Topical Encyclopedia The concept of divine healing is a significant theme throughout the Bible, reflecting God's power, compassion, and sovereignty. Healing from disease is often portrayed as a manifestation of God's mercy and a testament to His authority over creation.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, God's ability to heal is frequently demonstrated. One of the earliest references is found in Exodus 15:26, where God declares to the Israelites, "If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His eyes, if you pay attention to His commands and keep all His decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD who heals you." This passage introduces God as Jehovah-Rapha, "the LORD who heals," establishing a covenantal promise of health contingent upon obedience. The Psalms also reflect a deep trust in God's healing power. Psalm 103:2-3 states, "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His kind deeds—He who forgives all your iniquities and heals all your diseases." Here, healing is linked with forgiveness, suggesting a holistic restoration that encompasses both physical and spiritual well-being. Prophetic Promises The prophets often spoke of healing as part of God's redemptive plan. Isaiah 53:5 prophesies the suffering servant, saying, "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." This passage is traditionally interpreted as a messianic prophecy, foretelling the healing that would come through the atoning work of Christ. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies the fulfillment of God's healing promises. His ministry is marked by numerous healings, demonstrating His divine authority and compassion. Matthew 4:23 records, "Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people." These acts of healing serve as signs of the inbreaking Kingdom of God and affirm Jesus' identity as the Messiah. The Gospels recount various instances of Jesus healing the sick, such as the healing of the leper (Matthew 8:2-3), the centurion's servant (Matthew 8:5-13), and the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34). Each account highlights faith as a key component in receiving healing, as seen in Jesus' words to the woman, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering" (Mark 5:34). Apostolic Continuation The healing ministry continued through the apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Acts 3:6-8 describes Peter healing a lame man, saying, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" This miracle, like others in the early church, served to authenticate the apostles' message and demonstrate the ongoing presence of Christ's power. James 5:14-15 provides instruction for the church regarding healing: "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick; the Lord will raise him up." This passage underscores the communal and prayerful nature of seeking divine healing. Theological Implications The healing of disease by God is not merely a physical restoration but is deeply intertwined with spiritual truths. It points to the ultimate healing and restoration that will be realized in the eschaton, as depicted in Revelation 21:4 : "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." Throughout Scripture, divine healing serves as a powerful reminder of God's love, the redemptive work of Christ, and the hope of complete restoration in the new creation. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 15:26And said, If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and will do that which is right in his sight, and will give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases on you, which I have brought on the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that heals you. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 23:25 Deuteronomy 7:15 2 Chronicles 16:12 Psalm 103:3 Psalm 107:20 Greek 2323. therapeuo -- to serve, cure ... cured (1), heal (9), healed (21), healing (5), served ... menially, ie (figuratively) to adore (God), or (specially) to relieve (of disease) -- cure, heal ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2323.htm - 9k 2390. iaomai -- to heal Library Divine Healing. Soul-Healing First: Body-Healing Second Christ the Great Physician. The Son of God Became Incarnate in Order that we Being Cleansed by ... A Battle with Smallpox Second Journey through Galilee - the Healing of the Leper. Canon Cii. It Behoves those who have Received from God the Power ... The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the ... Difference Between Christ's Healing of the Demoniacs and the ... At Gerasa - the Healing of the Demonised. Resources How can a Christian cope while suffering with a degenerative disease? | GotQuestions.orgHow should a Christian respond to contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about pandemic diseases/sicknesses? | GotQuestions.org Disease: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Disease: Miraculous Healing of, a Sign to Accompany the Preaching of the Word Disease: Physicians Employed For Disease: Threatened As Judgments Disease: Treatment of Fractures Gonorrhea: General Scriptures Concerning Gout (?): General Scriptures Concerning Spermatorrhea: A Disease of the Genital Organs Related Terms Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) Kibrothhattaavah (5 Occurrences) Grain-cutting (19 Occurrences) |
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