DOCSLIB.ORG

The Laying on of Hands Imparting Blessing, Authority and Healing

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Laying on of Hands Imparting Blessing, Authority and Healing Volume XVI, Issue 1 T HE T EACHING L EGACY OF D EREK P RINCE The Laying on of Hands Imparting blessing, authority and healing Had it been left merely to human understanding to decide which are the six basic doctrines of the Christian faith, it is quite probable that this doctrine of laying on of hands would never have been included. However, in the last resort, the best commentary on the Bible is the Bible itself. In this teaching letter, we will be examining the aspects of the fourth of these doctrines—the laying on of hands. hat precisely are we to understand by this action. As a religious act, the laying on of hands phrase, “laying on of hands”? It is an act in normally signifies one of three possible things. Wwhich one person places his hands upon the First, the person laying on hands may thereby body of another person, with some definite spiritual transmit spiritual blessing or authority to the one upon purpose. Normally this act is accompanied either by whom hands are laid; second, the person laying on prayer, a prophetic utterance, or both. hands may thereby acknowledge publicly some spiritual Outside the sphere of religion, this act of laying on blessing or authority already received from God by the of hands is not something strange or foreign to normal one upon whom hands are laid; third, the person laying human behavior. For example, in some parts of the on hands may thereby publicly commit to God for some world, when two men meet who are friends, it is special task or ministry the one upon whom hands are normal for them to lay their hands upon each other’s laid. At times, all these three purposes may be combined shoulder. This act constitutes an acknowledgment of in one and the same act of laying on hands. their friendship and of their pleasure at meeting each other. Or when a mother has a child complaining of a Two Old Testament Precedents headache or fever, it is quite natural—in fact, almost instinctive—for the mother to place her hand upon her If we now turn directly to the Bible, we find that the child’s brow and in this way soothe or caress the child. laying on of hands was already an accepted practice in Within the sphere of religion, the practice of laying the earliest records of God’s people, as provided by the on of hands may thus be considered as an extension or book of Genesis. For instance, in Genesis 48:14 we an adaptation of what is basically a natural human read how Joseph brought his two sons (Ephraim and Volume XVI, Issue 1 Manasseh) to his father Jacob to for Moses to make provision for By this divinely ordained act, receive Jacob’s blessing: this need is recorded in Numbers Moses accomplished two main 27:18–20: purposes. First, he transmitted to Then Israel [Jacob] stretched Joshua a measure of the spiritual out his right hand and laid it on And the LORD said to Moses: wisdom and honor that he had Ephraim’s head, who was the “Take Joshua the son of Nun received from God; second, he younger, and his left hand on with you, a man in whom is the publicly acknowledged before the Manasseh’s head, guiding his Spirit, and lay your hands on whole congregation of Israel God’s hands knowingly, for Manasseh him; set him before Eleazar the appointment of Joshua as the was the firstborn. priest and before all the congre- gation, and inaugurate him in leader who was to succeed him. At first, Joseph thought his their sight. And you shall give father had made a mistake, and he some of your authority to him, New Testament tried to make his father switch his that all the congregation of the Ordinances for Healing hands, placing the right hand children of Israel may be upon the head of Manasseh, the obedient.” Let us now turn to the New firstborn, and the left hand upon Testament and see what part this the head of Ephraim, the younger. The way in which Moses carried ordinance of laying on of hands However, Jacob indicated that he out this commandment of the Lord plays there. We shall find that had been conscious of divine is recorded in verses 22 and 23 of there are five distinct purposes for guidance in placing his right hand the same chapter: which laying on of hands may be upon Ephraim and his left hand So Moses did as the LORD used, according to the precepts upon Manasseh. With his hands commanded him. He took Joshua and examples of the New Testa- still crossed in this position, he and set him before Eleazar the ment. They are: the laying on of then proceeded to bless the two priest and before all the hands for physical healing, to boys, giving the first and greater congregation. And he laid his impart the baptism in the Holy blessing to Ephraim and the lesser hands on him and inaugurated Spirit, for imparting spiritual gifts, blessing to Manasseh. him, just as the LORD commanded for sending out Christian workers This passage shows plainly that by the hand of Moses. from the local church, and for the it was an accepted practice that the The result produced in Joshua is appointment of deacons or elders. blessing of Jacob should be trans- recorded in Deuteronomy 34:9: The first of these purposes mitted to his two grandsons by (which is the only one we will be laying his hands upon their heads; Now Joshua the son of