Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: Laying on of Hands (Part 1)

Beloved, I’ve been led of the Spirit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to minister unto you from a new theme entitled, “Laying on of Hands.” Again, we are ministering from “The Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series. Beloved, the laying on of hands was considered a supplement in the work of God during the time of the early church. It was used as a form of benediction for the early church saints of all ages. Beloved, the “laying on of hands” was an act of the superior (through the direction of the Holy Spirit) positioning himself over the inferior (one who needed immediate assistance from God). Let us consider this subject from the Old Testament. We are taught that God ordained only Aaron and his sons to “lay hands,” not only on the people but on the offerings they brought to the temple to sacrifice unto the Lord. The scripture says, “Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting these upon the head of the goat…and the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities to a land not inhabited” (Leviticus 16:21-22). Now, Beloved, although Paul taught us that Jesus Christ is our “goat” that gains us “eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12), let us be mindful of the fact that God has always ordained specific persons to touch anything that involved His people.

Chosen Ones, God has never allowed just anyone to “lay their hands” on things that pertain to Him. How much more does He value His children? This is why God sent us the warning (I Chronicles 16:22, Psalm 105:15), “touch not [without my permission] mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.” This is also why Paul tells Timothy, “Lay hands suddenly on no man…” (I Timothy 5:22). In other words, “make sure, Timothy – whether you are a bishop or not, don’t touch a man to lay hands for prayer unless God has ordained you to do so.”

Precious Ones, the “laying on of hands” is a wonderful remedy for the transference of God’s anointing and power, but it must be done by the direction of God. In the Book of Genesis, Jacob blessed Ephraim, the younger brother, above Manasseh, the older brother (Genesis 48:13-20). Notice, however, that although his hands were “guided wittingly” (v 14), Jacob was led by God. Jacob said, “God…fed me [anointed me] all my life long unto this day” (v 15). Beloved, this means that we should not just hop into everybody’s prayer line. Don’t let everyone place their hands on you to pray for you. Some people are not ordained and led by God on your behalf. Only God-ordained vessels should place their hands on you for prayer!

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this,

I love you all SO very much,
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy