Health - Healing - Holiness:  Lesson-3

by A.A. Allen



PREMINISTERIAL AND CHRISTIAN WORKERS’
BIBLE COLLEGE CORRESPONDENCE COURSES
PREPARED BY A. A. ALLEN
COURSE NO. 1 HEALTH - HEALING – HOLINESS
LESSON NO. 3

Are you sick for the glory of God?

Do you think your sickness is a “thorn in the flesh”?

Do you feel your sickness may be a penalty for some unknown sin?

Do you feel you may be among those whom God is chastening? Have you been taught that God heals some but it is His will for others to remain sick?

Have you heard it said that God answers all prayers -- some He answers “Yes,”some He answers “No,” and some He answers “Wait”?

Then your failure to receive healing through prayer may be like the failure of many other sincere Christians, the result of WAVERING FAITH. Like them, you may try again and again to believe God for your healing but just when healing seemsto be within your grasp, suddenly you find yourself wondering whether God will really do it.

Many born-again Christians, who are living sincerely and wholeheartedly for God, are sick and even remain sick after having been prayed for, for healing. This may be due to some misconception in regard to the teachings of God’s Word. They have not been able to understand that God promises healing to ALL that ask in faith. They do not realize the extent of God’s great guarantee of healing. Because of this misconception, they have WAVERINGLY asked.

God says, “Let him ask in faith, NOTHING WAVERING. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord.” James 1:6, 7.

Often these people come for prayer with their minds made up that they DO believe, and that they will NOT waver in faith, but when they face the situation, they find their faith wavers. They say, “I really thought I was going to be healed this time, but I just can’t seem to have enough faith.

These people really have faith, but their faith is made to waver by the entrance into their minds of misconceptions regarding the Word of God, which have commonly been taught for doctrines, but which really cannot be proven by the Word of God. These are traditions of men that make “the Word of God of none effect,” Mark 7:13 to the person who heeds them.

Jesus said of those who taught in this way, “In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men.” Mark 7:7, Matt. 15:9. God has promised healing to His people, but those who profess to be His ministers have told the people that He didn’t mean what He said!

It is important both to your faith as an individual Christian and to the success of your ministry, should you be called to minister, that you believe God’s Word as it is written. Also to teach the truth of God’s Word pure and unadulterated by the idea of those who before you have made excuses for their unbelief by wresting and twisting the Word of God. “Even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 2 Peter 3:15, 16.

These misconceptions in regard to healing have been built up over many years by those who form their ideas from the ideas of others rather than by going to God’s Word for their doctrines.

A young woman sets out to make a patchwork quilt using an accurately drawn pattern. After cutting the first block, she lays aside the pattern and uses the cut pieces for a pattern. When all the blocks are finished, they won’t fit together because the last blocks are so different from the first. Even so, doctrines built by comparison with other doctrines soon fall far short of the original pattern, the Word of God.

Take God’s Word and read it carefully for yourself as though you had never heard a sermon. Read especially the four Gospels with your mind open and attuned to the teaching of the Holy Spirit. Mark particularly the passages describing Christ’s healings and miracles. You will be surprised at what you find in the original pattern. Go from the Gospels into the Epistles in the same manner. Such a reading of God’s Word will revolutionize your life and your faith.

The misconceptions in regard to healing mentioned at the beginning of this lesson are not harmless variations in doctrine. Instead they are tricks devised by Satan himself to deprive God’s people of blessings purchased at Calvary and at the whipping post, and to deprive God of the glory that he would receive from the fulfillment of His promises. They are slander against the character of God, for God having promised, is true to His Word.

“God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” Num. 23:19

MANY HAVE THE IDEA THAT SOME ARE SICK FOR THE GLORY OF GOD!

This is the most prominent misconception regarding healing. Many are taught that they are sick for the glory of God. This teaching is based upon two misinterpreted incidents in the ministry of Christ.

1. Consider the Death of Lazarus.

The sickness of Lazarus has often been referred to as for the glory of God and is based upon the following Scripture: When Jesus was told that Lazarus was sick, He replied: “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.” John 11:4.

When Jesus finally came to Bethany, and was met by the sisters of Lazarus, He certainly was not met with praise, nor were they glorifying God nor His Son. The Son of God was glorified WHEN LAZARUS CAME FORTH FROM THE TOMB. (Verse 44.)

