Chapter 7 - The Doctrine of Divine Healing

Question 1

8 truths that demonstrate God’s interest in and Js concern for the well-being of the human body. (Pg. 364-366)

Answer 1

1. Man was created in the image of God (Gen 1:26-27;Gen 9:6;Lk 12:4-5)
2. The human body is included in Christ’s redemption (Rom 8:23;1 Cor 6:19-20)
3. The body of a Christian is a member of Christ (1 Cor 6:15)
4. God is deeply concerned about the sanctity of the body of His children (1 Cor 6:15-18)
5. The human body of the believer is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19
6. Christians are urged to glorify God in their physical bodies (1 Cor 6:20)
7. Christians are urged to present their body as a living sacrifice to God (Rom 12:1)
8. The human body is to be resurrected (1 Cor 6:14;Eph 1:14)

Question 2

The principle that sickness is the result of sin and may be traced to the influence and power of Satan is specifically illustrated in the following: (10)

Answer 2

(1) Affliction that came upon Job (Job 2:7;42:10)

(2) Those whom Jesus healed were oppressed of the devil (Acts 10:38)

(3) The woman who had been bowed over for 18 years (Lk 13:16)

(4) The prophetic outline of Jesus’ ministry (Lk 4:18)

(5) Enmity between Satan and the seed of the woman (Gen 3:15)

(6) The man in Corinth turned over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh (1 Cor 5:5)

(7) Sickness is amongst the curses of the broken law (Dt 28:15,22,27,28,35)

(8) Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor 12:7)

(9) Satan bound during the Millenium equals no sickness (Is 33:24;Is 11:9;Mal 4:2;Rev 20:2-3)

(10) Jesus rebuked sickness (Lk 4:35;Lk 4:39)

Question 3

Biblical reference that supports the truth that some sicknesses are the result of specific sins:

Answer 3

John 5:14
John 9:2
Psalms 38:3-10
Psalms 31:10

Question 4

Biblical references that support the idea that God at times allows sickness as a chastening measure for the purpose of correction not punishment:

Answer 4

Hebrews 12:5-13 (love motivates Chastening)

Psalms 107:17-20

1 Cor 11:27-30; 1 Cor 11:31-32 (failure to rightly discern the Lord’s body)

Nm 12;Nm 16:46-50 (murmuring against God appointed leaders)

Question 5

Scriptures that support the truth that God wills for us to be healed:

Answer 5

Lk 5:12-13 (Leper healed - he believed Jesus could but unsure if Jesus would)

Mk 9:22-23 (The father put the responsibility on Jesus - Jesus put the responsibility back on him - If YOU can believe!)

3 John 2; 1 Thes 5:23 (God desires and wills for our prosperity)

Question 6

What was the first case of divine healing recorded in the Bible?

Answer 6

Gen 20:17-18 - When God healed Abimelech, his wife and maidservants any bore children.

Question 7

What is the Old Testament “Divine Healing Covenant” and how did it play out amongst God’s people?

Answer 7

Exodus 15:25-26
25 So he cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet.
There He made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there He tested them, 26 and said, “If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.”

Key elements:
(1) A statute/ordinance (v.25)

A. Indicates that this is more than a passing promise for an individual situation but is to be a permanent covenant incorporated into the very life of God’s people.

B. He put one of His redemptive names in the legal agreement - “Jehovah Rapha” - “The Lord that heals you” - God’s character does not/cannot change - (Heb 13:8)

(2) This covenant serves as proof that healing is God’s Will (v.25) and (Ps 105:37) is proof that God has kept his promise!

(3) When we violate the covenant, healing is interrupted. For example:

A. Miriam criticó Inés God ordained leadership - (Nm 12:1-10) - God did not change, man did. When she met the conditions again through repentance, God healed her (Nm 12:11-14)

B. The congregation sinned and a plague destroyed a company of them (Nm 16:41-50) - When they repented the plague was stayed.