Nun was looking at in this study) is directly and, furthermore, that the greater full of the spirit of wisdom, for associated with the ministry of blessing was transmitted through Moses had laid his hands on physical healing. It is authorized Jacob’s right hand and the lesser him; so the children of Israel by Jesus Himself in His final com- through his left hand. heeded him, and did as the mission to His disciples at the close For our second example, we LORD had commanded Moses. of His earthly ministry, as recorded read that as Moses came near to the From these passages we see that in Mark 16:17–18. In these verses end of his earthly ministry he this act of Moses laying his hands Jesus appoints five supernatural asked the Lord to appoint a new upon Joshua was one of great signs that are to accompany the leader over Israel who should be significance both for Joshua preaching of the gospel and which ready to take Moses’ place. The individually and for the whole may be claimed by all believers way in which the Lord ordained congregation of Israel collectively. through faith in the name of Jesus. the teaching legacy of derek prince | dpm archive Volume XVI, Issue 1 The fifth of these supernatural In this way the two ordinances are therefore that this ordinance of signs appointed by Jesus is: combined in one. However, this anointing with oil is intended “And these signs will follow need not necessarily be so. It is primarily for those who already those who believe: In My name perfectly scriptural to lay hands on profess faith in Christ and are they will . lay hands on the the sick without anointing them associated with a Christian church. sick, and they will recover.” with oil. Likewise, it is perfectly The second important lesson scriptural to anoint the sick with contained in this passage from the Here the laying on of hands in oil without laying hands on them. epistle of James is that God expects the name of Jesus is appointed as a The question naturally arises: Is Christians to associate themselves means whereby physical healing there any difference in use or with a church and that the leaders may be ministered to those who purpose between these two or- of this church should be ready to are sick. Later on in the New dinances—that is, laying hands on minister in faith, according to the Testament, in James 5:14–15, the sick and anointing the sick with Scripture, to the physical needs of another slightly different ordin- oil? Are there times or situations their church members. The phrase, ance is appointed: when it is more appropriate to use “Let him call for the elders of the Is anyone among you sick? Let one ordinance rather than the other? church, and let them pray over him, him call for the elders of the And if so, what are the scriptural anointing him with oil in the name of church, and let them pray over principles guiding their use? the Lord” carries both of these him, anointing him with oil in implications: first, that every the name of the Lord. And the For Christians Christian is associated with a prayer of faith will save the church in such a way that its sick, and the Lord will raise him The passage in the epistle of leaders both know him and are up. And if he has committed James about anointing with oil known to him; and second, that sins, he will be forgiven. begins with the following words: these leaders are ready to minister The ordinance here appointed is “Is anyone among you sick? Let him physical healing to its members in that of anointing the sick with oil call for the elders of the church.” faith, according to the ordinances in the name of the Lord.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Laying on of Hands
    Chapter 8 The Laying on of Hands P. Gerard Damsteegt The fourth chapter of Women in Ministry dealing with ministry in the Bible concentrates on the laying on of hands.1 The author of the chapter presents a thorough study of the biblical meaning of laying on of hands. In view of a com- mon notion that the laying on of hands is nothing more than a gesture, the author shows from the Old and New Testaments the important symbolic meaning of the laying on of hands and demonstrates that it is central to the ordination service. The intended result of the hands-laying, he points out, had to do with “obedi- ence.” The man who received the laying on of hands “was to obey the voice of God in his leadership,” while the people “were to obey him.”2 In his conclusion, the author discusses the connection between the laying on of hands and ordination to the ministry. Here he raises the question whether women should receive the laying on of hands. His immediate reply is, “Most definitely. The withholding of the laying on of hands may well be a refusal to recognize heaven’s call and the individual’s appropriately positive response.”3 “Furthermore,” he adds, “to place a woman in the position of pastor or elder is to affirm that she is indeed called by God to ministry. Without the laying on of hands, she lacks an important biblical authorization to fulfill her responsibilities. Laying on of hands identifies her before the congregation as its minister, sets her apart from the con- gregation, empowers her to be a representative of the congregation, and appoints her to office.”4 He ends his appeal by asserting, “If the gesture is important at all, it should be equally important to pastors of both genders.”5 P.