Lazarus was raised for the glory of God! -- not sick for the glory of God!

2. Look at the Man Born Blind.

In this case, some of Jesus’ disciples questioned Him concerning a man born blind, whether the man had sinned or his parents. (Note: This is an example of the attitude of that time regarding the relationship between sin and sickness.) Jesus answered, “Neither hath this man sinned nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.” John 9:3.

This does not infer that neither this man nor his parents had ever committed a sin, for we are told “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God;” Rom. 3:23. Rather, this blindness, which was unusual, was not a direct punishment of unusual sin.

If this man was blind for God’s glory, then Jesus was working against the glory of God, for He gave sight that day to the man who was born blind. This man’s blindness was not in itself a glory to God. Rather his blindness was an occasion for the works of God to be made manifest in him. God was glorified when those who had known him to have been born blind, saw that suddenly he was able to see.

IF YOU ARE SICK FOR GOD’S GLORY, THEN LET GOD BE GLORIFIED NOW BY ACCEPTING HEALING FROM HIM, and witnessing to all about you of the mighty power of God, who delivers all those who trust in Him!

CHASTENED BY SICKNESS

A young woman came in to one of our meetings in Idaho wearing a heavy body brace. For more than a year, she had been under the doctor’s orders to lift nothing and to move about very carefully. She had been in a serious automobile accident causing injury to her spine. The doctor had told her she might have to wear the brace the rest of her life.

This young woman was a minister of the Gospel. She had preached divine healing and prayed for many who had been healed, yet she was persuaded in her own mind that she could not be healed because she felt certain that the accident had occurred because she was moving out of the will of God. She based her belief upon the Scripture found in Hebrews 12:6 -- “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”

She attended an afternoon Faith Clinic Service where that same Scripture was used as the text. The minister began pointing out that while affliction or trouble may come upon Christians as punishment for disobedience or sin, a loving Father does not punish His child more severely than is needed for that child’s crime or misbehavior. Even though such sickness may come as penalty for sin, heartfelt repentance removes the reason for punishment. Thus it is not necessary for any Christian to remain sick. God has provided repentance not only as a means to salvation but as a means to staying saved, and as a means to qualify for all God’s blessings.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. This was not written to people who had never been born again but to those who, having begun a Christian life, still fall short occasionally of the life of sinless perfection which Is God’s ideal for His people.

What a joy it was to that young woman to re-establish her fellowship with God, humbly repenting of her disobedience. How happy she was in the service that night to report that she had not only removed the brace but had gone back to her room, moved a heavy typewriter, carried her suitcases to the car, and was ready to go back on the field to preach the Gospel. Her healing was a great blessing but her renewed fellowship with God was greater.

Yes, you may be punished and chastened, but God will never punish without letting you know what He is punishing you for, and He will not continue to punish when the need for punishment is over.

“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He bath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.” Psalms 103:8-10.

“JESUS CHRIST THE SAME YESTERDAY, AND TODAY, AND FOR EVER.” Heb. 13:8.

Not once in all His earthly ministry did Jesus ever command any person to be sick, although He commanded many to be well, and healed them with His Word. Not once did a sick person come to Him asking to be healed and receive the answer, “It is God’s will for you to remain sick for His glory.”

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.” Heb. 13:8. Then it is inconceivable that while He was here on earth He glorified the Father by healing “all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people,” Matt. 4:23, but now having gone back to the Father, He is glorified by the people remaining patient in affliction, declaring to all whom they meet that this sickness is an evidence of the love of God toward them.

No wonder those who are not Christians, are not interested in sharing such love!

Nowhere in the Scripture are we told that God answers prayer by saying, “No.” “Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” I John 3:21, 22.

This does not say that part of our prayers are answered “No.” The wording is “Whatsoever we ask we receive.” We do not ask for bread and receive a stone; we do not ask for an egg and receive a scorpion. (Luke 11:11-13). We do not ask for healing and receive sickness; for deliverance and receive bondage.

Search the Gospels! You will find no instance where Christ ever told one who came to Him for healing to wait -- to come back later. If He, then, is just the same today, how can He tell people today to wait?

SICKNESS -- A PENALTY FOR SIN

Nowhere in the Word of God is sickness declared to be an evidence of God’s favor. Rather, it is a penalty for sin.

