Page 79 - what a christianbelieveslastfinaltest3a_Neat
P. 79
Laying on of Hands
In the New Testament there are both examples and
instructions about the LAYING ON OF HANDS.
One that has been already used several times in this study is
in Acts 19 v6 'When Paul placed his hands on them, the
Holy Spirit came on them, they spoke in tongues and
prophesied.'
Whilst the giving of the Holy Spirit and all spiritual blessings,
is a divine work of God the Father made possible by the
authority that Jesus Christ has through His sacrificial
work - it requires that believers apply Godly principles by
THE LAYING ON OF HANDS. It is critically important
though, that the church does not allow any kind of
superstition to grow around this practice.
To be BAPTISED IN THE HOLY SPIRIT and subsequently to
be FILLED again and again, is an impartation that can
happen when someone who is Filled with the Spirit lays
hands on another.
One believer may lay hands on another but there are
warnings. Paul tells Timothy, 1Timothy 5 v22 'Do not be
hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the
sins of others.'
It is not to be a careless or a carefree practice. Someone
laying hands on another should be as sure as they can that
the one coming is genuine in their request. They do not have
to be sinless in their lives, otherwise no one would qualify but
they should not be continuing to indulge in known sinful
practices. These should be dealt with, through confession
and repentance first.
Some churches have introduced regulations to cope with
abuses. Only those appointed to a prayer team, or leaders,
79