We’re living in a kind of ‘odd’ spiritual climate these days. I mean, never before has there been so many Christian churches, Christian schools, Christian seminaries, Christian youth clubs, Christian camps, etc, etc. On the face of it, Christianity is prospering and multiplying like never before.
And yet, I’m convinced that although the message of Christ is spreading and is proving victorious in many parts of the world, all the ‘trappings of Christianity’ which we see in the US, UK, Oz, and a few other places, is nothing more than the church in Sardis, “thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead” (Rev 3:1).
Dead? That’s a bit harsh, isn’t it? You might be able to say that about the conservative reformed/evangelical churches, but look at the mega churches which draw thousands, they are full of life! Our local charismatic/pentecostal church has loads of life in it. They are experiencing revival!!
I’ll not name any names, but I was handed a leaflet recently which was advertising:
“Glory Harvest Springtime Revival Healing Meetings!
Revival meetings that will impact your life!”
Then on the back there were various testimonies;
“Epilepsy completely healed after prayer!”
“A tumor the size of a grapefruit disappeared during praise and worship.”
“Jaw and Gum denture problem healed by the power of God.”
…and on and on it goes.
The claim of such charismatics is that ’sickness is not God’s will’ and therefore prayer offered in faith will remove the ailment, whatever it might be. In most cases they will also state that sickness is the result of sin, so repentance is necessary as well as faith.
Now, I’m not denying that God answers prayer, or that He delivers people from sickness and ill-health at times, or that He inflicts sickness due to sin sometimes. However, what I am going to show, is that the extent to which the charismatic churches take it is not only unscriptural, but downright heresy!
1. The Teachings of Christ Contradict the Charismatics
The gospel of the charismatics is primarily healing rather than redemption! Deny it though they may, this is their message of outreach.
On numerous occasions I have been handed tracts which have made no mention of the Cross, of sin, of repentance, or any sort of message which would lead a soul to faith in Christ. They always emphasise healing, their respective healing services, and the testimonies of the healed.
The argument for this is that this is what Christ did; He used healing miracles to show people the power of God, which in turn brings them to faith in Christ. But this is entirely wrong.
- Christ’s miracles where not to show how mighty He was, but was to authorise that He was sent by the Father as the Messiah (John 5:36).
- Christ’s miracles were just another part of His ministry, but were not any more effective at producing genuine disciples than His preaching (John 2:23-25). In fact, they were generally more of a curse upon the people than a blessing (Matt 11:20-23).
- Christ taught clearly that miracles were not more powerful than the word of God, in fact probably less so (Luke 16:30-31).
- Christ taught that sickness is not necessarily a result of sin (John 9:3).
2. The Teachings of the Apostles Contradict the Charismatics
Many charismatics still believe that there are apostles today, not realising that the requirement for being an apostle includes visibly seeing the risen Christ (Acts 1:22), and receiving the commission for being an apostle from Him directly (Luke 6:13; Gal 1:1).
But, in spite of that, do the apostles validate the ideas of the charismatics, particularly in relation to healing?
- The message of the apostles was never one of healing! They never preached ‘healing’. Their message was constantly and consistently one of calling people to repentance from sin, and faith in Jesus Christ (Luke 24:47; Acts 3:19; 20:21).
- When they healed it was never advertised, but was completely spontaneous as they were moved by the Spirit. (Acts 3:1-8; 14:8-10).
- On occasions when many were healed, it was completely sovereign, during a time of spiritual awakening (Acts 5:12-16; 28:7-9).
- Even the apostles couldn’t heal who they wanted, when they wanted (2 Tim 4:20).
- The apostles also believed in the proper use of medicine (1 Tim 5:23) and doctors (Col 4:14).
3. The Teaching of Scripture Concerning Sickness and Healing
Due to the Fall, we all are subject to the afflictions that it has brought, including bodies which are far from perfect.
However, just because they are not perfect, it doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be taken care of. Indeed, the scripture is clear that those who follow the conduct of life as it indicates will know good health (Prov 4:20-22).
It’s easy to see how this is true. The Bible teaches proper hygiene, discourages gluttony, condemns sexual sins which are more likely to lead to disease, and much more.
Nevertheless, sometimes we fall sick so what are we to do?
- Start with yourself, and that which lies in your power and responsibility. It is clear that sometimes sickness is due to sin (1 Cor 11:28-32; Psalm 119:75). Therefore, a period of searching to discern inward or outward sin should be engaged in, and we should not stop until the sin is discovered and repented of, or we are brought to the conviction that it has nothing to do with disobedience (Prov 3:7-8).