C. Israel broke covenant by speaking against God/Moses (Nm 21:5) - When they once again met God’s condition through repentance God healed all who looked through the brazen serpent which was a picture of Calvary (Jn 3:14)

Question 8

8 Old Testament scriptures that show God’s willingness to heal:

Answer 8

(1) Ex 23:25
(2) Dt 7:15
(3) Dt 30:20
(4) Ps 34:19
(5) Ps 91:9-10
(6) Ps 103:2-3
(7) Ps 107:20
(8) Prov 4:20-22

Question 9

8 Old Testament examples of divine healing:

Answer 9

(1) Miriam healed from Leprosy (Nm 12:12-15)

(2) People healed from the plague (2 Sm 24-25, Nm 16)

(3) Widow’s son raised from the dead (1 Kgs 17:17-24)

(4) Shunamite woman’s son raised from the dead (2 Kings 4:18-37)

(5) Naaman healed from leprosy (2 Kings 5:1-15)

(6) Hezakiah’s life extended for 15 years (2 Kings 20:1-11)

(7) Job healed of his sore affliction (Job 42:10-13)

Question 10

How can we know that this covenant of healing applies to any of us and not just to the nation of Israel in Old Testament times?

What does the name “Jehovah” mean?

List 7 of the names of God that contains Jehovah as a prefix:

Answer 10

Healing is a manifestation of God’s very nature. His willingness to heal isn’t based on who we are but who He is!
He does not change! (Mal 3:6)
Proof of God’s Character is probably best brought out in a review of some of His names:

Jehovah: Eternal, Self existent, Unchanging God

(1) Jehovah-Jireh: Provider
(2) Jehovah-Nissi: Banner
(3) Jehovah-Shalom: Peace
(4) Jehovah-Raah: Shepherd
(5) Jehovah-Tsidkenu: Righteousness
(6) Jehovah-Shammah: Present
(7) Jehovah-Rapha: Physician

Question 11

How many miracles are accredited to Jesus in the Gospels?

Answer 11

(1) 27 individual miracles

(2) 10 general healing of large numbers of people

(3) Many others not recorded (Jn 20:30/Jn 21:25)

(***See pgs. 380-381 for list of miracles with scripture references)

Question 12

13 miracles narrated in 1 Gospel only:

Answer 12

Narrated in one Gospel:
(1) 2 Blind Men (Mt 9:27-31)
(2) Dumb demoniac (Mt 9:32-33)
(3) Deaf and dumb man (Mk 7:31-37)
(4) Blind man healed (Mk 8:22-26)
(5) Widow’s son raised from the dead (Lk 7:11-16)
(6) Woman bowed over (Lk 13:11-17)
(7) Man with dropsy (Lk 14:1-6)
(8) Ten Lepers (Lk 17:11-19)
(9) Ear of servant of High Priest (Lk 22:50-51)
(10) Nobleman’s son (Jn 4:46-54)
(11) Impotent man at Bethesda (Jn 5:1-15)
(12) Man born blind (Jn 9:1-38)
(13) Lazarus raised from the dead (Jn 11:1-45)

Question 13

14 miracles of Jesus healing that are narrated in 2 or more Gospels:

Answer 13

Narrated by 2 Gospels:
(1) Demoniac in Synagogue, capernaum (Mk 1:23-27/Lk 4:33-36)
(2) Centurion’s servant (Mt 8:5-13/Lk 7:1-10)
(3) Blind and dumb demoniac (Mt 12:22-23/Lk 11:14)
(4) Syrophoenician woman’s daughter (Mt 15:21-28/Mk 7:24-30)
(5) Mary Magdalene (Mk 16:9/Lk 8:2)

Narrated by 3 Gospels:
(6) The leper (Mt 8:2-4/Mk 1:40-45/Lk 5:12-15)
(7) Peter’s mother-in-law (Mt 8:14-15/Mk 1:29-31/Lk 4:38-39)
(8) Man with legion of demons (Mt 8:28-34/Mk 5:1-20/Lk 8:26-39)
(9) Palsied man (Mt 9:2-8/Mk 2:1-12/Lk 5:17-26)
(10) Woman with issue of blood (Mt 9:20-22/Mk 5:25-34/Lk 8:43-48)
(11) Jairus’ daughter raised from the dead (Mt 9:23-26/Mk 5:35-43/Lk 8:49-56)
(12) Man in a synagogue with a withered hand (Mt 12:9-13/Mk 3:1-5/Lk 6:6-11)
(13) Demoniac child (Mt 17:14-21/Mk 9:14-29/Lk 9:37-43)
(14) Blind Bartimaeus (Mt 20:29-34/Mk 10:46-52/Lk 18:35-43)

Question 14

List the 9 scriptures that record Jesus’ healing of large numbers of people at once:

Answer 14

(1) Mt 4:23-25
(2) Mt 8:16
(3) Mt 12:15
(4) Mt 14:14
(5) Mt 14:34-36
(6) Mt 15:30
(7) Mt 19:2
(8) Mt 21:14
(9) Lk 6:17-19

Question 15

Examples of Jesus delegating Divine healing authority and power to his disciples/followers:

Answer 15

(1) Calling of the 12 (Mt 10:1-8; Mk 6:7-13)

(2) The 70 given power and sent out (Lk 10:1-9; Lk 10:17; Lk 10:18-20)

Question 16

What do we learn about God Will to heal in Mt 10:8?

