Headling and Faith

The question of healing by divine intervention ("faith healing") has aroused much confusion and controversy among Christians. Some who claim the gift of healing insist that any physical problem can be healed if the person just has faith. At the other end of the spectrum, many Christians are skeptical of any healing which comes other than through established medical procedures. Perhaps a review of some biblical principles will provide the best perspective on this question.

It is important to remember that God is the ultimate healer. In fact, then, all healing is divine healing. God may use various means of accomplishing healing, but he is the source of whatever healing may be done. (See Deut. 32:39, Ps. 103:3, Jer.30:17.) Most physicians acknowledge that they only try to remove the stumbling blocks so God can accomplish the healing. Realize also that sometimes God heals physically and that eventually he offers to each person the final healing which is found in passing from this life into eternity.

Most often God chooses to work through medical professionals. Some Christians feel that consulting a physician, taking medication, or having surgery indicates a lack of faith. In a real sense, however, using appropriate medical intervention can actually be seen as an act of faith because it acknowledges and uses resources God has provided. For a biblical example of the use of medical procedures, read the story of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). The Samaritan used the accepted medical practices of the day, bandaging the man's wounds and pouring oil and wine on them. Jesus did not condemn the Samaritan for failing to exercise faith; rather, he commended him for showing mercy.

On occasion God works through channels other than established medical procedures. James 5:14-15 speaks of the importance of prayer as an instrument of healing. The gospels frequently speak of Jesus performing acts of healing through his word or his touch (Matt. 4:24; 8:1-17; 9:1-8; Mk. 2:5-11; Luke 4:38-40; 5:12-13; John 5:1-9; 9:1-7.) Especially in the book of Acts we see examples of miracles of healing by some of Jesus' followers (Acts 3:1-8; 5:12-16; 8:6-7; 9:17-18, 33-41; 14:8-10; 28:8-9).

Healing is included in only one of the lists of the gifts of the Spirit given to believers (1 Corinthians 12:8-10). This fact, along with its grouping in the last category of gifts (1 Corinthians 12:28) has led some biblical scholars to conclude that this gift, along with gifts such as tongues, ceased after the New Testament era. Their reasoning is that these "extraordinary" gifts were given for the purpose of gaining a hearing for the gospel in a hostile environment. They might believe these gifts could still be used in areas where the gospel has not been proclaimed before or is facing hostility, but not where Christianity is established.

Other Christians, equally sincere, see no biblical indication that any of the gifts were meant to be used only in the first century or in areas where the gospel needs a "boost." They believe the Holy Spirit continues to grant the gift of healing to particular individuals as a means of demonstrating God's power.

An important test of any action performed in the name of Christ is its purpose. Every discussion of spiritual gifts in the New Testament indicates the purpose of glorifying God and building up the church. Thus, any act which claims to be done in the name of Christ must demonstrate this purpose. Unfortunately, often acts of "healing" seem to be more for the purpose of bringing glory (and profit) to the human "faith healer" than for bringing glory to God. When the apostles encountered such a person they strongly rebuked him (Acts 8:9-24). There is reason to doubt when we see acts of healing which emphasize the spectacular, require the payment of money, or focus on the human "healer." There is reason to praise God when we see his power demonstrated in ways which obviously only he could accomplish and which glorify him and build up the church.

The Christian then can rest confident in God regardless of outward circumstances. In illness God has promised his presence and comfort. He is the Great Physician who accomplishes all healing. He may use the earnest prayer of his committed followers, the ministry of one to whom he has given the spiritual gift of healing, the professional skill of one whom he has enabled to learn medical science, the healing qualities of medicines and nutrients--or a combination of several of these. He may choose to provide emotional healing which gives the suffering one a sense of peace even in the midst of physical illness; he may heal physically; or he may provide the ultimate healing of death. The important thing for the believer is to trust God and rest in his unfailing love.