“If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD: Then the LORD will make thy plagues wonderful, and the plagues of thy seed, even great plagues, and of bug continuance, and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance. Moreover he will bring upon thee all the diseases of Egypt, which thou wast afraid of; and they shall cleave unto thee. Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, them will the Lord bring upon thee, until thou be destroyed.” Deut. 28:58-61.

The reward of obedience is health and healing. “And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will, put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.” Exodus 15:26.

WILLINGNESS FOR GOD’S WILL

A glaring inconsistency in those who hold the view that sickness may be the will of God, is that, while they do not come to God for healing, they seem to feel no qualms of conscience in doing all that is humanly possible to ease pain and restore health. If sickness is truly God's will for them, should they try to escape it?

Suppose I should say to you, “I am laboring in this city for the glory of God. It is God’s will for me to labor here, but I will stay only until I can somehow find a way to get away from here. I’m leaving just as soon as I can earn, beg or borrow the price of a bus ticket to take me away. I know it is God’s will for me to be here, but He can keep me here only by making it impossible for me to leave!” These good people would be horrified, and would doubtless accuse me of being rebellious against God. Nevertheless, they say they are sick for God’s glory, yet it is very apparent by their expenditures for doctors and medicines that they will remain that way only so long as it is impossible for them to make themselves well. Is not this inconsistent?

(Please note: It was not I nor God’s Word which declared that sickness is God’s will for His people.)

Sickness is NOT the will of God for His people. It is the work of the devil. It is the will of God for His people to “prosper and be in health,” 3 John 2. Therefore, let us come to God without wavering, in full assurance that we are asking in His will.

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” 1 John 5:14, 15.

A woman suffering with cancer called a well-known minister to pray for her. When he entered the room she declared, “It may be that God has given me this cancer for his glory. Perhaps, through this cancer my son may be won to Christ.” Her lack of faith was obvious. After consideration, the minister replied, “Then, if God has given you this cancer and is being glorified by it and a soul is to be saved through it, perhaps we should not ask God to remove it. Perhaps we should ask God to give you more cancers so that more souls can be saved.” Needless to say, the woman was angry at this suggestion. She had not thought the matter through to a conclusion.

Please bear in mind that Christ died for the sins of the entire world, once for all. His suffering on the cross -- not your suffering with a cancer -- is the means of the salvation of souls. Nowhere in Scripture do we find an example of God placing sickness upon one of his obedient servants. Sickness may, indeed, come as a curse upon the lawless and disobedient. (See Deut. 28:22, 28 and 61.)

This Scripture deals with the curses of the law, but remember, only those who have come under grace by accepting Christ and living by the Spirit have escaped from the curses of the law. (See Rom. 8:2—8.)

SCRIPTURES ABE MISQUOTED IN AN ATTEMPT TO PROVE SICKNESS IS THE WILL OF GOD.

Those who insist that some are sick because it is the will of God strengthen their position by quoting as examples a few cases in Scripture that they feel are circumstantial evidence. Such evidence has to be accepted only “with reservations” in any court of law.

Then, under careful examination, these cases break down, even as circumstantial evidence.

THE CASE OF JOB AND HIS BOILS

Let us consider the matter of Job and his boils. According to the testimony of God Himself, Job was a perfect and upright man, in that he “feareth God, and escheweth evil,” Job 1:8. No divinity or superhuman perfection is attributed to Job. Any Christian can and should be at least as perfect as was Job, for our opportunities, privileges and powers are far ahead of his. And Jesus Himself left us the commandment to be “perfect even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect,” Matt. 5:48.

No Christian is in the will of God, nor in a position to seek healing, who is satisfied with being anything less than perfect. Though we may need to say with Paul, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after,” Phil. 3:12a. Let us keep this goal constantly before us, and earnestly “press toward the mark” at all times as it says in verse 14a.

Never make excuses for imperfections. PERFECTION IS THE GOAL.

God accounted Job as perfect, because he sincerely feared God and eschewed (shunned, found no pleasure in doing) evil. However, a careful study of the book of Job will reveal to the thoughtful person that there were reasons enough in Job himself for his trouble being allowed to come upon him. God does not submit His faithful and beloved follower to be tortured by Satan for no better reason than merely to prove a point to the devil. True enough, Job’s faithfulness WAS proved, and Satan’s boast proved empty, but a far greater issue than that was involved in the trial of Job. This book indicates that even a perfect man can be made better.