Answer 16

(1) God desires to heal many, Not few!

Question 17

Explain how significant the miracles post the ascension of Christ are in establishing the doctrine of healing for you and I today.

List the miracles done through the apostles in the book of acts:

Answer 17

The book of Luke is one man’s inspired record of what Jesus “began both to do and teach” in His earthly ministry; while the book of Acts is his inspired account of that which Jesus “continued” to do and teach after His Ascension on high. We then recognize the book of Acts as a further revelation of God’s Will relative to healing the sick.

List of Acts Miracles:
(1) Lame man (Peter) - Acts 3:1-10
(2) Many healed (Peter) - Acts 6:12-16
(3) Wonders and Miracles (Stephen) - Acts 6:8
(4) Revival in Samaria (Philip) - Acts 8:5-8
(5) Aeneas (Peter) - Acts 9:32-35
(6) Tabitha raised from the dead (Peter) - Acts 9:36-42
(7) Crippled man at Lustra (Paul) - Acts 14:8-10
(8) Paul raised up at Lystra - Acts 14:19-20
(9) Demon cast out (Paul) - Acts 17:16-18
(10) Special miracles (Paul) - Acts 19:11-12
(11) Eutychus (Paul) - Acts 20:7-12
(12) On the isle of Melina (Paul) - Acts 28:8-9

Question 18

Extra-biblical miracle testimonies giving by (8) church Fathers:

Answer 18

(1) Justin Martyr (165 A.D.)
(2) Irenaeus (216 A.D.)
(3) Tertullian (216 A.D.)
(4) Origen (250 A.D.)
(5) Clement of Alexandria (275 A.D.)
(6) Theodore Mopsueste (429 A.D.)
(7) Gregory the Great - believed the first Pope - (500 A.D.)
(8) John Wesley recorded multiple entries in his diary of healing testimonies - (1741;1756;1781)

Question 19

Scriptures that support the idea that the healing of our physical bodies was included in the Atoning Sacrifice made by Christ on Calvary’s Cross:

Answer 19

In the Old Testament atonement was made for healing:

(1) Lev 14:1-32 - “the priest shall make atonement for him” [the leper]

(2) Nm 16:46-50 - according to John 3:14-15 - the serpent of brass was a type of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross

(3) Job 33:24-25 - ransom here means atonement

Examples from scripture that show how forgiveness from sin and healing of diseases go hand and hand:

(1) Psalms 103:2-3
(2) Mark 16:6-18
(3) Exodus 15:25-26

We are redeemed through the work of Christ from the curse of the Law - sickness was a part of the Law’s curse:

(1) Galatians 3:13 / Dt 28:15-68

Christ bore our sicknesses as well as our sins on the cross according to Isaiah 53:

(1) Isaiah 53:4/Dt 7:15 - griefs = kholee = sicknesses

(2) Isaiah 53:4/Job 14:22 - sorrows = makob = pain

The Passover and the Lord’s supper
(1) Ex 12:7-8 - to protect/spare physical life
(2) 1 Cor 5:7 - blood for sins and body for health and strength of physical man - 1 Cor 11:23-30

Question 20

3 most popular incorrect reasons many say Jesus healed:

Answer 20

(1) To demonstrate His Power - no scriptural basis for this reason

(2) To vindicate His claim to Deity - some scriptural basis for this - (Mt 9:5-6; Mt 11:2-5) - But definitely not the only reason or main reason - many were not convinced of His Deity by healing miracles - (Mt 27:42-43)

(3) To initiate the preaching of the Gospel - while His miracles did draw crowds it is questionable that He did the miracles for the purpose of drawing crowds - to the contrary, many times He commanded the healed person not to tell anyone (Mt 8:4;12:15-16;Mk 7:36,8:26;Lk 8:56)

Question 21

5 reasons Jesus gave for healing the sick:

