The advancement of medical science is often seen as one of humanity’s greatest achievements. It has reduced diseases, prolonged life, and improved overall quality of living. Yet, no matter how far medical science advances, it will never render the ministry of healing less relevant. The ministry of healing through Jesus Christ will always hold a vital and unique position, beyond the capabilities of science — that is, beyond the opinions and abilities of men, since science is nothing more than people. Despite the progress of medical science, humanity will always require the miraculous power of God for true and lasting healing.
There will always be sickness in the world. The Bible makes it clear that sinners live under the power of the law of sin and death, which ensures that disease, suffering, and death persist throughout history. Science is nothing more than the concerted theories and efforts of mankind, and it cannot destroy this fundamental law. Paul wrote, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Sin’s consequences affect both the souls and bodies of people, resulting in corruption and illness. Even if some diseases are conquered, the people will still be under the dominion of sin and death until they are set free by Christ.
Even if medical science overcomes one form of disease, another will arise. If a particularly formidable sickness is eradicated, some other ailment will take its place. The progress of medical science is like placing a bandage over an unhealed wound. It may relieve symptoms and stave off immediate crises, and only for those who have access to it and can afford it, but it cannot address the root cause, which is sin and its devastating effects. The law of sin and death is relentless, ensuring that no amount of human ingenuity can eliminate the reality of disease for all people, for all time.
In contrast, God’s promise to humanity offers a complete solution. As the Bible says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases.” This confession of God’s immutable nature transcends anything medical science can offer. God does not merely address one disease or another. He heals all our diseases. His healing is comprehensive because he is stronger than any disease, his power is ahead of the newest viruses, and his grace deals not only with the body but also with the spirit. His grace to forgive works harmoniously with his power to heal. This is a kind of deep cure that medical science can never hope to achieve.
In Jesus Christ, there is always more than enough healing for all who believe. Scripture tells us that Jesus “took our infirmities and carried our sicknesses.” He has borne the full weight of sickness and disease for us. The work of Jesus is not merely historical but continues today through the ministry of healing. Jesus remains the source of healing for all who come to him in faith. Medical science is weak, slow, expensive, and limited, and it cannot take upon itself the sicknesses of the world and address them at the root as Jesus has done.
Paul wrote, “The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.” This is the key to understanding the uniqueness of healing by faith in God. The law of the Spirit of life sets us free from the effects of sin, including sickness. While medical science attempts to manage the symptoms of the law of sin and death, only Jesus Christ provides true deliverance from its power. The Spirit of life brings freedom, not just temporary relief. There is more healing in Christ than there is sickness in the world. We walk in his healing power when we have faith in him, follow him, pray to him, and align our words with his promises.
Faith plays the deciding role in receiving healing from God. As James said, “The prayer of faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.” Throughout Scripture, we see examples of people who were healed because of their faith. Faith is the means by which we access the healing power of God. Healing happens when we combine our faith in God’s ability to heal and our willingness to receive. Christians can banish disease and receive healing by speaking the promises of God and exercising authority in the name of Jesus
God’s promises and teachings on healing are established by his will. When God declares that he is the healer, it is an expression of his very nature. His commitment to heal is not based on our merit but on his grace and his sovereign decision to bless his people. He has already decided to heal. He has sent Jesus to carry our sicknesses, and he has nailed our sicknesses on the cross together with him. This means that healing is a reality, and it is as irrevocable as God’s nature and as certain as the finished work of Jesus Christ. Unlike medical science, which is limited by human opinions and abilities, God is sovereign over all things, and his power to heal is limitless and always given to those who believe.
The ministry of healing was central to the testimony of the early church. Today, the church must continue to be a place where people can come to experience the healing power of God. The practice of laying on of hands and praying in faith are means through which the church can dispense miracles to the sick. The church is called to demonstrate God’s power as a practical fulfillment of the gospel and also as a witness against sinners and faithless religious people.
The ministry of healing remains as relevant today as it was during the time of Jesus. Humanity will always need God’s healing miracles, just as much as humanity will always need God’s power to save and grace to forgive. Medical science — that is, the opinions and abilities of men — can never eradicate the law of sin and death. There will always be sickness in the world, and there will always be a need for the power of God to bring true healing. God forgives all our iniquities and heals all our diseases. In Christ, there is more than enough healing to meet every need. True healing, for both body and soul, comes from God alone, and it is something that science — that people — will never replace.