We could consider the Baptism in the Spirit under either baptisms or the laying on of hands. We should not be too rigid in compartmentalizing these first principles or foundations. The writer of the epistle to the Hebrews lists six separate truths to experience Christ as the foundation. He does this only for the purpose of instruction. He is addressing himself to those who “should already be teachers” (Hebrews 5:12-14). For this reason, he is talking in educational language about the ABC’s of Christian experience. In real life, these principles are experientially interrelated.

The Holy Spirit is always closely related to water baptism.

Jesus received the Spirit as soon as He came out of the waters of baptism. It was normal procedure to lay hands on pople for the gift of the Spirit immediately following their water baptism. If this had not already occurred, the apostles corrected it as soon as possible.

It was standard procedure to impart the gift of the Spirit through the laying on of hands.

Of the five recorded instances where believers received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts, three clearly indicate that this was conferred by the laying on of hands. By the time of the first century, laying on of hands and the impartation of the Spirit were solidly connected. 

 The Greek words translated “doctrine of baptisms” really mean “doctrine of washings.“

The word “baptisms” in Hebrews 6:2 is not the usual one, but a related word meaning “any washing or religious ablution.” The total context of the book of Hebrews is one of comparison between the old Covenant and the New. Taken in this context, then, the writer of Hebrews is contrasting the living reality of New Covenant baptism and the old Covenant washings. He is here emphasizing the necessity of doctrine-systematic teachings-which gives understanding and faith to prepare us to meet Christ in the waters of baptism. In the case of the Jews who knew only ritual washings, this pre-baptismal instruction was even more important. We must expect real spiritual change through water baptism in contrast to any other religious rite involving water!

Paul speaks of only “one baptism” and “one Spirit.”

In Ephesians 4:1-6, where Paul lists the basic unifying factors of the Church, he considers the “baptism” and the “Spirit” as distinct entities. Throughout the New Testament we find water baptism and the gift of the Spirit very closely associated, but not automatically linked. Thus we see, often, but not invariably, a pattern whereby baptism cuts away the old while the laying on of hands served to impart the new.