Recently, I posted a statement: “Sickness is never God’s will. Never!” Surprisingly, I experienced some pushback against that statement, which I consider established doctrine in the Church. One of those responding stated their position: “God is Sovereign. God wounds and God heals.” I consider that position, which many in the Church accept as truth, false and heretical. Why do I say that? Aren’t there some instances where God made people sick? Hasn’t God used sickness as a judgment?
The answer to that question is, yes, God has used sickness as a judgment (plagues in Egypt). But that He has used sickness as a judgment, doesn’t mean that sickness is God’s will. Neither does it mean that, if people aren’t physically healed, sickness is God’s will for their life. Or worse, sickness is His judgment on their life. And yet, that’s the damnable doctrinal position some people take regarding sickness and disease. That sickness has happened as a result of judgment doesn’t mean sickness should be regarded as God’s will, God’s judgment, or God’s unwillingness to heal.
God is a healer. That’s His nature. Jesus brought healing to ALL mankind through His death, burial, and resurrection. Healing is provided to ALL through His propitiation, which is more than a covering of sin, it’s a complete cleansing from sin. That’s the difference between what happened in the Old Covenant and New Covenant. The Old Covenant sacrifices covered sin; they didn’t and couldn’t remove sin. The New Covenant sacrifice completely cleanses us from sin; it removes sin, even our consciousness of sin. Under the Old Covenant, sickness could be the result of disobedience to God’s word, spoken or written. Under the New Covenant, sickness has been eradicated in Christ.
That begs the question: Why aren’t some healed? Is continued sickness the result of judgment? Does God use sickness as a judgment today? While the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthians leaves that possibility open, 1 Corinthians 11:30, in context, it’s more likely the Apostle Paul was talking about false doctrine, aka heresies, as the reason for continued sickness, even premature death among believers. That interpretation is more in line with the context of what the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, as opposed to sickness and premature death being the result of God’s judgment. Makes you want to learn the right doctrine, doesn’t it?
Why would false doctrine lead to sickness, disease, or premature death? Because our covenant, the New Covenant, is a covenant of faith. What we believe is extremely important. That’s why the Apostle James taught “Not many [of you] should become teachers [serving in an official teaching capacity], my brothers and sisters, for you know that we [who are teachers] will be judged by a higher standard [because we have assumed greater accountability and more condemnation if we teach incorrectly].” James 3:1, Amplified Bible. Please understand: we are and will be held accountable for every false doctrine, false teaching, and false word given, whether that word is prefaced by “Thus says the Lord” or not.
The condition of the Church today is directly related and proportional to those false doctrines, teachings, and words in our midst. And it has produced what false doctrines, teachings, and words produce — division. Heresies create schisms. False teachings featured in the minds of men divide us while those who are the world await the gospel (good news). Many long to hear about the Jesus who healed the sick. While we debate whether Jesus still heals the sick, those desperate enough to reach out to Him in faith find healing. Yes, Jesus still goes about “doing good, and healing all that were [are] oppressed of the devil”. Acts 10:38.
What is missing? The gospel message. Yes, the gospel includes healing. As Dr. Kenneth Hagin, Sr. often said, “Divine healing is the dinner bell. Keep ringing that bell and people will come.” We need God’s gospel of healing today. In scripture, when salvation is mentioned, healing is included. In the Greek, the word used for salvation is Sozo. Sozo includes healing, deliverance, and provision. God offers all those things are more through salvation. The Apostle Paul said, “All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.” 1 Cor. 3:21-23 NIV. Yes! Healing is ours! Receive it!
Truth is, God is sovereign. Yet, God, despite His sovereignty, has chosen to give mankind free will. With that gift, comes great responsibility. We make our own decisions. God sets before us life and death, blessing and cursing, and He says choose life. Yes, we can choose to receive healing. God offers us healing through His Son. As He offers us salvation, He offers us healing. How? By faith! We must truly believe. That’s the challenge. And the opportunity. The preaching of the gospel opens the door for the sick to be made well. Hallelujah!
The gospel still works! Healing is still available to those who believe. In fact, Jesus said, “All things are possible to him who believes!” Mk. 9:23. Yes, faith is required. Healing is possible. God’s word is true. And it’s His will for ALL to be healed. Healing is offered to everyone who believes. We live by faith, walk by faith, are called to stand in faith, and we are healed by faith in God. God has sovereignly determined to work by and through faith in His Son. Jesus said, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” Jn. 6:29, NKJV. As Jesus said, “Do not fear, only believe.” Mk. 5:36, ESV. Jesus said, “your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” Mk. 5:34, NIV.
Let us believe! Let us pray!
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