Millions of people the world over are plagued with sicknesses and diseases. Hospitals and clinics are often swarmed with patients - many in the prime of their lives - usually beyond what the medical profession can cope. The Bible teaches that it is not God's intention for us to be sick, 'Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.' (3 John 2). Christ suffered that we may be healed of all physical infirmities - '...with His stripes we are healed' (Isaiah 53:5). Human doctors can only diagnose and treat the symptoms with medication rather than treat the root causes of the problems. It is only God Who can heal our sicknesses and diseases, not men - however well respected the medical profession. The primary reason why men do not enjoy robust health is ignorance of God's physical and spiritual laws that govern health and physcial wellness.
While He was on earth, Christ performed many miracles of healing including casting out evil spirits and even raising the dead to life. Some of His chosen Apostles did likewise - in the footstep of the Master Healer. A point worthy of note is that wherever they went, they preached the Gospel of the kingdom of God and miraculous healing followed. For those who had not heard the Gospel, simple (human) faith in Christ resulted in healing. In the case of the two blind men recorded for us in Matthew 9:27-29, they received restoration of their sight by simply trusting in Christ's ability to heal them. Another instance of a woman with an issue of blood for twelve years was healed by Christ to whom He later commented, 'Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague (Mark 5:34).
In today's modern context with advancement in science and medicine, most people will not believe the word of God regarding healing. They would choose to consult the doctors and medical specialists than believe God for healing, even for most Christians. In these last days, this is more so when Christ cautioned with a rhetorical question, ' Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?' (Luke 18:8). The Lord knew in advance that most people simply will not trust God and take His word at face value - they may mouth with perfunctory cliche, but in their hearts they simply will not believe and many are ignorant of the truth! Having said that, it need be stressed here that seeking healing through faith healing convention and similar public ministry is not God's way and could result in misrepresenting the word and promises of God. The biblical way is to seek the church elder through prayer and anointing of oil (James 5:14 - 16).
But what is real faith? Is it some kind of feel good experience, positive thinking or some charismatic church leaders that many were duped to believe? It has nothing to do with the five senses. Simply put, real faith is believing on the promises of God by taking His word at face value even though one cannot see it - yet believe - because God cannot lie (Heb 6:18). It has to grow from human faith to the faith of Christ (Rom 1: 17 - 'from faith to faith'). Unbelievers and a new believer can only have human faith, but it takes spiritual maturity to grow to acquire the faith of Christ. That is, to have the faith of Jesus (Rev 14:12) when He performed all the miracles and endured all the sufferings while He was on earth. Habakkuk 2:4 rings clearly on this point, 'But the just shall live by his faith' - a similar statement was also quoted by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:7. It is a tall order that takes time, effort and experience to acquire.
While faith is one key issue that keeps many believers from receiving healing from God, obedience to the laws of God is another prerequisite. This is another key to answered prayer - 'And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight' (1John 3:22).When a young man asked Christ how to be saved, the answer - 'keep the commandments' - Matthew 19:17. From a human standpoint, that may be impossible, but with the help of the Holy Spirit dwelling within you (Christ in you) that is possible. That does not mean we are perfect to keep all the spiritual laws of God in order to be healed, but it does mean we ought to be working towards it and seek forgiveness where we fall short. Understanding the cause and effect of health and sickness is crucial to receive healing from God. When we break God's spiritual and physical laws, the result is predictable, unless we repent and turn away from it. Note that God only give His Holy Spirit to those who obey Him (Acts 5:32).
The ministry of Christ was basically twofold - preaching the Gospel of the kingdom of God (Luke 4:43) and healing the sick and casting out of demons (Luke 4:18; 7:22); and many of His first Apostles did likewise. For those who are Christ true disciples, we ought to follow in His footstep. A point to note here is that I am not against seeking medical treatment for sicknesses and diseases. I believe there is a role for the medical profession (especially the specialists) before God ushers in His kingdom here on earth. The point is that we ought to seek God first for our medical condition before rushing to the doctors at the slightest sign of cough and cold. Besides, not all have attained the level of faith and spiritual maturity to seek healing from God, and we must not judge a weaker brother or sister on that score.
While He was on earth, Christ performed many miracles of healing including casting out evil spirits and even raising the dead to life. Some of His chosen Apostles did likewise - in the footstep of the Master Healer. A point worthy of note is that wherever they went, they preached the Gospel of the kingdom of God and miraculous healing followed. For those who had not heard the Gospel, simple (human) faith in Christ resulted in healing. In the case of the two blind men recorded for us in Matthew 9:27-29, they received restoration of their sight by simply trusting in Christ's ability to heal them. Another instance of a woman with an issue of blood for twelve years was healed by Christ to whom He later commented, 'Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague (Mark 5:34).
In today's modern context with advancement in science and medicine, most people will not believe the word of God regarding healing. They would choose to consult the doctors and medical specialists than believe God for healing, even for most Christians. In these last days, this is more so when Christ cautioned with a rhetorical question, ' Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?' (Luke 18:8). The Lord knew in advance that most people simply will not trust God and take His word at face value - they may mouth with perfunctory cliche, but in their hearts they simply will not believe and many are ignorant of the truth! Having said that, it need be stressed here that seeking healing through faith healing convention and similar public ministry is not God's way and could result in misrepresenting the word and promises of God. The biblical way is to seek the church elder through prayer and anointing of oil (James 5:14 - 16).
But what is real faith? Is it some kind of feel good experience, positive thinking or some charismatic church leaders that many were duped to believe? It has nothing to do with the five senses. Simply put, real faith is believing on the promises of God by taking His word at face value even though one cannot see it - yet believe - because God cannot lie (Heb 6:18). It has to grow from human faith to the faith of Christ (Rom 1: 17 - 'from faith to faith'). Unbelievers and a new believer can only have human faith, but it takes spiritual maturity to grow to acquire the faith of Christ. That is, to have the faith of Jesus (Rev 14:12) when He performed all the miracles and endured all the sufferings while He was on earth. Habakkuk 2:4 rings clearly on this point, 'But the just shall live by his faith' - a similar statement was also quoted by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:7. It is a tall order that takes time, effort and experience to acquire.
While faith is one key issue that keeps many believers from receiving healing from God, obedience to the laws of God is another prerequisite. This is another key to answered prayer - 'And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight' (1John 3:22).When a young man asked Christ how to be saved, the answer - 'keep the commandments' - Matthew 19:17. From a human standpoint, that may be impossible, but with the help of the Holy Spirit dwelling within you (Christ in you) that is possible. That does not mean we are perfect to keep all the spiritual laws of God in order to be healed, but it does mean we ought to be working towards it and seek forgiveness where we fall short. Understanding the cause and effect of health and sickness is crucial to receive healing from God. When we break God's spiritual and physical laws, the result is predictable, unless we repent and turn away from it. Note that God only give His Holy Spirit to those who obey Him (Acts 5:32).
The ministry of Christ was basically twofold - preaching the Gospel of the kingdom of God (Luke 4:43) and healing the sick and casting out of demons (Luke 4:18; 7:22); and many of His first Apostles did likewise. For those who are Christ true disciples, we ought to follow in His footstep. A point to note here is that I am not against seeking medical treatment for sicknesses and diseases. I believe there is a role for the medical profession (especially the specialists) before God ushers in His kingdom here on earth. The point is that we ought to seek God first for our medical condition before rushing to the doctors at the slightest sign of cough and cold. Besides, not all have attained the level of faith and spiritual maturity to seek healing from God, and we must not judge a weaker brother or sister on that score.