- Assuming we’ve discovered it’s not due to our sin, we should request (pray) its removal and deliverance (James 5:15; Isaiah 37:5).
- After much seeking after God without success, we may have to resign ourselves to the fact that our sickness is for the glory of God (2 Cor 12:8-10). This is a stern reality which all Christians must be prepared to accept without complaint.
It is clear that Epaphroditus had resigned himself to the will of God, and that both he and Paul were convinced he was going to die before God delivered him (Phil 2:26-28), and we’ve already mentioned Trophimus who suffered sickness which not even Paul could remove by his spiritual power. God exercised His sovereign will in these cases (as in all) and that will was that they should suffer their afflictions for a time.
4. The Differences Between the Apostolic Age and the Present Day
Whether we like it or not, there are some differences between the apostolic age and the events which occurred then, that are not going to happen today, nor do they even need to happen today.
One of those things is the extent of divine healing. During the apostolic age, they were not only able to heal the sick, but also the blind, deaf and dumb. This is not so for today. James 5:14-15 shows that it’s the “sick” who should call for prayer.
Also, a list of the supernatural gifts which were obtained during the apostolic period is found in 1 Corinthians 12:9-10. They were designed chiefly for the authenticating of Christianity and to confirm it in heathen countries. Their purpose, then, was only a temporary one, and as soon as the canon of Scripture was closed they were withdrawn. This is most likely why Paul couldn’t heal Trophimus, as it was near the end of the apostolic age.
Conclusion
There is much more which could be said on this topic. It’s a huge issue of which there is much confusion and distorting of the scriptures. But, it’s worse than that.
The modern charismatic idea which enforces that God will heal every ailment if you only believe, is not only a lie, but places people in bondage. What happens when there is no deliverance? The individual is left distraught, feeling that it’s their fault.
On top of that, if what the charismatics say is true, we need never die! Therefore, we must realise that even the teaching of James 5:14-15 is indefinite. It is always subject to the will of God, and one day we will all die, whether we like it or not, and even before then it may please God that we endure sickness.
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Added Commentary
By kristarella
on 11.09.08
Amen.
By Jermayn
on 12.09.08
Armen, great article…
Enjoyed it a lot and as you probably saw over at my blog, I have touched on healing a few times but you do a great job in giving scriptural examples etc.
I like how you say that sin is NOT the only cause of sickness. Many people fail to understand this. However I myself have some strong feelings and opinions about healing and having experienced healing personally (cancer - 20% chance of living) and have seen people healed (backs and my wife from lactose tolarent) through prayers and so if you do not mind, I would love to ask you some questions and raise some points.
I do think healing brings salvation and yes while not everyone gets saved (redemed or whatever word you use) after being healed, some do and it can also cause others to believe.
I agree that healing should NOT be the main focus of the ministry. I prefer it when they ‘advertise’ to heal and minister spiritually and not just the body and when they give people the oppurtinuty to be saved by using the power as a testimony of Gods love and power. I do not like it when they ’sell’ the healing like a snake oil seller…
I do not see a problem with ‘advertising’ for healing in name but i do have problem in the way they do it at times. I do think God gives people the gift of healing to minister to people.
Was Paul an apostle? He did not see Jesus rise from the dead but was named an apostle. Please correct me if I am wrong.
In probably what i disagree with you the most is that God can heal any sickness and wants too. God imo uses sickness to teach/ test us ways of God. Whether it is teaching us to rely on God alone/ more, to rest and the list goes on.
During the apostolic age, they were not only able to heal the sick, but also the blind, deaf and dumb. This is not so for today.
Bit confused on what your getting at hear, sorry…I do believe and have seen people healed of these conditions.
btw I hope you do not take offense to what I have said and like I said before, I pretty much agree with you
God bless
By Jermayn
on 12.09.08
Soz about the paragraphs being broken up and making it hard to read my points…
By Armen
on 12.09.08
kristrella,
Thanks for the support!
Jermayn,
Thanks for the comments, and I hope I can answer your points effectively.
“I do think healing brings salvation and yes while not everyone gets saved (redemed or whatever word you use) after being healed, some do and it can also cause others to believe.”
The problem I have with this is simply that I believe the word of God is more powerful at producing genuine Christians, rather than those moved emotionally to make a ‘decision’ which inevitably results in a false profession. There were many who followed Christ due to his miracles, but they weren’t genuine believers, and as Christ said “if they believe not Moses and the prophets (the Bible), they shall not believe though one is raised from the dead”.
I’m glad you realise the error in ’selling’ healing as a marketing tactic. The sad truth is, many don’t see it as you do, and mostly it’s done like they’re selling a miracle cure for all diseases!
“Was Paul an apostle?”
