FOUNDATIONS - Part 5 - Laying on of Hands

FOUNDATIONS

The principles of the doctrine of Christ.

Part 5 – Laying on of Hands

Matthew 19:13-15 KJV

Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray

1. WHAT IS THE ‘LAYING ON OF HANDS’

Like baptism, the practice of ‘laying on hands’ is an ordinance.  It was instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ in both command and example.  We are also given many examples of the apostles laying on hands, which we ought to follow. 

Mark 16:15-18 KJV

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  (16)  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.  (17)  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;  (18)  They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

‘Go ye’ is a command.  The gospel is to be preached, and men will either believe, or not believe.  ‘These signs shall follow’ is both a command and a promise.  It does not mean that every believer will necessarily be able to exhibit these signs, but primarily those ordained to ‘go’ and ‘preach’ (1); since signs are intended for the unbelievers as a means of demonstrating the power of GOD.  The last sign mentioned here is that they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.   

The examples we are given of men laying hands on people include healing, ordination, blessing, and comfort. 

2. HEALING

Luke 4:40 KJV

…all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto [Jesus]; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.

This is a clear example from the Lord Jesus that we should lay hands on the sick, and there are many such examples in Scripture (2).  We are further commanded by James that the elders should anoint the sick.

James 5:14-16 KJV

Is any sick among you? 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:  (15)  And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.  (16)  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

It is clear here that the healing is through faith in GOD.  The power to heal the sick is from GOD.  No hand or anointing oil contains any healing power.  Instead, the laying of hands on the sick person symbolizes our prayer and call upon GOD, that HE would apply HIS power to heal them.  The physical touch also demonstrates our compassion for the sick person, encourages their faith, and provides comfort.

3. ORDINATION

Numbers 27:18 KJV

And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;

See that GOD has already put HIS spirit into Joshua, and now Moses is to lay his hands on him.  The laying on of hands to ordain men to ministry is symbolic of the calling and authority that GOD has already given them.  It is also an affirmation and public declaration by the church that a man is called to serve in a specific role. 

Acts 6:2-6 KJV

Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.  (3)  Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.  (4)  But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.  (5)  And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:  (6)  Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

Among the examples of ordination in Scripture (3), we see here that the apostles laid their hands on these men to appoint them into this office.  Again, the men who were chosen were already filled with the spirit.  So, the laying on of hands does not make a calling, but rather affirms it.

1 Timothy 5:22 KJV

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

Because of the seriousness of appointing a man into an office in the church of the Lord Jesus, we are commanded to carefully examine his qualifications beforehand (4).   We must not rashly, or carelessly appoint someone to serve in a way that they are not qualified for.

4. BLESSING

Mark 10:13-16 KJV

And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.  (14)  But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.  (15)  Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.  (16)  And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

Laying hands on someone in this way communicates a great care for them, and that they are valued and loved.  It is also a sign that we are praying to GOD for them, that they would receive HIS blessing.

5. COMFORT

Matthew 17:7 KJV

And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.

Laying hands on someone in this way expresses our compassion, understanding, and solidarity with them.  This touch can reassure them that there is hope, no matter what situation or circumstance they are in.  We can bring them peace by reminding them that GOD is sovereign, and that HE has both the power and the will to save.

CONCLUSION

The works of healing, ordaining, blessing, and comforting are all related to GOD’s love, affirmation, and care for HIS children.  So the purpose of this ordinance is to realize this love and display it to others.  How wonderful is our Creator, that HE would design our sense of touch to transmit and receive affection, and then ordain this practice to fulfill it.

REFERENCES

(1)            Specific calling:  Mark 3:13-14

(2)            Healing:

a.    Matthew 8:2-4, Mark 1:40-45, Luke 5:12-16

b.    Matthew 8:14-15

c.     Luke 4:40

d.    Luke 7:14

e.    Matthew 9:18-26, Mark 5:21-43, Luke 8:40-56

f.      Matthew 9:27-31

g.    Mark 6:5

h.    Mark 7:33

i.       Mark 8:22-26

j.      Luke 13:11-13

k.     Matthew 20:30-34

l.       Luke 22:51

m.  Mark 16:18

n.    Acts 9:10-18

o.    Acts 28:8

p.    James 5:14-16

(3)            Ordination: 

a.    Numbers 27:18-19

b.    Deuteronomy 34:9

c.     Acts 6:2-6

d.    Acts 13:3

e.    1 Timothy 4:14

(4)            Qualifications for Ordination: 

a.    1 Timothy 3:1-13

b.    Titus 1:5-9

FOUNDATIONS - Part 4 - Baptism

FOUNDATIONS

The principles of the doctrine of Christ. 
Part 4 - Baptism

Matthew 28:18-20 KJV

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  (19)  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  (20)  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

1. WHAT IS BAPTISM

Baptism is an ordinance, i.e. an action or observance which believers do out of obedience to GOD.  Baptism was commanded by the Lord Jesus.  Accordingly, it was practiced by the apostles and by the church throughout history.

