God is the Healer

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Today’s Bible Verse: Read 1 Peter 2:24

He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed (1 Peter 2:24).

Associated Scriptures:

Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you (Exodus 23:25).

See now that I alone am He; there is no God but Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound, and I heal. No one can rescue anyone from My hand (Deuteronomy 32:39).

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well (3 John 1:2).

Supportive Quotes:

(1 Peter 2:24) This does not refer to physical healing for the verb's past tense indicates completed action, the "healing" is an accomplished fact. The reference is to salvation. Christ's suffering (lit., "wound"; ‎molopi‎, "stripe left by a lash," referred to Jesus' scourging) and death accomplished "healing," the salvation of every individual who trusts Him as his Savior.[1] – John Walvoord

Jesus proved that a person could be in the will of God, be greatly loved by God, and still suffer unjustly.[2] – Warren Wiersbe

The Christian’s hope is a steel taproot in the soul. Some hardships are simply embedded in the crust of life in a fallen world.[3] – John Piper

Biblical Analysis:

Introduction

God is Jehovah-ropha. Jehovah-ropha means “Jehovah heals”.  Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV) says, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”  God alone provides the treatment for mankind’s unrighteousness.  The answer to sin is found in the suffering and death of His son, Jesus Christ. The gospel message tells us that the spiritual and physical antidote for the sin of mankind is found in the cross.

Spiritual healing is differentiated from physical healing

When we are justified by the payment for our sin, we become spiritually healed.  2 Corinthians 5:17, (NLT) says, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”  Spiritual healing has to do with the regeneration of man’s spirit at the point of salvation.  When we are converted or transformed, our spiritual nature is resuscitated, and we become alive spiritually.  Romans 8:10 says this about the work of the Spirit in salvation: “But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.”

Healing through the Cross

Spiritual healing takes place because of the blood sacrifice.  Christ’s death has brought life (John 11:25-26).  The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is about redemption (Ephesians 1:7) and justification (Romans 3:24).  Through the life that Jesus provides, we have spiritual healing (1 Peter 2:24) and the potential for physical healing (James 5:14-15). 

Healing through Faith

So, then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17, NKJV).  But what is faith, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1, NKJV).  “For by grace are you saved by faith…(Ephesians 2:8a).  Faith is ignited by hearing the Word of God; the gospel message.  It is authenticated as the sinner recognizes that God exists.  Through salvation, the healing process begins and continues by faith (Jeremiah 33:1-9).  We are saved by faith (Luke 7:50) and we continue to live by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7).  Our entire relationship with God is based on faith (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Healing through Confession

The Spirit continues the healing process when we confess our sin to God.  1 John 1:9 says this about confession, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify (cleanse, NKJV) us from all unrighteousness.”  The Word of God tells us that faith and repentance for sin (2 Timothy 2:25), Christ’s resurrection from the dead, and accepting Him as Lord of our lives are all essential to salvation.  The ongoing relationship between God and man is accomplished by the confession of sin.  It is the act of confession that continually cleanses us from sin

Healing through Others

We are healed physically through faith and the prayers of others. James 5:16 says, “Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

Spiritual Application:

James 5:15 says this: “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”  This single verse summarizes the whole of our discussion.  Prayers offered in faith will make the sinner righteous through salvation, it will take us through each day with peace and comfort, and it will cure those who have emotional and physical ailments.  This is the Spirit at work in the unrighteous and the righteous as well.

Lesson Within the Lesson:

What happens to our spiritual nature when we are saved? 

Why is faith the key issue of spiritual and physical health?

How do we achieve a continuing faith in God?

How do faith and obedience work together in the believer?

[1] John Walvoord, Bible Knowledge Commentary/New Testament, © 1983, S.P. Corporation, All rights reserved, p. 848.

[2] Warren Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, Copyright © 1989 by Chariot Victor Publishing, and imprint of Cook Communication Ministries. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

[3] John Piper, The Strongest Comfort and Statement in Trials, © John Piper desiringgod.org/messages/the-strongest-comfort-and-statement-in-trials