Every instruction and demonstration of Christ Jesus is relevant to the healing work of Christians in this present age. He prophesied of his followers, "They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." Mark 16:18. The laying on of hands is not a physical method of healing. Rather, this phrase signifies compassion and spiritual power, the sign of Immanuel, or "God with us." It involves the recognition of man's divinity as God's idea right where humanity appears to be, and the consequent ruling out of limiting, imprisoning mortal beliefs. A true laying on of hands results in the casting out of error and the healing of the sick.
That spiritual healing is successfully practiced today few persons would deny. In numerous instances sickness has been dispelled without the aid of time, drugs, material hygiene, or surgery. Many earnest Christians are seeking to heal by spiritual means and so fulfill the prophecy of the Master. But often this would probably be called faith healing.
Where is the law—the Science of it? It is made plain in Christian Science. And how do we obtain this spiritual power? It is not for sale in the marketplace. In the days of the apostles a man named Simon offered money to Peter, saying, "Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost." Acts 8: 19. Peter told the man that his heart was not right with God.
