personal skills to build much of anything!

Jesus made it clear that Peter didn’t just figure out that Jesus was the Savior, but that God the Father revealed this to Peter.  It wasn’t by reasoning (flesh and blood) but by personal revelation, God speaking Spirit to spirit. Then Jesus prophesied or was stating what He would do! Jesus Himself would build the Church (the body of born-again believers) and that it would be built by faith and personal revelation of the Holy Spirit which would be demonstrated in Peters’s life as an example to us. Peter would be the vessel that Jesus would use in a powerful way.

Now jump to the day of Pentecost the beginning of the Church as described in Acts 2. After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit or Baptism of the Holy Spirit described in verses 1-4, jump to verse 14 when Peter boldly gives his first sermon. As a result of that sermon, verse 41 says, “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized, and that day about three thousand souls were added to them”. You see the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, or Baptism of the Holy Spirit anointed Peter to do what Jesus said He would do, “I will build my Church”. The church was built on the supernatural power of God! The Holy Spirit moving on those who were listening to Peter’s sermon were moved by Peter’s words and three thousand people started the first church.

What is important to understand is that this Outpouring of the Holy Spirit was not a single event in time but was meant to be experienced by all believers of Jesus Christ. Contrary to the beliefs of some, “the work of the Holy Spirit did not peter out when the Apostle Peter petered out”! Listen to what Peter said in Acts 2:38 “Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” You see the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is available to us today!

Why would someone say that the filling of the Holy Spirit is not for today? Is it because man has relied upon logic and reasoning instead of personal revelation and faith? There is an expression in gymnastics, “as the head goes so goes the body”. If the head of the local church, denomination, or organization doesn’t believe that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for today, then that is what that leader will teach and preach. The followers or body will often fall in line! However, if you trust in the Bible and the prompting of the Holy Spirit in you… you will know the truth and the truth will set you free from missing all that Jesus purchased at the cross. Jesus wants you to have an abundant life, walking in His wisdom, His authority, and His power.

Finally, let me give you some other scripture verses having to do with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. I encourage you to look them up for yourself and to read before and after the verses quoted to get a fuller idea of its meaning. Most importantly ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the scriptures as He intends as you read.

The Prophet Joel prophesied about 800 years before Jesus Christ that God would pour out His Spirit. We see this in Joel 2:28-32. The Apostle Peter quotes this prophecy in his sermon, Acts 2: 16-18 “But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy”.

Acts 4:31 – while Peter was praying for boldness, “… the place where they were was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness”.

Acts 8:14-17 while in Jerusalem the apostles heard that there were new believers in Samaria. So, Peter and John were sent to them, verse 17 says, “Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit”. You see new believers were expected to receive the Holy Spirit.

Acts 10:44-48 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”

Acts 11:15-16 – Peter had concluded that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit was not just for the Jewish Christians but for all believers, Jews, and Gentiles. “15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them (non-Jews), as upon us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit’”.

I’m really excited to present this message about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit because it is so essential in our desire to live a fulfilled Christian life. I know that there is a lot of controversy about this subject, but I am firmly confident that the scriptures are clear that “normal Christianity” means being filled with or led by the Holy Spirit, and that it is for every believer, not just a select few. I am also sure that it is for today and not just something for the Apostles or the early church.

The first evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit was on the first day of the Church’s existence on the Day of Pentecost described in Acts 2. Before we get to that momentous occasion let’s look at some scriptures that prophesy that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit would be a part of the Christian’s life.

In all four Gospels John the Baptist is quoted as saying, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Luke 3:16). Then in John 1:33 John the Baptist said, “I did not know Him (Messiah), but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’” (check out Matt 3:16)

In Christian water baptism, there is a baptizer, usually the minister; and there is a medium into which you are baptized, the water. The Christian is baptized into the water. In like manner, in the Baptism of the Holy Spirit Jesus is the Baptizer and the medium that we are baptized into is not water but the Holy Spirit!

