Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: Laying on of Hands (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme from the “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series, entitled “The Laying on of Hands” – most Christians believe that “laying on of hands” means “ordination of hands.” We come to this conclusion from such scriptural teachings as Mark 3:14-15, which says, “he [Jesus] ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils.” The scripture also records that Jesus told His disciples, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, [I] may give it [to] you” (John 15:16). All this means, Beloved, is that when anyone chooses to “lay hands on you,” the ingredient for success is to make sure that he or she is ordained (selected or chosen) by Jesus for you!!

Precious Ones, while the “laying on of hands,” the means of imparting blessings, is in evidence, we are warned that care should be exercised in its ministration. If hands are laid contrary to divine order, one becomes a partaker in the evil deeds of the other (see I Timothy 5:22 and Acts 19:13-16). Because of the confidence the apostle Paul had in Timothy, his son in the faith, Paul wrote to him, urging him to “be [a] partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath…called us with an holy calling…according to his [Jesus’] own purpose and grace” (II Timothy 1:8-9). Paul also says, “Wherefore I put thee [Timothy] in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands” (II Timothy 1:6). In other words, Beloved, Paul tells Timothy that he is so ordained that every time Timothy touches someone or “lays his hands” on someone, it is as though Paul himself laid his hands on them. Beloved, that’s what you look for when someone lays their hands on you. If they are ordained of God, every time they lay their hands on you, it is as if God Himself lays His hands on you!

Chosen Ones, even when you can’t get to your Pastor, make sure that your Pastor has ordained the individuals you choose to lay hands on you, because those individuals can deliver in his stead! Beloved, the Bible writers placed great importance on the laying on of hands. While it may be misused and misunderstood, it can never be removed from the “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ.”

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, I cover you all with the Hand of blessing.

In His love,

Pastor William L. McCoy