Answer 21

(1) Because of the promises of His word (Mt 8:16-17)

(2) In order to reveal His Will (Mk 3:1-5;Lk 14:1-6)

(3) To manifest the Works of God (Jn 9:3;Jn 11:1-4)

(4) Because of His Compassion (Mt 9:35-36;14:14;Mt 20:34;Mk 1:41;Mk 5:19;Lk 7:13)

(5) Because of Faith - Not only in His ability but also His Willingness:

(A) Faith of others rather than the sick person - (a) Centurion’s servant - Mt 8:5-13 (b) Nobleman’s son - Jn 4:46-53 (c) The 4 who brought the palsied man - Mk 2:1-12 (d) Syrophoenician woman’s daughter - Mt 15:21-28 (e) other cases - Mt 9:32-33;12:22-23;Mk 5:35-43;7:32;8:22-26;Jn 5:1-15

(B) Faith of those needing healing - (a) Woman with the issue of blood - Mk 5:25-34 (b) 2 Blind men - Mt 9:27-31 (c) Leper - Mt 8:2-4 (d) Ten Lepers - Lk 17:11-19

(C) Combo of the Faith of those who came and the compassion of Jesus (a) a leper - Mk 1:40-45 (b) 2 Blind men - Mt 20:29-34

Question 22

3 reasons why Christians should seek divine healing:

Answer 22

(1) Because it is a solemn command
(2) Because of the spiritual blessing it will bring
(3) Because it is glorifying to God - Mt 9:8,15:31;Lk 7:16;13:13;17:15; Jn 11:4,37,45)

Question 23

Methods of administering Divine Healing:

Answer 23

(1) Pray for yourself (Js 5:13)

(2) Ask someone else to pray for you (Js 5:16)

(3) Call for the elders of the church - (Js 5:14-16) - The oil as a symbol of the Holy Spirit which quickens our bodies (Rom 8:11)

(4) By laying on of hands (Mk 16:17-18/Mt 8:15/Mk 6:5;8:23,25/Lk 4:40;5:13;13:13)

(5) Special miracles through Handkerchiefs and Aprons (Acts 19:11-12)

(6) Special gifts of healing (1 Cor 12:9/1 Cor 12:28)

Question 24

Why are not all healed:

Answer 24

(1) Some seek healing before salvation

(2) Some seek healing for wrong purposes (Js 4:3)

(3) Some look to the minister rather than to Christ (Acts 3:4-6)

(4) Disobedience (Ex 15:26)

(5) Because of some unconfessed sin in your life (Ps 66:18/Js 5:16)

(6) Unbelief (Js 5:15/Mk 16:17/Heb 11:6)

(7) Failure to stand in faith until the answer comes (Heb 10:26)

Question 25

7 steps on how to retain divine healing:

Answer 25

(1) Keep in an atmosphere of Faith

(2) Keep praising the Lord for what He has done

(3) Keep testifying of what God has done

(4) Feed your faith on the Word of God (Rom 10:17/Ex 15:26/Mt 8:17/1 Pt 2:24)

(5) Contend in Faith for your healing (Jn 8:44/Acts 16:31/Rom 10:9)

(6) Walk in obedience to God’s Will - His Word

(7) Start and continue, service to the Lord

Question 26

2 principal reasons why Christian’s lose their healing:

Answer 26

(1) Willful sin (Jn 5:14)
(2) Faith wavers (1 Pt 5:9/Luke 8:12)

Question 27

12 main objections to Healing ministry:

Answer 27

(1) The day of miracles is past - The resurrection disproves the Rationalist point of view and the following scriptures disprove the Traditionalist approach to miracles (Mal 3:6/Heb 13:8/Js 1:17/Ps 107:27)

Additional scriptures: Acts 1:1-3/Jn 14:12/Mk 16:17/Mt 19:26

(2) If healing is in the Atonement, why are many Christians not healed? Salvation is in the atonement but all are not saved. Every promise of God’s word is accompanied with a provision, and the provision must be met by the believer before the blessing comes. In healing the provision is Faith.
False teaching can hundir as well. (Js 4:2)

Question 28

2 classes of people who object to miracles:

Answer 28

(1) Rationalist - Does not believe that miracles have ever taken place. They believe that God has always limited His work to natural laws of the universe which are known by man.

(2) Traditionalist - Believes that miracles were confined in an age or dispensation of miracles after which God would work only by natural laws.