I’ve been posting about the Scriptures showing the link between sin and sickness. We need to understand from the Word that sickness is a part of the package that we call the “sin nature.”
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5
This verse tells us how Christ was going to pay for each specific form of sin that manifests itself in our lives. Transgressions occur when I knowingly break God’s law.
Iniquities are sinful tendencies that are passed down parent to child through the generations. Bringing peace speaks to the sins that we commit against one another.
This brings us to healing. This verse shows that sickness is just one more manifestation of the sin nature that needs to be removed. Christ suffered and died – then rose again – to totally break the effects of sin in all of its forms.
But I believe that the greatest testimony is from Jesus Christ Himself.
I’m sure you remember Luke’s account of the sick man who was lowered down to Jesus through a hole in the roof.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”
The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?
But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins….” He said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”
Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God.
Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.”
Luke 5:20-26
In looking at this event in the life of Jesus, it’s important to note that the Greek word that we translate as forgive literally means to remove. Therefore, according to Jesus’ own testimony, in order to prove that He could remove sin – He removed sickness.
Jesus would not have made such an amazing statement unless it were true.
This is one of the most important concepts we need to hear. When a person is healed, a manifestation of the sin nature is removed from their life.
What is God’s view of sickness?
In God’s mind sickness is a blight on His perfect creation. It’s like the first scratch on a brand new car. It’s utterly offensive to Him. He hates sickness and disease more than we do.
Remember – it’s not the sick person that God hates, but rather the sickness that has taken hold of him or her.
I need to pick up the same attitude as the Lord. If He hates it, then I must hate it, too. If He views it as a form of the sin nature, then I can’t get friendly and comfortable with it.
This is the first step to your healing – DO NOT GET COMFORTABLE WITH SICKNESS!
In my next post, we’ll look at God’s will concerning healing. Is it God’s will that all be healed?
Questions: Are you in need of healing? Do you trust God to do this work in you?
© Nick Zaccardi 2014
The Spirit and the Word 