Ordination Without Laying on of Hands
"Unified not by ceremony, but by the Spirit who lives within us."
In today's devotional from In Christ, E. Stanley Jones gently corrects the notion that Christian unity can be attained through external rituals or hierarchical structures such as baptism with water or ordination through laying on of hands. He lovingly points out that while these practices have significance, they were never intended to be the focal point for Christian unity or the source of spiritual authority. Instead, Jones emphasizes that our true unity as believers is found exclusively in Christ Himself, specifically through the baptism He alone provides—the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus purposely refrained from baptizing with water to highlight the superior baptism He would offer. The Apostle Paul confirms this, saying there is "one Lord, one faith, one baptism." This singular baptism is spiritual in nature, directly given by Christ, signifying that the Holy Spirit alone unifies believers across all boundaries. Any attempt to find unity or spiritual legitimacy in rituals or human traditions inevitably leads to division rather than unity.
Likewise, Jones emphasizes that bishops or church leaders, though important, are not the core of our unity either. True ordination doesn't rely on human methods such as the laying on of hands or succession. Jesus Himself modeled ordination simply by choosing His disciples, commissioning them directly through His Word and His authority. It was His personal choice and appointment that set them apart, bearing fruit in their lives, not a religious ceremony or inherited tradition. Thus, our authority, calling, and unity spring from Christ alone and are experienced through His indwelling Spirit.
Personalized Journal Entry in the Holy Spirit’s Voice (Scripture)
Beloved, I am the Spirit of unity and peace who binds you together in one body. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. You are not bound together by outward symbols, rituals, or traditions. Remember, John baptized with water, but you were baptized by Me, the Holy Spirit, for by one Spirit you were all baptized into one body.
You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, My special possession, set apart by My choice alone, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to bear fruit—fruit that will last.
The unity you experience is My gift to you, not something crafted by human hands or sustained by human effort. I have given you Myself freely, generously pouring out My presence into your hearts, so your unity is real, eternal, and unshakeable. Therefore, make every effort to keep this unity in the bond of peace, knowing it flows from Me alone. Rest confidently in this truth, for I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
(Adapted seamlessly from Ephesians 4:3-6; 1 Corinthians 12:13; 1 Peter 2:9; John 15:16; Romans 5:5; Matthew 28:20)
Prayer
Father, I thank You and praise You for the marvelous gift of Your Holy Spirit, who binds all believers together in Christ. How comforting it is to know that my unity with others isn't dependent upon rituals, ceremonies, or traditions of men, but solely rests upon the spiritual reality You have already accomplished. I joyfully acknowledge that through Your Spirit’s baptism, we are already one in Christ. I trust completely in the sufficiency of what You've provided, delighting in this true spiritual unity that is ours in Jesus. May my life continually reflect this beautiful unity to others, displaying the love and grace that flow from Your indwelling presence. Thank You, Lord, for everything You have already given. Amen.
Devotional insights adapted from E. Stanley Jones' "In Christ."
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