MIRACULOUS HEALING

Two extremes are seen in regarded to the subject of miraculous divine healing as recorded in the Bible. On one hand are those skeptics who refuse to believe that Christ and his apostles actually healed the afflicted in a supernatural way. On the other are those folks who claim they also have the power to heal the sick by miraculous means. A study the miracles of Jesus helps us to see the fallacy in both of these views.

For the skeptics: The miracles were done openly before hundreds, even thousands of witnesses. They were done in the presence of his enemies who were forced to say, "for indeed a notable miracle hath been wrought through them, is manifest to all that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it" (4:16). Eyewitnesses saw and recorded those miraculous acts for us. They were reputable men who were willing to die rather than renounce the truths they told. The New Testament they wrote has been demonstrated to be true and reliable. In spite of many attempts to discredit its testimony it still stands unscathed.

Concerning those who claim they can heal miraculously: A careful comparison of the healings of Christ and the apostles with those of modern faith healers reveals a stark contrast.

Christ could heal people whether they believed or not (Luke 22:50-51). Faith healers find it a convenient escape to blame their failures on their patient's lack of faith.

Many of the faith healers seen on TV are not only mistaken, they are charlatans who deceive multitudes to enrich themselves. Repeatedly they have been caught and exposed.

Strangely there are religious folks who love to believe bizarre and incredible things and follow and support those who practice them. Remember Paul's warning, "Let no man deceive you" (II Thessalonians 2:3).