First, let us note that while Job was commended for his fear of God (Job 1:8), this was not Job’s only fear. When he found that he was bereft of family and possessions, suffering in body, scorned by his wife, misunderstood and accused by his friends, he cried out, “The thing which I GREATLY FEARED is come upon me.” Job 3:25.

FEAR IS NOT FAITH: Faith is our protection against sin and sickness, and when these enemies lay hold upon us, faith is our only means of deliverance. Satan saw it as a hedge round about Job, through which he could not penetrate, but fear, being opposed to faith, makes an opening in the hedge through which Satan may enter. Job is not to be condemned for his attitude, for he had not the Scriptures as we have today. His knowledge of God and his dealings came only from oral tradition and from an incomplete direct personal revelation of God. (Note: Job is generally recognized as the first-written book of the Bible.)

FAITH COMETH BY HEARING: Since faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God, it is little wonder that Job should have failed to have faith sufficient to protect him from Satan’s attack. Having God’s glorious promises so easily accessible, let us grasp them by faith and step forth into the glorious liberty of the sons of God, rather than remain grubbing in Job’s ash heap for an excuse to remain in bondage to sickness and the oppression of Satan.

God did not afflict Job. Job. 2:7: --“Satan . . . smote Job with sore boils. Even this he could not do without God’s permission.”

JOB’S REPENTANCE AND NEW RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.

In his desperation, Job examined his attitude toward God, and through the struggles of his soul, he found a new relationship with God. True, he had feared God and striven to do right and avoid evil. But now, when his wife urged him to curse God and die (Job 2:9) and his friends accused him of every kind of sin (even calling those sins by name), Job discovered that only one thing remained a firm anchor in his fast-changing world. In his anguish he cried, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him:” Job 13:15. God could not disregard such faith as that. Immediately God began to work toward Job’s deliverance. He revealed Himself to Job in such a glorious flash of splendor as has seldom been equaled in His dealings with any one man. In the light of this revelation, Job had a fine opportunity to compare his own righteousness with that of his Maker, and found himself to be sadly lacking. He approached God then, not in a spirit of self-righteousness, but in true humility and repentance (Job 42:6) mixed with faith. He was even willing to pray for the deliverance of his accusers, and “the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends:” Job 42:10.

But the most beautiful part of the whole story is found in the concluding verses of the Book of Job. After Job had repented of his self-righteousness and lack of trust, and after he had proven his humility and forgiveness by praying for his friends, God set him free from the CAPTIVITY of Satan. Then we see Job restored to all his former glory and blessed with even more than he had at the beginning. He lived another one hundred and forty years, and there is no record that he ever had another boil to annoy him in all that time!

If you have been following Job’s example, sitting in the ash heap bemoaning your fate and blaming it upon God, take another look at your example. Place your trust in God, as Job did, though it may seem to lead only to death. Start searching the Scriptures, reading prayerfully, and as though you had never heard those explanations men have added by their traditions. Look to God HIMSELF to find the cause of your sickness, and when you have found the cause, GET RID OF IT. Like Job, you will be set free from bondage; GOD IS JUST THE SAME TODAY!

CASES IN THE MINISTRY OF PAUL

The enemies of the Gospel of Healing have attempted to point out that if an example can be found of one who was a true child of God, whom God could not or would not heal, no guarantee can be given that God will heal all who meet the conditions. Seeing beforehand this attempt to discredit His work, the Lord has carefully shown us in His Word the REASONS why those sicknesses persisted for a while, even in the presence of the mighty miracle-working powers of Christ and also in the first disciples with whom Christ worked, “confirming the word with signs following.” Mark 16:20.

In this regard we will deal briefly with the cases often mentioned, having to do with the ministry of Paul by whose hands God wrought special miracles (Acts 19:11, 12). Not only those whom be touched were healed, but even men and women who were hindered from contacting him personally were healed of diseases and delivered from evil spirits, when handkerchiefs or aprons were brought to them from Paul’s body.

The Case of Epaphroditus

We are told that Paul’s fellow soldier and companion in labor, Epaphroditus, became sick while in the company of Paul, and was nigh unto death. In fact, these are Paul’s own words (Phil. 2:27). However, Paul does not stop here, but in the same verse declares that “God had mercy on him,” so that he was able to make the long journey from Rome to Philippi, despite the difficulty of such a journey in those times, showing the Philippians by his presence the greatness of the power and love of God in his behalf. Not only this, but in verse 30, Paul explains the reason for the sickness. “Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.”