    [Show full text]
  • Laying-On of Hands | 1 LAYING-ON of HANDS
    Laying-On Of Hands | 1 LAYING-ON OF HANDS The laying-on, or imposition, of a bishop’s hands on a person’s head on the occasion of his nomination to the priesthood or diaconate is a rite first mentioned in the Old Testament and has been practiced in thechurch ever since the apostolic age. Before the Ascension of Christ, He appeared to the disciples while they were meeting behind locked doors, and insufflating them, He gave them the gift of the Holy Spirit, by which they could grant or withhold forgiveness. In their turn, the apostolic fathersordained others as bishops, priests, or deacons by laying their hands on them. In this way, they appointed the first deacons, including Stephen (Acts 6:6). When Saint Paul and Saint Barnabas ordained elders in churches, following prayer and fasting, they did this through the laying-on of hands. The Greek term used in Acts 14:23 is cheiratonesantes, which appears in various English translations as “chose,” “appointed,” or “ordained” and originally meant “laid their hands on them.” When Saint Paul ordained Timothy Bishop of Ephesus and Titus bishop of Crete, he did so by laying his hands on them. This is confirmed by his words to Timothy, when he wrote to exhort him to stir into flame the gift of God “which is in thee by the laying on of thy hands” (2 Tm. 1:6). In an earlier epistle he had warned Timothy not to be overzealous in the laying- on of hands in ordination, lest he incur responsibility for other people’s misdeeds (1 Tm.
    [Show full text]
  • Laying on of Hands – Kenneth E. Hagin
    LAYING ON OF HANDS CONTENTS 1 The Doctrine of Christ 2 The Doctrine of Laying on of Hands 3 Empty Hands on Empty Heads 4 The Example of Jesus and the Apostles 5 These Signs Shall Follow 6 Methods A Sinner's Prayer to Receive Jesus As Savior Chapter 1 THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST "Twenty-five years ago, God spoke to me about a ministry of laying on of hands," a Pentecostal minister said to me. "But you know," he continued, "I backed off from it. Even though God used me in it, some of the brethren didn't understand it, and I didn't want to make a doctrine out of it." "You didn't have to, " I said. "Jesus made a doctrine out of it." HEBREWS 6:1,2 1 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. 2 Of THE DOCTRINE of baptisms, and OF LAYING ON OF HANDS, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. "Laying on of hands" is one of the six fundamental principles of the doctrine of the Lord Jesus Christ listed in Hebrews 6:1-2. 1. Repentance. What would you think if I were to say, "I do not believe in the doctrine of repentance"? You would be ready to withdraw fellowship from me. 2. Faith Toward God. The Bible says, "By grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Eph.
    [Show full text]
  • By Jethro Higgins
    by Jethro Higgins What is the Sacrament of Confirmation? the Catechism of the Catholic Church, confirmation is The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the three described like this: Catholic sacraments of initiation. Confirmation in the Catholic Church includes the laying on of hands, “Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament and anointing in the sign of the cross with Chrism oil. of Confirmation together constitute the Confirmation is the third and final sacrament which ‘sacraments of Christian initiation,’ whose unity completes Christian initiation for Roman Catholics, as must be safeguarded. It must be explained to well as eastern Catholic churches, and is also prominent the faithful that the reception of the sacrament in the Orthodox Church and other Mainline Christian of Confirmation is necessary for the completion denominations, including the Church of England, of baptismal grace. For ‘by the sacrament of Methodist and Lutheran churches. Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly Within the Catholic faith confirmation is not merely a bound to the Church and are enriched with a rite of passage as some think it to be. As one of the special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they seven sacraments, well-defined at the Council of Trent, are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly confirmation is one of these seven ordinary means of obliged to spread and defend the faith by word grace established by God the Father through Jesus and deed.’” (CCC 1285) Christ. The confirmands – candidates for confirmation – are sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. And he enters So we can see from the Catechism that through the life of the faithful in a unique way after receiving the sacrament.
    [Show full text]
  • Office of Divine Worship
    OFFICE OF DIVINE WORSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT: MAY 1, 2016 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE REVISED ORDER OF CONFIRMATION: PENTECOST 2016 WHAT IS THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION? In 2014, the bishops of the United States approved a revised English translation of the Confirmation ritual, and in March 2015 the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments granted their recognitio (approval) of the text. The USCCB then set an implementation date of Pentecost Sunday, May 15, 2016, for use of this revised edition, although it can be used any time before then. WHAT HAS STAYED THE SAME? The structure of the celebration has not changed and still follows the pattern of presenting the candidates, homily, renewal of baptismal promises, laying on of hands, and anointing with Sacred Chrism. The text still contains the rites in Mass and Outside of Mass, as well as celebration by an extraordinary minister (meaning not a bishop) and in danger of death. This means that we will not have to re-learn the way the sacrament is celebrated. In addition, some of the key texts did not change in the revised translation. Probably the most noticeable (and important) will be the words spoken at the conferral of the Sacrament: “N. be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit” (nos. 27, 44, 55-56). WHAT HAS CHANGED? While the structure remains the same, the words and language of the celebration will be different. Following the same practices used in the translations of the Roman Missal, the language is closer in style and content to the Latin original. In some places, we have already made Page 1 of 7 those changes (the response “And with your spirit” during the anointing with Chrism, for example).