Yeah, but the requirement was not to see Jesus actually rising from the dead (no one seen that), but to see Him after the ressurection. On at least one occasion, Paul saw the resurrected Christ (Acts 9).
“Bit confused on what your getting at hear, sorry…I do believe and have seen people healed of these conditions.”
I’d really like to meet such a one. I cannot understand why all these miracles occur in public places where there are usually hundreds and thousands to ’see’ it. Surely those with such ‘ministries’ could go into hospitals, and care homes for the blind, etc and heal at least 10% of the people? 10% isn’t much if they have such a ‘power’.
I have been careful to expound the teaching of scripture, and not the fanciful notions of men. What I hope is, that the teaching of scripture will take more authority in our hearts that our desire to believe we have something that the Bible doesn’t warrant.
By Jermayn
on 12.09.08
Thanks for fixing up the formatting on my comment
In regards to these ‘big’ healings (deafness etc) I would like to use myself as an example if thats ok.
I had cancer and actually have the medical reports which say that one day I have aggressive cancer and 8 days later, I have no cancer. I was also deaf in one ear as a kid and through prayer and fasting from my mum and others, I can now hear from both ears.
I had a conversation with a non-believer on my blog (about healing - link) and his main query/ problem was that they do not use medical proof to back up healings. I think its wrong, a medical certificate just shows the power of God. Pastors should encourage this….
I do however agree that people who have the gift and faith of healing should go and minister to people in hostipals etc more but I know in Australia alone, its not that easy to do.
In regards to Paul being an apostle because he saw Jesus. I am a little confused on excatly what you mean, seeing Acts 9 is Pauls conversion and he did not actually see Jesus on the road to Damascus but was blinded by the light (v1-9). Does that count?
By Armen
on 15.09.08
Jermayn,
I’m glad to read of your experiences, and like I said, I have no doubt in the power of God. My argument is the advertising and teaching of those who give people a false hope. They claim that there is something wrong with the individual who is not healed, which is not necessarily true.
I’m surprised that it’s difficult for people who have the confidence to pray for healing in church, cannot do it in hospitals. That would be a more powerful testimony than an orchastrated church event. If dozens were healed in the local hospitals, there would be no need to advertise the church meetings!
As for Paul, he said “I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me”. The light was the light of Christ. Christ met with him in a personal manner which was not usual.
By Jermayn
on 15.09.08
@Armen.
Like I said, A lot of true ‘healers’ would love to go to hostipals but there are laws and chaplains etc who do not like it…
Also think some Pastors are ‘home town bullies’ that are big in their church environment but when you take them away from the church, weak and insipid as kittens.
So with the way Paul met with God, its possible for today for some people to be Apostles?
By kevthio
on 16.09.08
Interesting read. Personally, i have been healed myself from a long drawn disease called “Hong Kong Feet”. almost 8 long years. This may not be the death or blind kind, but i know that i got healed, God is real and in thru my lowest moments in life that milestone in my life reminds me that God is real.
I agree that advertising can often lead to misleading people and i think we should be careful how we communicate. But the fact is God heals today and that is very often a draw for people who have avoided God all their lives cause most feel they do not need God. Healing is about meeting needs and it is a need people cannot deny. If people believe in God through or because of their healing, praise God. But like being human, we often forget God once receiving that healing.
I think sickness is often a loud hailer that signals that God is speaking to us… only when that happens we sit up and listen.
I think God is a creative God and he uses different methods to reach different ones of us. And sickness is one of them.
Question is, should we then not advertise about healing rallies? No. Should we stop finding way to preach the gospel? I don’t think so. But as your concern is perhaps we could be more careful in how we go about communicate such rallies.
Thanks for taking the time to hear my thoughts.
By Armen
on 16.09.08
Jermayn,
I think your analysis of some pastors being big in their own church has a lot of truth. I also think that the environment of many churches is vital to promoting sensationalism and building excitment, resulting in a mesmerising effect upon the congregation. It’s almost hypnotic, and people are led to think things are happening, which are really not.
As for Paul, we’re dealing with an individual who is entirely unique, and an individual which God dealt with in a rather unique way. I would be inclined to think that Paul’s experience in the way Christ met with him, has never been replicated. He was given a personal mandate to be the ‘apostle to the gentiles’ and there are no scriptural grounds to assume that God will do this for anyone else.
One thing which is also important in the circumstances surrounding Paul’s call to be an apostle, was that God verified it to others. Many people who say they are ‘apostles’ do so on the basis that ‘God has called them’ to be such, and everyone should just believe that call. God didn’t do that with Paul. He knew that if Paul turned up at the church and said he was an apostle, no one would believe him. Indeed, they would have a right to not believe him. However, God visited Ananias and told him that he had called ‘Saul of Tarsus’ to ‘bear his name before the gentiles. In fact, later on in Acts 9:27 we read, “But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.”