The gifts of healing do not guarantee an unlimited supply of strength and energy to the human body. It is possible even in so worthy a work as carrying the Gospel and praying for the sick, to tax the body beyond what God has made it able to endure, bringing sickness as a result. Even in a case like this God shows Himself merciful, and, while a period of absolute rest or convalescence, may be required, there is no need to be permanently defeated because of a nervous breakdown or other illness caused by overwork.

The Case of Luke, the Physician, Traveling with Paul

We are told that even Paul had his private physician --Luke -- who traveled with him to watch after his health. It is true that Luke had been trained as a physician (Col. 4:14). However, there is as much reason to declare that Jesus took Matthew with Him as His private tax collector, as to assert that Luke was chosen to go with Paul because of his skill as a physician. There is no record in the Scripture that Luke ever treated either Paul or any sick person in any place that they visited, in the capacity of a physician. Only once is his being a physician mentioned. As author of the books of Luke and Acts, he records many miraculous healings. It is noteworthy that every one of them is recorded as one hundred percent miraculous. Never once is it recorded that either Luke or any other physician applied any medical aid to supplement to the miracle-working power of God. No doubt, Luke, being a physician, was especially impressed with the ease with which Christ and His Spirit-filled disciples relieved diseases that the physicians had spent much time and effort trying in vain to heal. In fact, it is Luke who records that “a woman baying an issue of blood twelve years, WHICH HAD SPENT ALL HER LIVING UPON PHYSICIANS, NEITHER COULD BE HEALED OF ANY; Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood-stanched.” Luke 8:43,44.

No doubt it is true that faithful physicians have relieved much human suffering, but there are plenty of people in the world today who have never learned of the healing power of God, to keep all the physicians busy, and to fully justify their existence in the world. Let us know the Great Physician, wait at His feet, (instead of waiting in the overcrowded waiting room of the earthly physician,) to find relief. Relief that is full and free, without money and without price, and may we add, without medicine or surgery, that our bodies may be well and strong for His glory. Surely He is worthy of every testimonial to His skill and faithfulness that His loving followers can give.

IF YOU ARE SICK, START TODAY TO EXAMINE YOURSELF ACCORDING TO THE WORD OF GOD. Find what He says to do and DO IT. These treatments are not in the experimental stage. They are tried and proven - unconditionally guaranteed to be one hundred percent effective when used according to instructions.

The Case of Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh

As a final proof that God denies nearing to some, they quote, “Lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Cor. 12:7- 9.

Whatever Paul’s thorn may have been, God’s grace was surely sufficient for him, for the list of his achievements and sufferings given in 2 Cor. 11:23-28 would certainly be a sufficient test of grace. Yet to say that Paul’s thorn was a physical defect would certainly require some backing beyond what is found in this passage of Scripture, for sickness is not mentioned. The strongest advocates of the idea that the thorn was a physical weakness dare not go further than to say, “It has been conjectured that Paul’s thorn in the flesh was chronic ophthalmia.” (Schofield Bible, Page 1239) (Severe inflammation of the eyes.)

Surely in the face of the glorious promises of healing given boldly in the Word of God, something stronger than a mere conjecture that Paul was sick should be required to cancel such strong promises.

The term “thorn in the flesh” has been so commonly connected in our thinking with sickness that it has come to have that meaning to many readers of Scripture, but let us examine its use in other Scriptures, to see if that was the thought of the writer.

In Numbers 33:55, the Israelites were warned, “If ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and THORNS IN YOUR SIDES.” This warning is repeated in Joshua 23:13 and in Judges 2:3. Thus the thorn refers, not to something within the body, but to annoyances from without, caused by people. Paul speaks of his particular thorn as being “the messenger of Satan to buffet me.”

The word “buffet” means to strike as with the hand; to contend with.

In the list of the infirmities in which Paul chooses to glory (2 Cor. 11:23-33), there is no sickness, nor blindness mentioned, but rather persecutions. He does mention weariness and painfulness, but would not beatings, stonings, hunger, and cold be sufficient cause for weariness and painfulness?

After reviewing the list of Paul’s sufferings and accomplishments, would it not require more faith in the miraculous to believe that he was carried through all these things while suffering from physical illness, than to believe that he was kept in health by the power of God?

