The Doctrine of Laying on of Hands

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, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (Hebrews 6:1-2)

Hebrews 6 outlines the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith. These are not optional extras for the deeply spiritual believers; they are the essentials. These are the foundational teachings that everything else in the church is built upon. One of these key doctrines is the laying on of hands.

Mark 16:17-18 states that these signs shall follow those who believe: they will cast out devils, speak with tongues, and they shall lay hands on the sick, and the sick shall recover. This is not a special ministry reserved for a select few with a particular calling. It is for all believers. An important distinction must be understood here. When hands are laid on an unbeliever, signs are needed because they need to see something tangible; the Word has not yet taken root in their heart. But believers do not require signs to believe—they need the Word. I do not believe in healing because I have seen people healed; I believe because it is written in the Bible. Whether I have seen it or not, if God said it, that settles it.

Laying hands on a believer is an act of remembrance. It declares that the healing power you need is not somewhere outside but already within you. The elder comes alongside and affirms what is already active inside you. It is two people praying the prayer of faith together. When you pray the prayer of faith in agreement, it is not merely a ceremony. It is a declaration of faith in what is already alive within.

Practical Application

Do not rush to a special meeting or to some “big name” minister or pastor to pray for your healing. Instead, call your elders, gather a believing friend, lay hands, and pray the prayer of faith together. The healing is not in the hands; it is in the One who lives inside you.

1 Timothy 4:14; Ephesians 4:5