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Hebrews 6:1-2

Eternal judgment is one of the basic doctrines of the church of God, equal in importance to repentance, faith, baptism, etc. Webster's New World Dictionary defines judgment as "a legal decision, order or sentence given by a judge." In eternal judgment, God decides a person's reward or punishment for all eternity.

Staff
Basic Doctrines: Eternal Judgment



Hebrews 6:2

To someone in the world, "laying on of hands" conjures up thoughts like, "I'd like to get my hands on him for the way he cheated me!" or, "Just wait 'til I get my hands on him!" In sharp contrast, God's use of the laying on of hands symbolizes the bestowal of blessings, authority, and distinctiveness. It is a symbolic act designed to represent God Himself setting a person apart for a holy use, whether for service, healing, protection and guidance, or blessing. "Laying on of hands" is the fifth basic doctrine of God's church listed in Hebrews 6:2.

Martin G. Collins
Basic Doctrines: The Laying On of Hands



Hebrews 6:1-2

The seven doctrines listed in Hebrews 6 are not all the doctrines of the church, but represent a basic understanding of God's truth early in the process of conversion. The first, "go[ing] on to perfection," means pressing on to or striving for spiritual maturity. It is not enough for a Christian to maintain a basic level of understanding - He must grow toward perfection, completion, or maturity in the doctrines of Christ. Part of this process we call "overcoming sin."

Martin G. Collins
Basic Doctrines: Doctrine



What Is 'Laying on of Hands' (Hebrews 6:2)?

The laying on of hands is a symbolic act that sets individuals apart and signifies the imparting of spiritual blessings, authority, and/or power. In the Old Testament, a blessing was often conferred in this way. For example, Jacob passed on blessings from God by laying his hands on Ephraim and Manasseh (Genesis 48:13-20).

In the New Testament, a newly baptized person had hands laid on him for the receiving of the Holy Spirit. Notice in Acts 8:17-18 that after God's ministers had baptized repentant converts, "they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. . . . [T]hrough the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given. . . ." Also see Acts 19:5-6 and II Timothy 1:6.

The laying on of hands also accompanies an elder's prayer for the afflicted. Acts 9:17 says, "And Ananias . . . putting his hands on him [Paul] said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.'"

Another purpose for the laying on of hands is that of ordination. An example is found in Acts 6. Here seven men became deacons when the apostles prayed and "laid hands on them" (verse 6).

The laying on of hands, then, serves to show that God works through His ministers. This ceremony is mentioned as one of the basic doctrines of His church in Hebrews 6:2.

Additional Reading:
Basic Doctrines: The Laying On of Hands
Should All Believers Lay Hands on the Sick?
What the Holy Spirit Does (2005)
What the Holy Spirit Does
Paul's Letter to Titus (Part 2)




Other Forerunner Commentary entries containing Hebrews 6:2:

Habakkuk 2:4
Matthew 8:15
Matthew 28:19-20
Mark 16:15-16
John 5:25-29
Acts 2:36-38
Hebrews 6:2
Hebrews 8:6

 

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