Doctrine of laying of Hands to Receive the Holy Ghost
In Mark - John explains that he will be able to baptize but that he cannot give the Holy Ghost, but that Jesus will be able to do that.
Mark 1:8 – I indeed have baptized you with water: but He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost
When Jesus Christ was living among individuals they did not need the Holy Ghost because they were with Him there guiding them and the Spirit would fall upon them.
Some have stated that the laying on hands is not necessary because the Holy Ghost falls upon individuals as it did during the day of Pentecost. (After Christ resurrected, returned to the Father, and all of His Disciples gathered to find a replacement for Judas)
Acts 2:4 – “and they were filled with the Holy Ghost “
It is true that the Holy Ghost can fall upon individuals as stated in
D&C 130:23:
A man may receive the Holy Ghost and it may descend on him and not tarry with him.
However, we have an added witness to this doctrine of the laying on of hands as the apostles had come across individuals whom had been baptized by John, and they still needed to receive the Holy Ghost by laying on of hands, which they proceeded to do.
Acts 19: 2-3
2He said unto them, have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, we have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3And he said unto them, unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
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