The significance of laying on of hands to a Christian is far-reaching. It could impact every area of your life. It started with the impartation of the priests’ sins to a “young bullock”, the Sin Offering (Exodus 29:1-14 and Leviticus 4:1-12), but it doesn’t end there.
Therefore, the importance of laying on of hands is pervasive. It’s so ubiquitous that there is nothing you could do as a disciple of Jesus Christ and this concept doesn’t apply to it.
When I refer to the Church or anything relating to it, I’m not referring to the Roman Catholic Church or any Greek Church or any similar earthly organization.
The context of the Church is within that global, catholic-body of people who believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Who Understands the Importance of Laying on of Hands?
They are baptized by immersion in water while calling on the omnipotent name: Jesus Christ. They have received the Holy Ghost speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
And they live and practice the Apostles’ Doctrine. Lastly, they employ the fundamental doctrines of Jesus Christ such as laying on of hands for christening or dedication of infants and young children.
They don’t baptize them. This is the Church that I speak about.
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,”Hebrews 6:1
Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.”Hebrews 6:2
The First Century Church practiced this ritual and the contemporary one should too. We should follow them; they are our examples!
How To Lay Hand In The Church?
There are many instances in the First Century Church when the brethren demonstrated to us how to lay hands on others?
The identical practices are applicable today. Nothing has changed!
The Significance of Laying On Of Hands Seen In These Activities
As a result, the doctrine of laying on of hands within the context of this Church is never symbolic. Neither is the operation of laying on of hands representative. It is spiritual. And it’s powerful. And this, I think, confuses many but especially the nonbelievers. They don’t know the difference.
Therefore, if you want to motivate and encourage a Believer; “charge a Christian”; bless one; see one receives the Holy Ghost; get baptized; recover from sickness; start a ministry, lay your hand on such a one and proclaim it in the name of Jesus Christ?
Note the Significance of Laying on Hands to these People
It is for this very reason Moses laid his hands on Joshua and transfer some important qualities into him.
“And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses.”Deuteronomy 34:9
Whatever you can conceive of, in the Church, the doctrine of laying on of hands could play an important role in it.
However, because you belong to Him, the laying on of your hands in the name of Jesus Christ is powerful and effective. He acts through you in this manner.
Therefore, the Scripture declares:
“From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, ….”
Apostle Paul wanted him to “stir up the gift of God” or keep it active.
Similarly, servants of darkness could transfer evil into others by laying on their hands too. It’s an important principle. Christians use it to do good but others for evil.
Therefore, don’t be eager to allow people you don’t know or trust to lay hands on you. You don’t know what they may wish to impart to you.
But never refuse a man or woman of God who wishes to lay hands on you; you could miss God’s next big plan for your life.
Doing This Could Change Your Life!
The significance of laying on of hands is so profound that it could alter the course of your life.
This seemingly simple and insignificant act changed the life of Saul and countless Christians through the ages forever. It could even influence your future experiences. Of course, it impacts the things you will encounter or not encounter and those you will endure. It shapes your life!
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.”Acts 9:17
The significance of laying on of hands, as it relates to Apostle Paul, is measurable by the tremendous impact his ministry has on the lives of all born-again Believers.
Stir Up The Gift Of God
It happened so long ago yet it is still influencing our lives today. We talk about it. Some write about it, but most of us practice it.
What is the significance of laying on of hands in your life? Has it made any remarkable difference to you?
Fathers, lay your hands on all your children and speak the Word of God into them. Dads, lay hands on your sons and decree the will of God over their lives.
Be the priest in your home.
It will make a world-of-a difference and you and others will observe it in their lives. Blessings.
CONCLUSION
To recap, the significance of laying on of hands of a Believer invades every facet of his or her activities.
It started with the laying on of hands to impart sin intoan animal to cleanse the priesthood. But it continues down through the centuries to today.
“Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.”2 Timothy 1:6
In closing, before I go, I have one favor to ask of you. If this has been helpful to you in any way, please share it with your “Friends” via Social Media.
Leroy A. Daley is an author, blogger, YouTuber, and Bible teacher. Globally, he's helped hundreds of Christians understand the Bible better. He has been studying and teaching the Bible for more than forty years. He is passionate about the Lord and spends quality time with the Word of God every day.
His Books are available for purchase wherever books are sold.
