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 kingdom of God
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