The Laying on of Hands
Why the Laying on of Hands Still Matters Today
There are certain truths in the Christian faith that are foundational, yet often overlooked. Not because they are unimportant, but because they can feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable.
One of those truths is the laying on of hands.
Hebrews 6 reminds us that there are elementary principles every believer should understand. These include repentance, faith, baptisms, resurrection, eternal judgment, and the laying on of hands. In other words, this is not an advanced topic. It is something every believer is meant to know.
A Misunderstood Foundation
Many people avoid this subject because it does not always fit neatly into their expectations. But Scripture often stretches us beyond what feels comfortable. If we only accept what aligns with our preferences, we risk missing what God is actually saying.
The laying on of hands is not random or symbolic. It is intentional and deeply spiritual.
What Happens When Hands Are Laid
At its core, the laying on of hands is about impartation.
Throughout Scripture, when hands were laid on someone, something was transferred. In the Old Testament, people would lay hands on a sacrifice, symbolically transferring their sins. In the New Testament, we see blessing, healing, wisdom, and spiritual empowerment being passed on in the same way.
This means it is not something to treat casually. It is a spiritual transaction. What someone carries can be imparted to another.
That truth should do two things. It should build faith, and it should create wisdom.
The Balance We Need
Some people lean too far in one direction and want to lay hands on everyone, all the time. Others avoid it completely.
Neither approach is healthy.
If this is a foundational teaching in Scripture, it must matter. The goal is not excess or avoidance, but biblical balance.
That is why discernment is important. Scripture teaches that we should know the fruit of those who minister. Not to control or exclude, but to protect and steward what God is doing.
How God Uses It
The Bible shows several ways the laying on of hands is used:
- Blessing – Fathers blessing their children
- Wisdom and calling – Moses laying hands on Joshua
- Healing – Jesus healing the sick through touch
- Spiritual gifts – Imparted through leaders
- Receiving the Holy Spirit – A consistent pattern in the early church
Even the Apostle Paul, who did not walk with Jesus during His earthly ministry, operated powerfully in this. The early church clearly treated this as normal, not exceptional.
Still for Today
This is where many people hesitate. Was this only for the early church?
Scripture does not suggest that. In fact, Jesus said that these signs would follow those who believe. Not just the apostles. Believers.
That includes the laying on of hands for healing and ministry.
So the question is not whether it was done. The question is whether we are willing to embrace what Scripture clearly teaches.
Moving Forward
The laying on of hands is not about hype or performance. It is about the work of the Holy Spirit through willing and obedient believers.
It should be approached with faith, but also with responsibility.
God still heals. God still imparts. God still moves through His people.
And sometimes, that movement comes through something as simple and powerful as a hand placed in faith.
