Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and NatureDivine healing refers to the supernatural intervention by God to restore health and wholeness to an individual. It is considered a manifestation of God's power and compassion, often associated with faith and prayer. Divine healing is seen as a testament to God's sovereignty over creation and His desire for the well-being of His people.
Biblical FoundationThe concept of divine healing is deeply rooted in the Bible, where numerous accounts of miraculous healings are recorded. In the Old Testament, God is revealed as Jehovah-Rapha, "The Lord who heals" (
Exodus 15:26). Healing is often linked to obedience and faithfulness to God's commandments.
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ's ministry is marked by numerous acts of healing, demonstrating His authority and compassion.
Matthew 4:23 states, "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 served as signs of the coming Kingdom of God and the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies.
Healing in the Early ChurchThe apostles continued the ministry of healing after Jesus' ascension.
Acts 3:6-8 recounts Peter healing a lame man at the temple gate, saying, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!" The early church viewed healing as a gift of the Holy Spirit, as outlined in
1 Corinthians 12:9 , where Paul mentions "gifts of healing" among the spiritual gifts bestowed upon believers.
Theological PerspectivesDivine healing is often understood as part of the atonement accomplished by Christ.
Isaiah 53:5 prophesies, "By His stripes we are healed," a verse frequently cited to support the belief that physical healing is included in the redemptive work of Christ. This is echoed in
1 Peter 2:24 , which states, "By His wounds you have been healed."
Faith and PrayerFaith is a critical component in the experience of divine healing. Jesus frequently attributed healing to the faith of the individual or those interceding on their behalf, as seen in
Matthew 9:22 , "Your faith has healed you."
James 5:14-15 instructs believers to pray for the sick, emphasizing the power of prayer and the role of church elders in anointing the sick with oil.
Contemporary PracticeIn modern times, divine healing continues to be a significant aspect of Christian belief and practice. Many churches and ministries emphasize healing services, prayer meetings, and the laying on of hands as means through which God may choose to heal. While not all prayers for healing result in immediate or visible outcomes, believers are encouraged to trust in God's wisdom and timing.
Challenges and ConsiderationsThe topic of divine healing raises questions about the nature of faith, the will of God, and the reality of suffering. Not all who seek healing receive it, leading to discussions about the mystery of God's purposes and the role of suffering in the Christian life.
Romans 8:28 offers reassurance, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose."
ConclusionDivine healing remains a profound expression of God's love and power, inviting believers to seek His intervention while trusting in His ultimate plan for their lives.
Topical Bible Verses
1 Peter 2:24Who his own self bore our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live to righteousness: by whose stripes you were healed.
Topicalbible.orgActs 10:38
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
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Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
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Acts 28:8
And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
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Greek
2392. iasis -- ahealing... Cognate: 2392 (a noun derived from 2309 , "supernaturally heal") --
healing, especially
the causing the supernatural (
divine)
healing; "the process
...Library
Divine Healing.
...Divine Healing.... And all the people saw him walking and praising God." Acts 3:1-9.
This miracle ofdivine healing was done by faith in the name of Jesus....
The Evening Light
... to them.Divine healing in their day was almost unknown or known to but
few, and likewise the gifts of the Spirit. Wesley himself...
Labors in a New Field
... He believed that the young people opposed us because we taught holiness,divine
healing, etc.; and thought that his age, and the confidence of the people of...
Healed byDivine Power
... Having no hope of help from the doctor and having been taught that the days ofdivine
healing were past, I concluded that there was no hope for me, and that...
Soul-Healing First: Body-Healing Second
... of Christ and of His Gospel in that, when it begins the task ofhealing, it does...
by which a man can be made pure, is to assure him of adivine forgiveness for...
TheHealing Christ
... liker a man who, as the Apostle Peter painted Him in one of his earliest addresses,
'went about doing good andhealing,' than as a teacher ofdivine wisdom, to...
Concerning the Author
... Though a firm believer indivine healing, and instrumental in thehealing of those
who kneel at his bedside for prayer, yet he has not received permanent...
Spiritual Culture.
... following verse: "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another,
that ye may be healed." The glorious Bible doctrine ofdivine healing has many...
The Peaceable Fruits of Sorrows Rightly Borne
... is not complete, but it goes far toward completeness in tracing it to God, in asserting
its disciplinary intention, in pointing to thedivine healing which is...
TheHealing of the Man Born Blind.
... direct knowledge, [4162] there was the unquestionable fact of hishealing of which...
the favourite phrase) are the disciples of Moses.' Of theDivine Mission of...
Resources
What is divine healing? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are some undeniable examples of divine intervention? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is divine impassibility? | GotQuestions.orgDivine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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