I therefore don’t believe there are apostles today.
Welcome kevthio,
Could you clarify what you mean by ‘Hong Kong Feet’? From what I can gather it’s Athlete’s Foot, which is something which develops usually because of moisture in the feet, and is cured by a simple application of powder. Am I wrong?
You make some good points in your comment. To be honest, I admit I don’t even like to isolation of the term ‘God heals’. Why don’t we advertise ‘God provides food’ or ‘God helps you to do your work’?
The point is, God answers prayer, and sometimes he delights to answer prayer for healing, the same way he may delight to help me to lead a soul to Christ, etc. The continual concentration upon healing makes God like the ‘go-to guy’ whenever I perceive something in my life to be not quite how I want it. It’s blasphemous to be honest.
I just hate the whole ’strategic’ way God is ‘advertised these days. The problem is this, we’re too busy to pray people into the kingdom, so we have to win them by marketing tactics. It’s tragic! John the Baptist was a man who strolled about the wilderness and was a rather odd character, yet thousands went out to hear him preach, ‘Repent!’ Why? Because he was filled with the Spirit.
By kristarella
on 16.09.08
Regarding Paul, his conversion, ministry and apostleship. I agree that he was unique and I don’t think the same thing would happen today because we have God’s word. Paul was the one who brought the word to the Gentiles and to us, that was his unique role.
I was reading Galatians 2 yesterday, which talks about Paul going before Christians who “seemed influential”. He mentions part of the reason of his trip was to make sure he wasn’t “running the race in vain”. They (the disciples or people the disciples had taught) had nothing to add to the gospel that he’d been teaching. So God’s revelation to him was sufficient and complete.
God may reveal himself independently of his word to people today, perhaps if they don’t have access to his word. However, if they claimed to have something to add to the bible, I don’t think it would be from God and I don’t think it’s necessary to call them apostles, since the bible and God’s church are already established.
By Jermayn
on 16.09.08
@Armen, In regards to the apostle topic, maybe its worth not distracting the topic too much and we leave it hear or we start a new blog entry.
@kevthio & Armen - Good to hear your personally testimony of healing and I agree “God Heals” (I had too Armen).
The “great commission” Mark 16:15-18 imo is the best solution and way we should minister with our certain gifts (healing, prophetic words, signs, preaching, teaching etc).
Preaching the word of God is first mentioned and it includes healings and other signs to proclaim and show the mercy, power and love of God.
By Armen
on 16.09.08
kristarella,
“God may reveal himself independently of his word to people today, perhaps if they don’t have access to his word. However, if they claimed to have something to add to the bible, I don’t think it would be from God”
This is an extremely important point you make. Anything which is supposed to be from God which cannot be found in scripture, is not of God. Even when the apostle Paul was teaching, he always referred back to the O.T. to back up his statements. Just use a concordance to look up the words ‘Moses’ or ‘prophets’ in the N.T. to see what I mean.
Jermayn,
In accordance with Mark 16:18, does that mean ‘modern apostles’ could drink Cyanide and they would be okay?
By Jermayn
on 16.09.08
Ahh yes the old, “can we drink poison and touch dangerous snakes”…
It is not talking specifically holding snakes or drinking cyanide etc, that is just stupid and if you do try and test it, you probably deserve to die. It is talking about the ability through God to caste out demons and not be hurt by them (unlike the 7 sons in Acts) and the ability not to be harmed from poisoned food. That through Gods grace and covering, demonic acts against you will not harm you…
In regards to adding Gods word, I agree that all things should go back to the bible. Jesus said himself that he did not come to destroy the OT. I think if someone has a word from God in todays world, they can just write a book.
By Christian MD
on 27.07.09
Brethren, (and sisters!)
I am a born again physician and I am interested in learning more about Jermayn’s testimony on his healing.
There are certain tumors in children which have been found to spontaneously remit without any medical intervention or prayer. Perhaps this is the case for Jermayn ?
That being said,
I have never seen anyone healed simply as the result of prayer.
I have seen people healed after prayer when the odds were against them, but these people were also receiving aggressive medical care.
When I resuscitate patients, I routinely inquire about what they saw and felt when they were without an EKG tracing and unconscious.
No one has ever told me that they had an encounter with God, or that they saw a light.
I am concerned that certain Christian fundamentalist groups tend to discourage members of their congregations from receiving medical care. Often these patients present for medical care in extremis, making effective treatment difficult..
Haven't you got anything to say?