Back to the scriptures. In Luke 24:49 the resurrected Jesus prepares His followers of what is to come. “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” That word ‘Endued” means to clothe with or fall into the garment. In plain English, it means to be completely saturated or filled with the Holy Spirit! His followers didn’t fully understand what Jesus was saying, but they that showed up in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost with expectation.

Just preceding the Day of Pentecost Jesus appears one last time to His disciples and, “He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now”(Acts 1:4, 5). Then in more precise language in Acts 1:8 Jesus states, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth”.

The fulfillment of the Father’s Promise came on the day of the birth of the Church. Acts 1:1-4 states, “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance”.

The followers of Christ were together praying and expecting. At that moment God suddenly fulfilled His promise, Jesus the baptizer released the Holy Spirit upon those who by faith were expecting Jesus to fulfill His words. The signs of wind and fire were notable but the most telling evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit was that they were speaking in other tongues.

Some have a problem with tongues and it usually stems from the fact that pride prevents them from speaking out. They either think it is “foolish: or afraid they will look “foolish”. The scripture is clear “they began to speak as the Spirit gave them utterance”! In other words, they, by faith, spoke out loud and then the Spirit gave them words to speak. The words spoken may not have been recognizable by the ones speaking, but they were recognizable by others listening and of course by the Holy Spirit.

At first, no one understood what was happening in the Upper Room on the day of Pentecost. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit was the first visible act of God’s power on the first day of the Church, Acts chapter 2. The Apostle Peter said, “Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear” (Acts 2:33). The evidence of this baptism was that they began to speak in Tongues!

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit confers upon the Believer spiritual power, authority, and boldness to be a witness of Jesus Christ. Being a witness of Jesus does not mean that you wield the power to do what you want to represent God, but that you have surrendered to the power of the Holy Spirit in you, to testify or witness what God is doing in you and through you. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit does not make you more righteous or holy! It simply means that you are yielding to the Holy Spirit; in essence, it means that you are choosing to be a Spirit-led Christian!

Very simply Mark 11:24 says it all, “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them”. Don’t depend on feelings or emotions simply believe and receive. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is received by faith and is available to everyone!

Ask Jesus today!

From the Bible, we can see four types of baptism (or washings) and they are:
1. Mosaic baptism– The word baptism is not used in the Old Testament of the Law, but rather washings. Under the Law of Moses “baptism” or washings were part of the system of purification. The baptism or washings was a part of the rites of purification prescribed by the Mosaic/Levitical Law. Depending on the sacrifice or ritual it involved the washing of hands and feet, as well as the body and sometimes clothing. These washings are seen throughout the Old Testament.
2. John’s baptism– John’s baptism was the baptism of repentance. This baptism in water prepared the way for individuals to accept Christ as the Messiah. Obviously, the Jews would have been familiar with Hebrew washings or baptisms. They would have accepted John’s Baptism as an opportunity to get right with God. John’s baptism provided the opportunity to repent of their sins. This repentance would prepare them for accepting or believing the coming of the Messiah (Jesus) when He appeared.
3. Christian baptism- Christian baptism identifies the believer with Christ. In particular his death, burial, and resurrection. A Christian baptism is an act of faith following salvation. Baptism is a public declaration that you are a Born-again Christian. When you are baptized by submersion in water there is a surrendering to the waters of Baptism. In essence, you are choosing to be submerged fully into Jesus Christ. To become “conformed” or like Jesus Himself. It is important to note that baptism does not confer salvation by itself, but is an act of faith following repentance and believing in Jesus Christ! Having said that a person can be born-again and baptized as a single event. The prerequisite for salvation is to “repent and believe”.

The Apostle Paul presents a compelling explanation of the power of Baptism in Romans chapter 6:1-14. In that chapter, Paul explains that when we are baptized we are baptized into Christ Jesus and that we identify with His death. “Therefore, we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so, we also should walk in newness of life” Romans 6:4. Verse 5 states that our union in His death guarantees our union in His resurrection. Verses 6 and 7 reveals that our “old man” was crucified with Him, therefore we are forgiven and no longer “slaves to sin”. Romans 6:8 says, “Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him”. By the way, isn’t it great that God does not see the person you were (the old man or woman) before you accepted Christ!

