Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, sickness is occasionally depicted as being inflicted by the devil, with God's permission. This concept is rooted in the understanding of the spiritual realm's influence on the physical world, where God allows certain events to unfold for His purposes, including the testing and refining of faith.Job's Afflictions The most prominent example of the devil being permitted to inflict sickness is found in the Book of Job. Job, described as "blameless and upright" (Job 1:1), becomes the subject of a divine test. Satan challenges Job's integrity, suggesting that his faithfulness is due to his prosperity and protection from God. In response, God allows Satan to afflict Job, first by taking away his possessions and children, and then by striking him with severe physical ailments. "So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head" (Job 2:7). Despite his suffering, Job maintains his faith, demonstrating the depth of his devotion to God. New Testament Accounts In the New Testament, the influence of demonic forces on physical health is also acknowledged. Jesus' ministry includes numerous instances where He heals those afflicted by evil spirits. In the Gospel of Luke, a woman is described as having "a disabling spirit for eighteen years" (Luke 13:11). Jesus identifies her condition as being bound by Satan and heals her, saying, "Should not this daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen long years, be released from her bondage on the Sabbath day?" (Luke 13:16). This account illustrates the belief that some physical ailments are directly linked to demonic oppression. Paul's Thorn in the Flesh The Apostle Paul speaks of a "thorn in the flesh," which he describes as "a messenger of Satan to torment me" (2 Corinthians 12:7). While the exact nature of this affliction is not specified, it is understood as a form of suffering allowed by God to keep Paul humble and reliant on divine grace. Paul prays for its removal, but God responds, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). This passage highlights the theological perspective that God can use even the adversities inflicted by Satan to fulfill His greater purposes. Theological Implications The allowance of Satan to inflict sickness serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God over all creation, including the forces of evil. It underscores the belief that nothing occurs outside of God's permissive will and that He can bring about spiritual growth and deeper faith through trials. The biblical accounts encourage believers to trust in God's ultimate plan and to seek His strength and healing in times of affliction. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 2:6,7And the LORD said to Satan, Behold, he is in your hand; but save his life. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 9:39 Luke 13:16 Library Of Evil Angels Chaldaean Civilization This HomilyWas Delivered in the Old Church of Antioch The Life of S. Hilarion. Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence. Of Vows. The Miserable Entanglements Caused by Vowing Rashly. An Exhortation to Theodore after his Fall. Letter I. The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, Book x. It is Manifest that There is Nothing which Men have ever ... Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... 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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