Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.
‘Of repentance’ Six first principles of Christianity (continues): (4) Laying on of Hands: We are warned in 1Timothy 5:22 to not easily lay hands on anyone, nor be partakers of their sins because we have to keep ourselves pure. Biblical examples are not given to justify anyone trying to seek their own benefit or importance, because most religions want to raise one person’s importance above that of others which is unscriptural and a sign of haughtiness.
Hands were laid on to bless children into their inheritance (Gen. 48:14) – not relevant for Christians today. To make offerings (Num. 8:10) – is not relevant for Christians as Christ fulfilled all types. To ordain someone (Num. 27:18, 23) – is not relevant for Christians today. To impart the Spirit (Deut. 34:9) – is not relevant for Christians for we can receive the Spirit through salvation. For the blessing of children (Matt. 19:15) – this was something Christ did and no blessing we can give today means anything if we do not set the perfect example by living an obedient life as Christ did (1Pet. 2:21-23). To heal the sick (Mark 6:2, 5; 16:18; Luke 4:40; 13:13; Acts 5:12; 28:8; Jas. 5:14-16) – the correct way is explained in James 5:14-16 and the conditions for healing must be noted, for in that alone this prayer can be answered and not through the ‘laying on of the hands’. The conditions are not great and the benefits will not fail when they are met (Matt. 7:7-11; 17:20; 21:22; Mark 11:22-25; John 15:4; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8). Personal faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Rom. 10:17) and by the Holy Spirit (1Cor. 12:4-11). Nothing is impossible for faith today as in those days (Matt. 17:20; Mark 9:23).
To be continued…
Living the Word 