Biblical Basis

testimonyrevised

We understand there can be disagreements among equally committed Christians as to the biblical understanding of healing. It is not our intent to enter into a debate with our fellow believers. We simply believe that praying for healing is a normal part of being the Christian life. It is one of many ways of showing God’s love. When healing comes, one has witnessed the miracle of God’s love being expressed by removing pain and sickness from a person. The miracles of transformed lives and the miracle of Salvation are equally great miracles. These are all expressions of God’s amazing love.

Our belief in healing prayer is based on Scripture. Jesus announced His ministry as recorded in Luke 4:18-19, saying, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim freedom for prisoners and recovery of sight from the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”  We then see throughout Jesus’ ministry, numerous healings. They were a significant part of His ministry. Matthew recognized Jesus’ healings as being a fulfillment of the ancient prophecy in Isaiah 53:4,5 when he wrote, “when evening came, many who were demon possessed were brought to Him and He drove out the Spirits with the word and healed all the sick.  This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah, he took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.”  Matthew 8:16-17.

Jesus sent out the 12 Apostles telling them to, “Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel, as you go, preach this message: The Kingdom of Heaven is near, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons.  Freely you have received, freely give.”  Matthew 10:6-8.  Later Jesus sent out the 72 with the same commission when He instructed them, “Heal the sick who are there tell them the Kingdom of God is near you.”  Luke 10:9.  As Jesus approached the end of His earthly ministry, He tells His followers in John 14:12, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing.  He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to my Father.”  At the ascension when giving the Great Commission, Jesus said,Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20.  We believe among those commands was to heal the sick.  Thus, it is our belief that the command to heal the sick continues to be relevant, and the gift of healing is available to those who simply and humbly ask God.

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