    [Show full text]
  • Rectors and Wardens Manual 2020
    Rectors and Wardens Manual 2020 3.0 CONFIRMATION Confirmation is a pivotal event in an Anglican Christian’s spiritual formation. It is the occasion to publicly ratify one’s vows made at Baptism, and can be especially meaningful to those who were baptized before the age of reason when Baptismal vows were made on their behalf. Confirmation provides a public commitment to enter into mature Christian ministry and service, and proclaims one's identity as a member of the Anglican Communion. The Nature of Confirmation – The Laying on of Hands Based on the Apostolic precedent of Acts 8:14-17, the Bishop in apostolic authority lays hands on those to be confirmed (1) that they may be strengthened with the Holy Spirit, (2) that they may increase in the knowledge of and obedience to God’s Word, and (3) that they may be preserved unto eternal life. The candidates publicly renew their Baptismal vows, or ratify and confirm the vows made on their behalf; acknowledge themselves to be bound to believe and to do the same, and promise to follow Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The congregation promises to support the candidates in their Christian lives, and they are released in the power of the Spirit to the service to which the Lord has called them. Ephesians 2:10 Though called a sacrament in some parts of the Greater Church, Confirmation is not identified biblically as one of the two Great Sacraments (Baptism and Holy Communion) that were instituted in specific form by Jesus Christ himself. Confirmation came to be administered in the early Church as a work of completing what was initiated at baptism.
    [Show full text]
  • SALVATION: WHAT IS THIS “FULLNESS of the GOSPEL”? All Bible References Are King James Version
    Bible References are from the King James Version unless otherwise indicated Copyright © 2016 by Robert R. Bobbitt. Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Robert R. Bobbitt is strictly prohibited If someone asked you these questions, what would you say to them? ◦ What is the "fullness" of the gospel? ◦ What do you mean by "the gospel was restored"? "How full is it? Well, it's about this full!" 2 1 Corinthians 9:20-23: 20 And unto the Jews, I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; To them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; (next slide) 3 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak; I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. 1 Corinthians 9:20-23 4 1. Man is saved by grace through faith ALONE. 2. The Bible is the INFALLIBLE word of God (original autographs) and the ONLY word of God. 3. The “priesthood of all believers” REPLACED the Old Testament ministerial priesthood (i.e., Aaronic priesthood) at the cross. Evangelical Christians frequently exhibit a missionary zeal! This is not a denomination! 5 6 Restoration: The object of our faith is the same as other Christian denominations.
    [Show full text]
  • CAN a WOMAN BE a PASTOR-TEACHER? Harold W
    JETS 50/4 (December 2007) 761–71 CAN A WOMAN BE A PASTOR-TEACHER? harold w. hoehner* The role of a woman as pastor-teacher has been an ongoing topic of dis- cussion. While in the past many have frowned on this concept, there has been a gradual change of mind in more recent times. What has caused this change? Is this change in line with Scriptures or have present cultural mores dictated this change of attitude? i. historical development First, it is helpful to become acquainted with the historical development of the leadership of women in the church. I am indebted to many people, especially to Paul K. Jewett,1 E. Margret Howe,2 Ruth B. Edwards,3 and Gary L. Ward4 for their discussion on this issue. In early church history the bishops and the priests were always men.5 This continued through the medieval and Reformation periods, although some Reformers allowed for the possibility of deaconesses. It was not until the last two centuries that women gradually became full-fledged members of the clergy. It began in the latter part of the eighteenth century when some women started preaching in open air ministries or informal gatherings but not within the churches.6 The first woman to preach in a church (or, more correctly, a chapel) was William Booth’s wife, Catherine, who continued to preach after her husband had finished, stating that the Holy Spirit had called her to share the gospel. In fact, in the regulations for the officers of the Salvation Army, William Booth thought that women should be treated as equals inside and outside the church and that women could hold the 7 same positions as men in the church.
