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NASB | Hebrews 6:2 of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Hebrews 6:2 of teaching about washings (ritual purifications), the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. [These are all important matters in which you should have been proficient long ago.] |
Bible Question: Hebrews 6:1-2 lists several "foundational" principles: repentance, baptism, resurrection and judgement. These are clearly basic christian doctrines. But why is the laying on of hands included? What makes it as basic as the others? |
Bible Answer: Greetings Listener! Here are a few resources that may help us in our understanding of "laying on of hands".. "The author urges the readers of his letter to leave the basics and go on to perfection, meaning “maturity.” He lists six items in three couplets that he calls the elementary principles of Christ (see “the first principles” in 5:12). (1) Repentance from dead works refers to a change of mind about the demands of the Law of Moses (9:14). Even though the Law was good (see 1 Tim. 1:8), it was weak because of the weakness of our sinful nature (see Rom. 8:3). (2) What is needed for salvation is not lifeless works that cannot save, but faith directed toward God. (3) Baptisms refers either to the various baptisms in the New Testament (the baptism of Christ, of John, of believers, and the spiritual baptism of believers), or to the various ritual washings practiced by the Jewish people. (4) In the Book of Acts, the laying on of hands was used to impart the Holy Spirit (see Acts 8:17, 18; 19:6). It was also used for ordination for ministry (see Acts 6:6; 13:3). This practice is also found in the Old Testament in commissioning someone to a public office (see Num. 27:18, 23; Deut. 34:9) or in the context of presenting an sacrificial offering to the Lord (see Lev. 1:4; 3:2; 4:4; 8:14; 16:21). (5) Resurrection from the dead refers to the resurrection of all people at the end times (Rev. 20:11–15). The resurrection is an Old Testament teaching (Isa. 26:19; Dan. 12:2) which was widely taught in first-century Judaism, especially by the Pharisees. To Christians, belief in the bodily resurrection of Jesus was essential, for without His resurrection there is no forgiveness of sin (see 1 Cor. 15:12–17). (6) Eternal judgment refers to the belief that everyone will be judged by the great Judge. The Scriptures indicate that there are two judgments: one for believers, in which Jesus determines every believer’s reward (1 Cor. 3:12–15), and the other a judgment of condemnation on unbelievers (Rev. 20:11–15)." (The Nelson NKJV Study Bible) "6:1-8 The call is for them to move toward maturity (see footnote at 6:1), in contrast to the basic initial instruction they received about repentance, resurrection and baptism. Laying on of hands probably refers to the formal act of the leader when a convert has been baptized and is accepted into the community. At the same time, those who have shared in the benefits of the community—enlightenment, the gifts from heaven, the Holy Spirit’s presence and power—but who have abandoned it are beyond hope of restoration. They have now identified themselves with the enemies of Jesus who put him to death, and are doomed to an eternal curse." (Cambridge Annotated Study Bible) "Laying on of hands—Was also frequent, especially in sacrifices: the person bringing the victim laid his hands on its head, confessed his sins over it, and then gave it to the priest to be offered to God, that it might make atonement for his transgressions. This also had respect to Jesus Christ, that Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." (Adam Clarke's Commentary on the NT) The "Laying on of hands" was used to impart the Holy Spirit, for healing, for sacrifices and for ordination. But I am at a loss as to apply this principle for today other than during ordination or if you have the supernatural gift of healing. Otherwise, this "essential" practice or foundational principle has lost its importance or relevance among Christians today. Nolan |