You see going into the waters of baptism represents our dying to sin, coming out of the waters of baptism represents our new resurrected life! In the words of Paul, the Apostle in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new”. That is why Paul could say in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me”.

To be clear, Jesus was crucified, died, and rose again in your place. Baptism is your way of saying that you are not ashamed, and you are making a public declaration that Jesus is your Lord and Savior.

There are some who refuse to be baptized because of pride, they are embarrassed to make a public proclamation. As a practical matter, you cannot be a “closet Christian” for very long. Being afraid or embarrassed by your faith is a sure way to stunt your growth as a believer. Listen to the words of Jesus in Luke 9:26, “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory…”. You see, if you really know Jesus you would not be ashamed of Him. Keep in mind the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven”. While baptism is voluntary it is an important step in growth as a Christian.

If you accepted Jesus as your savior and you have not been baptized, I encourage you to do it soon. If every time you hear a message or call to baptism and feel the Holy Spirit’s tug- just do it and have a clear conscience (1 Peter 3:21).

4. The fourth baptism is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and we will cover that in the next post.

So, what is faith?
The word faith in the original Greek is “Pistis”. In general, the word faith means to have a moral conviction of the truthfulness of God and the Scriptures. In reference to our topic “the faith by which you turned to God” it means you believe Jesus is the Savior. Faith in this sense means that you have an assurance, a confidence, a belief that you are Born-again.

There are three types of faith in Christianity:
1. Saving Faith- by which you turned to God or your salvation, as in Hebrews 6:1-3.
2. Word of Faith– faith in the promises of the Word of God – Christian Living. Psalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
3. Gift of Faith– One of the nine spiritual gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12. A supernatural release of faith to see the miraculous take place.

Now let’s examine the first type of faith that must happen before any other area of faith in God can take place. Faith in God for your salvation!

You must constantly remind yourself, that God loves you and that His love is Agape love. That is, it is unconditional love. Most of us, if not all of us, grew up learning that if you were “good” you got love, and if you were “bad” love was withheld. That is conditional love and frankly quite natural. However, God’s love is supernatural. I heard someone define Agape love this way, “Love is living your life for someone else’s good”! God’s greatest joy is to bless you His creation. Of course, His blessings are contingent upon your obedience.

The amazing thing about God’s love is that it is never changing! Even when you are disobedient and sinning against God, His love doesn’t change. That is an amazing truth to comprehend. Here are some verses to support that truth.
1. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”, Romans 5:8.
2. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever”, Hebrews 13:8.
3. God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent…”, Numbers 23:19a.

Here is the point of this post; you are Born-again once! You can’t lose your salvation as in losing a set of keys or by accident. You will make mistakes in your walk with God. No one is perfect in actions and thoughts, it takes time to mature as a Christian. That is why it is so important to settle the issue once and for all. You are saved!

The struggle to do right and be right indicates that you are on the right road. You see, a person who is not Born-again would not even want to try and become better in Christ! Here is a promise to hold on to, “… being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you (the Holy Spirit) will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;” Philippians 1:6.

You do have an enemy who will try to create doubt in your mind about God’s love for you and the certainty of your salvation! 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober (clearheaded), be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour”. Don’t fall for the Devil’s lies and don’t become entrapped in the emotional rollercoaster he can create. Here are some truths to fall back on:
1. “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me”, John 14:6.
2. Hebrews 13:5b says, “For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”.

I can remember very clearly my own struggle to become established in my salvation. In the very early days there were times I felt “saved” and then the very next day felt “unsaved” or that I had lost it. It was only when I learned not to rely on feelings, but to hold onto what God said in His Word. Jesus said, “And I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; neither will anyone snatch them out of My hand, John 10:28.

Let me close with this final verse from Hebrews 6:1, “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”.