Divine healing in the bible – Part 7

Definition Of Divine Healing (Cont.)

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” (3 John 2)

This was an anticipation of the emphasis of psychosomatic medicine: a person is in unity; body and soul cannot be separated. Christianity and health are inextricably intertwined.

Most Christians believe in healing through faith, but trying to decide what techniques are scriptural, decorous, and psychologically helpful confuses the believer. Jesus used different methods in His healing ministry. They included calling upon the faith of the person or bystanders to be healed, touching the sick person, praying, assuring forgiveness of sin, uttering commands, and using physical media. On several occasions the faith of the individual was an important factor in the healing. Speaking to the woman who was hemorrhaging, Jesus said: “Your faith has made you well,” (Mark 5:34; cp. Matt 9:29).

The faith of other people became a factor. Jesus stated to the father of the sick boy that healing was possible if people had faith, and the man responded: “I do believed! Help my unbelief,” (Mark 9:23-24). When the centurion sought Jesus to ask for healing his servant, the Savior responded: “I have not found anyone in Israel with so great a faith! … And his servant was cured that very moment,” (Matt. 8:10,13; cp. Mark 2:5).

Christians are often confused about the ministry of healing, but these biblical teachings clearly appear:
• The Bible clearly states that Jesus believed in healing of the body.
• Jesus spoke of doctors in a positive way as He compared those in good health who have no need of a physician with those who do (Matt 9:12; Mark 2:17; Luke 5:31). God has often healed by the way He has led dedicated scientists into the discovery of body functions.
• The methods of healing Jesus used included prayer, laying on of hands, anointing with oil, and assurance of forgiveness of sins. The church continued to use these methods (James 5:14-16).
• Jesus did not use healing as a means of gaining attention, but tried to keep the experience private. “Praise the Lord … He heals all your diseases,” (Ps 103:2-3)

The Relationship Between Faith And Healing

The Power Of Great Faith
Read Mat 8:5-13. The centurion was a man of power and influence. Yet, when this one centurion’s servant became ill, he sought help from Jesus the Great Physician. “Speak a word, and my servant will be healed.” Christ said: “I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!’ And his servant was healed that same hour. Faith is not only a saving faith, but a healing faith.

The Word of God promises divine healing and miracles. “He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions,” (Psalm 107:20).
• Email:mercyolumide2004@yahoo.co.uk. www.thebiblicalwomanhood.com Mobile: +234 803 344 6614; +234 808 123 7987