Baptism is literally washing with water; throughout the scriptures this has symbolized cleansing from sin and devotion to GOD.  Inherent in this image is a change of condition: the impure becoming pure.  It must be understood that baptism only represents the work of regeneration which GOD has already done in a believer’s life.  Baptism is not efficacious for salvation; it does not save you, and it does not dispense to you anything which is saving.  Instead, baptism is a declaration (by the believer), and affirmation (by the church) that GOD has brought the believer to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

Acts 2:38 KJV

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Baptism typifies, or shadows, our salvation through Jesus Christ.  When GOD saves a sinner, HE takes them from the world, justifies and sanctifies them, and causes them to follow him in obedience.  We represent these through baptism by going into the water (leaving the world), being under the water (cleansing), and coming out of the water (coming to GOD).  This process is clearly demonstrated by other events in history (1).  Noah went into the flood leaving a corrupt world behind, and GOD brought him through the flood to a new world.  The Israelites went into the red sea leaving bondage and death behind, and GOD brought them through that flood to serve HIM.

Baptism is a clear picture of repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus.  The very definition of repentance, turning from the world and turning to GOD, is shown by going into the water, and coming out of the water.  In every true baptism, the believer is baptized in the name of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ.  It is a declaration of their faith in Christ; without faith in Christ they shall not be baptized.  The baptism of repentance and faith will be discussed later in this article.

Colossians 2:11-12 KJV

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:  (12)  Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

Baptism is a symbol of our being crucified with CHRIST (3).  The truly born again, regenerate believer is dead to sin, and lives only to GOD (2).  Going into the water of baptism represents our dying with Christ; we die to sin and leave the world behind.  Coming out of the water represents our new life that we now live for GOD. 

Mark 10:38 KJV

But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?

In this text, baptism is used as a symbol of suffering and trials.  A trial or test is something that one must go into, endure, and then emerge from.  Baptism is a natural picture of this process.

Romans 8:16-17 KJV

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:  (17)  And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Scriptures are clear that in this world we are to suffer with HIM and for HIM (4).  Therefore baptism also symbolizes, and reminds us, that we are to enter trials with and for Christ, and emerge with HIM to glory.

The ordinance of baptism is instructive and symbolic for many areas of Christian life and faith:  salvation, regeneration, sanctification, trials, suffering, and glorification.  In each of these ways, baptism identifies the believer with Jesus Christ.

2. BAPTISM of REPENTANCE

Baptism is a sign of repentance.  Here we are concerned with two aspects of baptism:  turning from the world unto GOD, and GOD washing away our sins.

Mark 1:4 KJV

John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

A dirty cup or dish that is washed in water comes out clean.  When the believer is immersed in the water of baptism, it is a symbol of GOD washing him of all his sin.  When he emerges from the water he is cleansed, spotless, as we are spotless when Christ atones for our sins.

When GOD grants repentance to the believer, he turns form the world, stops living as he did, and turns unto GOD.  When we enter the water in baptism, we are publicly renouncing the world.  We are turning our back on the sin and wickedness of the world, and we are leaving the world behind.  When we emerge from the water of baptism, we are declaring that we have turned toward GOD, and that we will follow HIM in obedience.

Acts 22:16 KJV

And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of [Jesus].

3. BAPTISM of FAITH

Baptism is a public declaration of our faith in Jesus Christ.  Through this ordinance we are professing our belief that Jesus Christ is GOD and Savior. 

Galatians 3:26-27 KJV

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.  (27)  For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Baptism is a physical representation of a spiritual reality; that we have been joined to Christ through faith.  That we have been born again, made spiritually alive, and live through Christ.  Baptism into Christ is a naturally expression of our faith in Christ.  There is a clear contrast between two groups; those who have believed and are baptized, and those who have not believed.

Mark 16:16 KJV

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

4.  ADMINISTRATION OF BAPTISM

The church administers the ordinance of baptism to those who show clear evidence of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.  Because the believer is declaring repentance and faith, and the church is affirming them, the credibility of each is at stake.  Because of the magnitude and potential impact of this confirmation, the Church must practice careful examination and discipline of its members.

Acts 8:12 KJV

But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Acts 8:37 KJV

And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

5.  CONCLUSION

Baptism symbolizes our repentance and declares our faith in Jesus Christ.  Those who are not baptized are plainly identified as the unrepentant and unbelieving, who reject the grace of GOD.

Luke 7:29-30 KJV

And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.  (30)  But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

Rather than rejecting the counsel of GOD, let us repent of our sin and proclaim Jesus Christ, being baptized as a public declaration of our total dependence on GOD, and our faith in the Lord Jesus.

Acts 2:38 KJV

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

REFERENCES

(1)            Noah, 1 Peter 3:18-22; Israelites, 1 Corinthians 10:1-4;

(2)            Galatians 2:19-10

(3)            Romans 6:1-11

(4)            2 Timothy 3:12