Monday, September 15, 2008

Healing and Forgiveness

11:59 PM by Christi Bowman

In Bible class, last Sunday, we looked at Acts chapter 3. I was thrilled because of my latest obsession with Acts. We came to verses 6-8:

6Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. 8He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.

My brother-in-law, Randy, pointed out to the class that what it takes babies 2 years to accomplish, this man did in seconds. He had been crippled since birth, still, not only did he stand up, but he walked and even jumped. This man received complete healing and began praising God. I was reminded of James 5:15:

And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.

In healing there is forgiveness of sin. This man was undoubtedly healed in every sense of the word as his faith allowed him to get up and walk. In John 20:23 we see where Jesus gave man the power to forgive sins via the Holy Spirit. Did Jesus' death endow us with the ability to heal? Could we be made for more than just heaven? Is it possible that we could physically offer salvation to a person by believing in our ability to heal them by the power in Jesus' name.

I Corinthians 4:18 God's Way is not a matter of mere talk; it's an empowered life.

I am getting the impression that we were given a lot more than a get out of hell free card, but few want to even consider this...why?

2 Timothy 3:14 Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another, showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.

I Corinthians 12:7 Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful: wise counsel, clear understanding, simple trust, healing the sick, miraculous acts, proclamation, distinguishing between spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues. All these gifts have a common origin, but are handed out one by one by the one Spirit of God. He decides who gets what, and when.

We have to start wrestling with this.

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