Laying on of Hands

Hebrews 6:2 identifies laying on of hands as one of the fundamental doctrines of the Church. It is an ancient religious ceremony with examples throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

The ceremony consists of a person in religious authority placing hands upon the head of another person upon whom a blessing, office, spiritual gift or special service is being conferred.

The act is normally accompanied by prayer. The prayer explains the purpose of the ceremony and asks God to grant the particular blessing, gift, responsibility or spiritual benefit involved.

Its central meaning is that a person is being set apart for a spiritually related purpose. That may involve qualification for a particular task, special consideration from God or recognition of an office and responsibility.

Because of that meaning, the ceremony may be performed publicly before a congregation. It demonstrates that God works through fallible human beings in administering His Church government.

When a minister lays hands upon a person, the lesson emphasizes that the minister is acting only as an agent or representative. He does not confer a spiritual gift out of his own power and does not exercise an independent authority.

Rather, the minister symbolizes what God Himself is conferring. The authority ultimately belongs to God, and the Church and ministry function only as instruments through which He chooses to work.

Submission to the ceremony likewise carries symbolic meaning. Whether after baptism, during anointing, at ordination or in another special circumstance, the person acknowledges the authority God has placed within the Church.

The Old Testament contains early examples. Jacob laid his hands on Ephraim and Manasseh in passing on blessings and promises. The tribe of Levi was set apart for priestly service, and Joshua had hands laid upon him when he was appointed to lead Israel.

In the New Testament, one of the most important uses follows water baptism. Acts 8 shows hands being laid on baptized believers as the ministry prayed for them to receive God's Holy Spirit.

The Church also uses the ceremony in connection with anointing and prayer for the sick. The symbolic act identifies the person as receiving special prayer and consideration before God.

Ordination is another important use. Elders, deacons and deaconesses are set apart for positions of service, responsibility and authority within the Church through prayer and the laying on of hands.

The example of Jesus blessing little children provides the basis for another traditional use. Ministers place their hands on children and ask God for protection and spiritual blessing.

During the Church's marriage ceremony, the minister also places his hands over the joined hands of the couple during prayer, symbolizing that the marriage is being set apart before God.

Laying on of hands is therefore a simple ceremony with extensive spiritual symbolism. It demonstrates God's willingness to work through human instruments who remain fallible and imperfect while serving His purposes.