    [Show full text]
  • Laying on of Hands and Anointing with Chrism
    The Laying On of Hands 24. Then the Bishop (while the Priests associated with him remain by his side) standing, facing the people, with hands joined, says: Dearly beloved, let us pray to God the almighty Father, for these, his adopted sons and daughters, already born again to eternal life in Baptism, that he will graciously pour out the Holy Spirit upon them to confirm them with his abundant gifts, and through his anointing conform them more fully to Christ, the Son of God. And all pray in silence for a while. 25. Then the Bishop lays hands over all those to be confirmed (as do the Priests who are associated with him). But the Bishop alone says: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who brought these your servants to new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, freeing them from sin: send upon them, O Lord, the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete; give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and fortitude, the spirit of knowledge and piety; fill them with the spirit of the fear of the Lord. Through Christ our Lord. ± Amen. The Anointing with Chrism 26. The sacred Chrism is brought by the Deacon to the Bishop. Each of those to be confirmed goes to the Bishop; or, if ap- propriate, the Bishop goes to each of those to be confirmed. The sponsor who presents the person to be confirmed places his (her) right hand on his (her) shoulder and says the name of the one to be confirmed to the Bishop; or the one to be confirmed alone says his (her) own name.
    [Show full text]
  • Laying on Off Hands
    LAYING ON OFF HANDS BY KENNETH HAGIN "Twenty-five years ago God spoke to me about 4) Laying on of Hands a ministry of laying on of hands," a minister Let's skip over this for a minute. associated with a certain pentecostal organi­ zation said to me. "But you know," he continued, 5) Resurrection of the Dead "I backed off from it. Even though God used Notice it doesn't say "the" resurrection. me in it. Some of the brethren didn't understand It says, "and of resurrection of the dead." and I didn't want to make a doctrine out of it." Had it said, "the resurrection," there'd be just "You didn't have to," I said, "Jesus made one doctrine and one resurrection. But there's a doctrine out of it." And those who will not more than one resurrection. So it simply says, accept Christ's doctrine are in serious shape "resurrection of the dead." spiritually. This includes the first resurrection, the second resurrection, and all other resurrec- HEBREWS 6:1-2 tionsv It includes the fact that we're looking 1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of for Christ to come, and the dead in Christ Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of who shall be raised first. We which are alive faith toward God, and remain—the rapture of the saints--are 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of included too. You would be certain something hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal was wrong with me if I were to say, "Oh, I judgment.
    [Show full text]
  • The Impartation of the Gifts of the Spirit in Paul's Theology
    E. Budiselić: The Impartation of the Gifts of the Spirit in Paul’s Theology The Impartation of the Gifts of the Spirit in Paul’s Theology Ervin Budiselić Biblical Institute, Zagreb [email protected] UDK:227.1 Original scientific paper Received: June, 2011. Accepted: September, 2011. Abstract This article analyzes an idea that the gifts of the Spirit can be imparted from one person to another person based on Romans 1:11 and 1Timothy 4:14. The author’s thesis is that such a theology is unbiblical because it does not recog- nize the distinction between the gifts of the Spirit and spiritual gifts, and claims that the gifts of the Spirit can be imparted from one person to another. Also, the doctrine and practice of impartation violates the Reformation’s teaching about the priesthood of all believers because believers are encouraged to rely on people and not on God in order to receive something from God. In this way, particularly gifted individuals in the church are no longer intercessors or ves- sels which God uses to work in the lives of other people, but they are elevated to the position of mediators which actually reflects the Roman Catholic doc- trine about saints and priests as mediators between God and people. Key words: impartation, spiritual gifts, the gifts of the Spirit, saints Introduction The charismatic Christian world 1 is faced with and shaped increasingly by the theology and practice of impartation. Things have gone so far that Christians 1 The use of this expression does not mean that some Christian groups are more charismatic or spiritual than others, but that some Christians accept charismatic manifestations and others do not.
    [Show full text]
  • Baptism Anointing Holy Spirit and Calling
    1 Baptism: Anointing, Holy Spirit and Calling Luke 4:16-19, John 20:19-23 At baptism I lay hands on the ones being baptized as they come up out of the water. I offer them a prayer that is both blessing and commissioning. Why? I Baptism means anointing, and anointing stands for the presence of the Spirit of God in the life of the of the one being baptized. At Jesus’ baptism the Spirit descended as a dove, and Jesus heard God call him to his mission as God’s son in the world. In ancient Israel the king was anointed with oil to be God’s son, God’s kingly representative in the nation. In the kingdom of God Jesus preached, everyone is anointed, called and Spirit-empowered to be God’s daughters and sons in the world. In some Christian traditions anointing with oil is part of the sacred ceremony of baptism. Awhile back there was a movie called, My Big Fat Greek Wedding. In it a handsome young man falls in love with a Greek girl and agrees, as part of his marriage commitment, to convert to her Greek Orthodox faith and be baptized. 2 The Orthodox priest at her church is used to baptizing infants, and the baptismal font is way too small, so he drags in a plastic backyard baby pool into the sanctuary for the baptismal service. The groom-to-be stands naked except for his bathing suit ankle deep in the pool. Usually in the ceremony the godmother anoints the infant with oil.
    [Show full text]