Divine healing in the Bible – Part 10

Divine Healing In The Bible (10)
God’s pronouncement was twofold: (a) “I will put none of these diseases upon thee (as judgment), which I have brought upon the Egyptians” and (b) “I am the Lord that healeth thee (as Redeemer).” God continued to be the doctor or healer of His OT people whenever they earnestly sought His face and obeyed His word (cf. 2 Kgs. 20:5; Ps. 103:3).

• Jesus’ Ministry: Jesus as the incarnate Son of God was and is the exact representation of God’s nature and character (Heb. 1:3; cf. Col. 1:15; 2:9). In His earthly ministry (Mat. 4:23-24; 8:14-16; 9:35; 15:28; Mark 1:32-34,40-41; Luke 4:40; Acts 10:38), Jesus revealed God’s will in action (John 6:38; 14:10), and thus shows conclusively that it is in God’s heart, nature and purpose to heal all who are sick and oppressed by the Devil.

Although Jesus did not heal every sick person in the Holy Land, the gospels often record that He healed individuals, groups of people and “all” who were sick and brought to Him (Mat 4:24; Mark 6:56; Luke 6:19; 9:11). Healing was a normal part of Jesus’ proclamation of the Kingdom of God.

• The Provision Of Christ’s Atonement (Is 53:4-5; Mat 8:16-17; 1 Pet 2:24). Jesus’ atoning death was complete and adequate for redeeming the whole person ­­­­–– spirit, soul and body. As sin and sickness have become the twin giants designed by Satan to destroy us, so forgiveness and healing are twin blessings designed by God to redeem us and make us whole (cf. Ps 103:3; Jas 5:14-16). The believer should press on in humility and faith to possess the full provision of Christ’s atonement, including the healing of the body.

• The Ongoing Ministry Of The Church: Jesus commissioned His 12 disciples to heal the sick as part of their proclamation of God’s Kingdom (Luke 9:1-2,6). Later, He commissioned 70 disciples to do the same (Luke 10:1,8-9,19). After Pentecost, the early church carried on Jesus’ healing ministry as part of preaching the gospel (Acts 3:1-10; 4:30; 5:16; 8:7; 9:34; 14:8-10; 19:11-12; cf. Mark 16:18; 1 Cor 12:9,28,30; Jas 5:14-16). The NT records three ways that God’s healing power and faith were imparted through the church: (a) the laying on of hands (Mark 16:15-18; Acts 9:17); (b) confession of known sin, followed by anointing the sick with oil and the prayer of faith (Jas 5:14-16) and; (c) spiritual gifts of healings given to the church (1 Cor. 12:9). Note that it is the elders who are to pray the prayer of faith.

Hindrances to Healing
Sometimes there are hindrances to receiving divine healing, such as (1) un-confessed sin (Jas 5:16), (2) demonic oppression or bondage (Luke 13:11-13), (3) fear or acute anxiety (Prov. 3:5-8; Phil 4:6-7), (4) past disappointments that undermine present faith (Mark 5:26; John 5:5-7).

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