Careful consideration of the words used by Paul, by comparing those words with their accepted definition and the manner in which they are used in other Scriptures, would indicate that Paul’s thorn in the flesh was something from without, probably his treatment by other persons or another person. His reference to “buffeting” would refer more easily to the beatings, stonings, and the like which he received after he preached the Gospel from city to city, than to any possible sickness in his own body. Added to this is the fact that in Paul’s own writings are found many of the tremendous promises of healing.

“To another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;” 1 Cor. 12:9. “And God hath set some In the church,.. then gifts of healings.” 1 Cor. 12:28. “Have all the gifts of healing?” 1 Cor. 12:30.

It was Paul himself who declared, “God is no respecter of persons:” Acts 10:34. His promises are YOURS! Let no man beguile you.

Every one of these misconceptions has been used by Satan for generations to hinder or destroy the faith of God’s people. Faith, in its simplest definition, is just this: believing that God meant what he says! When the doubts created in your mind by these misconceptions, and those resulting from willful disobedience to his commands, have been cleared away, then you will find, it easy to come to God in faith, nothing wavering.

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” Heb. 10:22,23.

BELIEVE THE WORD OF GOD, AND NOT THE TRADITIONS THAT HAVE BEEN BUILT UP ABOUT IT.

As the flame of your faith is made to burn brightly, no longer wavering, you may ask God WHATSOEVER HE HAS PROMISED! It shall be done unto you!

SUMMARY:

So then, we have learned that there are many misconceptions concerning healing which hinder our faith. We must ask in faith, nothing wavering, to obtain results. These misconceptions are:

(1) Sick for the glory of God. This teaching is based on two incidents from the Bible -- the raising of Lazarus and the account of the man born blind. Neither glorified God through the actual sickness, but the sickness was used for the glory of God -- Lazarus when he was raised from the dead; the blind man when Jesus restored his sight.

If you are sick for God’s glory, then let God be glorified NOW by accepting heating from Him, and witnessing to all about you of the mighty power of God, who delivers all those who trust in Him!

(2) Sickness can be a chastening or punishment from God, but we can still claim healing by repenting and restoring our fellowship with God. God will never punish without letting us know what it is for and will not continue to punish when we have learned our lesson.

(3) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever. He always answers our prayers. He never says “No’s nor “Wait” when we ask for healing, in faith, as it is always His will to heal. Be sure you’re asking is in faith, and there is no question as to the answer!

(4) Sickness is a penalty for sin but it is not God’s will for His people. It is not an evidence of God’s favor. It is a curse from the Lord. It is a glaring inconsistency that those who claim that sickness may be the will of God for some, do all they possibly can by human effort to ease pain and restore health. If sickness were the will of God for them, should they try to escape it?

Only those who are under grace have escaped from the curses of the Law.

(5) To try to prove that sickness is the will of God, some have used the following cases:

(a) Job and his boils: Job was a perfect man; any Christian can be as perfect as Job was; our privileges far surpass his. God permitted Job to be afflicted by Satan. Job had feared, and the thing he had feared had come upon him. Fear is not faith. Job changed his attitude and found a new relationship with God. “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in Him:” Job 13:15, showed a kind of faith God could not disregard. Job found the cause of his sickness and God set him free. Then Job was better off than he was in the beginning.

(b) Cases in the ministry of Paul: Epaphroditus: He became sick but God had mercy on him,” Phil. 2:27, and healed him. Rest or convalescence may sometimes be required. It is possible to overtax the body even in the work of the Lord. Luke, the Physician: He traveled with Paul but there is no statement in scripture that he was with Paul in the capacity of a physician.

(c) Case of Paul’s thorn in the flesh: Whatever his thorn in the flesh was, it is plain from a study of the Word that it was not sickness -- perhaps his treatment by an individual or individuals acting in the capacity of Satan’s messenger. It was surely something from the outside, not a bodily illness that was his “thorn” although the Scriptures do not say definitely just what it was.

(6) We should believe the Word of God and not the traditions that have been built up around it. Satan has used all these misconceptions for generations to keep God’s people from claiming what is rightfully theirs. We can ask God for WHATSOEVER HE PROMISED and it shall be done, for “He is faithful that promised.”

WHEN THE DOUBTS CAUSED BY THESE MISCONCEPTIONS HAVE BEEN CLEARED AWAY, IT IS EASY TO COME TO GOD IN FAITH, NOTHING WAVERING.

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