Loading...Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. – Matt: 9:35
Healing is necessary because we live in a world that is prone to accident, sickness, disease and pain. Something has gone wrong which needs to be made right. Something is broken and needs fixing. We see evidences of this all around us.
However, we also see evidence of healing in our world. Healing is a principle that is built right into our whole world system. We find it in the atmosphere, the environment, in plant and animal life and in human life. Our atmosphere has a terrific way of cleansing itself from toxins. The water or our earth is continually reuses, recycled and cleansed. A branch from a tree can be cut and the wound or the scar will grow over with bark so that the tree will not “bleed to death” by losing its sap. An animal can be severely injured and recover from its injury without medical attention. Our human bodies conquer more diseases, illnesses and injuries than we ever succumb to.
Ultimately, the Bible teaches us that we will be in a realm of living where we will be forever well; where there will be no illness or pain. In the meantime however, there are times when we need extra help in order to get well. Some of this help comes from counselors. However, we must come face to face with the fact the all ultimate help comes from God. Those in the healing professions often admit that they cannot do the healing, they simply adjust the conditions so that the power of healing can be facilitated. Healing is a prerogative of God’s. Healing is a principle of life. Healing was, and is a practice of Jesus Christ. Healing is a very important part of our lives today.
We must understand that there are several levels where healing is needed. First of all as individuals, we can be healed in our lives physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally. Healing is also an essential for corporate health; such as family, church, and community. I.e. relational healing. Thirdly, healing is also a gift for nations. The Scriptures tell us about the leaves of the tree being for the healing of the nations.” (Rev. 22:2) National and international healing of relationships, integrity, and purposeful living has been witnessed throughout history. This article limits discussion to personal healing.
Old Testament Healing
People were healed in the Old Testament as seen in the story of the children of Israel who were bitten by venomous snakes. They were commanded by Moses to look to the brass serpent on the pole and they would live. All who did look, did live. Lepers were cleansed and healed of their diseases. When they were healed, the priest would publicly endorse and declare their healing to the community.
New Testament Healing
We observe many people who were healed by the power of Jesus in the gospels. The power of Jesus to heal and to restore was awesome! Hundreds of people would follow Jesus through the country side because of His incredible power to heal the sick. Jesus also commissioned His disciples to cast out devils, the heal the sick, and to preach the gospel (Matt. 10:7-8). The disciples healed as well. After Jesus ascended the Father, the disciples continued to preach the gospel and to bring healing to the lives of the sick folk. This can be seen in the example of the lame man at the temple gate.
The New Testament Teaching On Healing
1. Jesus took our infirmities. The word infirmity refers to any kind of emotional, physical, or spiritual weakness. (Matt 8:17)
2. Jesus informed us that we would do greater works than he did because He was going to His Father. (John 14:12)
3. Jesus declared that His disciples should “lay hands on the sick and they would recover” (Mark 16:18)
4. Healing is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor. 12)
5. We are commanded to anoint the sick with oil and pray over them and the prayer of faith shall save the sick. (James 5:14)
Following are some often asked questions with regards to healing.
1. Is it God’s will for Christians to be healed today?
It was never God’s intention for humanity to be sick. Sickness has entered the world and our bloodstream because of sin and disobedience to God on part of the human race. Both Christians and non Christians are equally affected by sickness, disease, and personal pain. Because we see the principle of healing in all creation, and since Christ challenges us to pray for the sick, we know it is His will for us to be well.
2. Does Jesus heal today like He did in Bible Times?
There are many current testimonials of the healing of Christ having impacted peoples lives today. Hebrews 13:6 tells us Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Therefore, His will with regards to our health has not changed. John 3 verse 1 says “I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers.”
3. Is everyone healed who is prayed for?
The answer is “no” and “we don’t know yet.” You see, our assessment of a healing is often within a relatively short time period. Some people are prayed for and they are healed instantly. Others are healed several days, months or years later; after they begin to pray. Some are never healed on this earth but will be when they are with Christ. So, the long term answer is “yes everyone will be healed”. However, we are not able to determine the timing of everyone’s healing.
4. How can I be healed?
Believe that Jesus has engineered the principle of healing as a part of life. Believe that it is His will for you to be well. Practice teaching of scripture by having someone lay hands upon you, or anoint you with oil and pray for you. Thank God for being your Healer and expect to see an improvement in your state.
5. What about those who are not healed?
There are many people who were prayed for who are still not healed. It is imperative that we as Christians exercise compassion and understanding. Do not condemn the person who is not healed with statements such as “you must have sin in your life”, or “you do not have enough faith”, of “you cant be a very good Christian”. Admit honestly that you do not understand; that you do not know all there is to know about healing. Also, encourage your friend to continue to trust God for their health and well being. We know that ultimately they will be well, on this earth or in this one to come.
6. Who should expect to be healed?
All those who pray and ask God for healing. It makes no sense to ask God for healing and expect nothing. If you expect nothing, don’t ask for anything. Since healing is a principle of life and since it is included in the teaching of the New Testament, you have every right to ask for healing and believe God that it should come to pass.
7. Does God use medicine?
This article focuses on biblical references to divine healing. God has given us some common sense home remedies as well as many of the modern technological advances in medicine to encourage good health. In this context, we recognize all health care professionals as being gifted in the healing service. In addition to remedies, we are reminded to preserve our health by engaging in good health practices such as eating nutritious food, exercise, and a positive attitude. Your body is “a temple of the Holy Spirit” and therefore you are to take care of what belongs to God.
If You Desire Healing, consider these steps of faith & obedience:
1. Be willing to admit all you need.
2. Ask someone to pray for/with you for God’s intervention. Do not feel your need is too small or too big for God. Asking requires a sense of honesty, humility and faith.
3. Ask the Elders of the church to anoint you with oil and exercise the prayer of faith over your need.
4. Begin to thank God for taking this provision for you. Thank the Lord Jesus for taking your infirmities.
5. Expect an improvement in your state.
If you would like to have one of our pastoral staff pray with you, or have a healing request added to our prayer chain please contact our office.
