Topical Encyclopedia The theme of sickness and healing is prevalent throughout the Bible, illustrating God's mercy and compassion towards His people. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God's intervention in healing is a testament to His loving nature and divine power.Old Testament Instances In the Old Testament, God's mercy in healing is evident in several narratives. One of the earliest examples is found in the account of Miriam, the sister of Moses. After she is struck with leprosy as a consequence of her rebellion, Moses intercedes on her behalf, and God heals her (Numbers 12:13-15). This act of healing underscores God's willingness to restore those who turn back to Him. Another significant instance is King Hezekiah's illness. When Hezekiah becomes mortally ill, he prays to the Lord, and God responds by extending his life by fifteen years. The prophet Isaiah delivers God's message of healing, saying, "I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you" (2 Kings 20:5). This narrative highlights God's responsiveness to sincere prayer and repentance. Healing in the Psalms The Psalms frequently reflect on God's healing power as an expression of His mercy. Psalm 103:2-3 declares, "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." This passage emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's mercy, which encompasses both spiritual and physical healing. Prophetic Promises The prophets also speak of God's healing as a sign of His covenant faithfulness. In Jeremiah 30:17 , God promises, "But I will restore your health and heal your wounds," affirming His commitment to the restoration of His people. Similarly, Isaiah 53:5 prophesies the coming of the Messiah, stating, "By His stripes we are healed," pointing to the ultimate healing through Christ's atoning sacrifice. New Testament Fulfillment The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of God's healing promises through the ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus' healing miracles are a direct manifestation of God's mercy and serve as a sign of the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 14:14 , it is recorded, "When He stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick." Jesus' compassion is a reflection of God's heart towards the suffering. The Gospels are replete with accounts of Jesus healing various ailments, from physical sickness to demonic oppression. In Mark 1:40-42 , a leper approaches Jesus, saying, "If You are willing, You can make me clean." Jesus, moved with compassion, replies, "I am willing. Be clean!" and immediately the leprosy leaves the man. This encounter illustrates Jesus' readiness to heal and His authority over sickness. Apostolic Continuation The healing ministry continues with the apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit. In Acts 3:6-8 , Peter heals a lame man at the temple gate, declaring, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" The man's immediate healing serves as a testament to the ongoing work of God through His church. Theological Implications The biblical accounts of healing underscore the belief that God is both willing and able to heal. While not every instance of sickness results in physical healing, the Bible assures believers of God's ultimate plan for restoration and wholeness, whether in this life or the life to come. The presence of sickness in the world is a reminder of the fallen state of creation, yet God's interventions in healing are glimpses of His redemptive work and the promise of a future where "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" (Revelation 21:4). Torrey's Topical Textbook Philippians 2:27For indeed he was sick near to death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow on sorrow. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Righteous Grace From his Commission to Reside Abroad in 1820 to his Removal to ... At the Unknown' Feast in Jerusalem, and by the Pool of Bethesda. Three Homilies. On Our Lord. The Pattern of Service Matt. Ix. 27-30. Humbly Inscribed to his Grace the Duke of Newcastle, one of his ... Of Preparation. The Strait Gate; Dialogue ii. --The Unconfounded. Resources Is it sometimes God's will for believers to be sick? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is kingdom theology? | GotQuestions.org Why does God allow birth defects? | GotQuestions.org Sickness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sickness: Christ Compassionate Those In Sickness: Christ Healed by Imposition of Hands Sickness: Christ Healed with a Touch Sickness: Christ Healed with a Word Sickness: Christ Healed: Being Present Sickness: Christ Healed: Not Being Present Sickness: Christ Healed: Through the Touch of his Garment Sickness: Faith Required in Those Healed of, by Christ Sickness: God: Abandons the Wicked To Sickness: God: Comforts Saints In Sickness: God: Exhibits his Love in Healing Sickness: God: Exhibits his Mercy in Healing Sickness: God: Exhibits his Power in Healing Sickness: God: Hears the Prayers of Those In Sickness: God: Often Manifests Saving Grace to Sinners During Sickness: God: Permits Saints to be Tried By Sickness: God: Persecutes the Wicked By Sickness: God: Preserves Saints in Time of Sickness: God: Promises to Heal Sickness: God: Strengthens Saints In Sickness: God's Aid should be Sought In Sickness: Healing of, Lawful on the Sabbath Sickness: Not Visiting Those In, an Evidence of not Belonging to Christ Sickness: Often Brought on by Intemperance Sickness: Often Incurable by Human Means Sickness: Often Sent As a Punishment of Sin Sickness: One of God's Four Sore Judgments on a Guilty Land Sickness: Pray for Those Afflicted With Sickness: Saints are Resigned Under Sickness: Saints: Acknowledge That, Comes from God Sickness: Saints: Ascribe Recovery From, to God Sickness: Saints: Feel for Others In Sickness: Saints: Mourn Under, With Prayer Sickness: Saints: Praise God for Recovery From Sickness: Saints: Pray for Recovery From Sickness: Saints: Thank God Publicly for Recovery Form Sickness: Saints: Visit Those In Sickness: The Apostles Were Endued With Power to Heal Sickness: The Devil Sometimes Permitted to Inflict Sickness: The Power of Healing: One of the Miraculous Gifts Bestowed on the Early Church Sickness: The Wicked: Forsake Those In Sickness: The Wicked: Have Much Sorrow, With Sickness: The Wicked: Visit not Those In Sickness: Visiting Those In, an Evidence of Belonging to Christ Related Terms |
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