Is Healing Part of the Atonement?

Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken. Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:4-6 NKJV)

These verses seem to cause confusion for a number of people. So let’s start by getting an understanding of what sin is. Sin, or transgression, is being out of character with God, being out of God’s character and displacement with God.

Now, let’s look at the area where some believe healing may not be part of the atonement. One doesn’t have to look far in order to find reports that will support this thought -- from hospitals to graveyards. Almost all who maintain this way of thinking will speak of personal encounters that either a friend, relative, or themselves have lived or now living through. They will freely express that Jesus is Lord, and that He did indeed die for their sins. However, their understanding about physical healing is dim. Most of this thinking can be traced back to incorrect teaching or no teaching at all. The Bible teaches us that sickness and disease are present in the earth because of the fall of man (sin). Jesus provides physical healing with the atoning of sins.

Since the Bible clearly states that healing is in the atonement, that same old question rises again … that question that says “If healing is in the atonement, why did my uncle Slapstick die of cancer?” As we look to Jesus for the answer, it’s important to keep in mind that one person’s testimony of healing shouldn’t be compared to a person’s statement of not receiving healing. And on the other hand, just because a person died without being healed doesn’t mean that he or she lacked faith.

However, faith does play a major roll in healing. We can see that in the account of Matthew 9:27-30, when Jesus was approached by two blind men. “When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, ‘Son of David, have mercy on us!’ And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ They said to Him, ‘Yes Lord.’ Than He touched their eyes, saying, ‘According to your faith, let it be to you.’ And their eyes were opened.” (NKJV)

Faith for healing grows when one combines consistency in prayer with renewing of the mind through the Word … especially when, once prayed for, healing doesn’t take place instantly. The Bible says in Romans 12:1-2; “I beseech you brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (NKJV) The renewing of the mind through the Word is an everyday process. I like to put it this way; we must stop thinking the way society thinks and allow the Holy Spirit to refresh our minds with the way God thinks. To be able to believe and accept that Jesus still heals today, especially when there is so much unbelief among people, takes a daily mind-renewing experience. With each challenge we face, go to Jesus.

When we face a daily challenge, the Holy Spirit will remind us of the things Jesus has taught us in order to help us reach the victory that is already ours. John 14:26 says, in the words of Jesus, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (NKJV) Jesus teaches today also through the written Word of God, which is the Holy Bible. The Holy Spirit brings those teachings back to our mind during that time of need (challenge).

If we yield to these teachings while facing that need (challenge), it is at that point that it becomes a mind-renewing experience. This experience will become an every day task until Jesus returns. We’re to apply this task (experience) toward every single need we face, every day. Therefore, every healing that isn’t an instant healing, along with the daily renewing of the mind through the Word, becomes a daily process as well.

I’ve witnessed cases in which a person who is believing God for healing, while still in the every day process of healing, receives supernatural healing (while still taking medicine- still under the doctor’s orders, etc). Allow me to add that being obedient to your doctor is walking by faith.

I remember, when I was living in Richmond, Virginia, I was part of the television ministry staff at my church. One afternoon after a meeting, other TV staff members and I were holding hands in a circle agreeing in prayer. During that prayer, the face of a person I knew flashed into my mind. After we finished praying, I realized that the flash came from the Holy Spirit, and He was leading me to that person’s home to pray.

About one hour after I arrived, my friend and I were finally able to go outside and talk. To make a long story short, after we finished talking, the Holy Spirit led me as I prayed with and for my friend. It was a prayer for salvation as well as for healing. That friend of mine not only accepted Jesus, but she also understood that she was to expect her healing. The salvation came instantly, but the healing was not completed until six months later. The key in this process of healing is to never lose sight of Jesus and the work He completed at the cross.

In conclusion, the Holy Bible, being the true Word of God, clearly states that healing is in the atonement. As Christians, we must look to Jesus Christ to take away our sins, as well as for the healing of our physical bodies. If we’re going to trust God completely for our salvation and healing, we must never look to someone’s non-healing as a guide of what to expect concerning our own healing. We must trust God day after day, knowing that He desires to heal us from our sin as well as from our infirmities.

When seeking God for healing, we should apply certain things. First, go directly to Jesus, believing He will heal you, and walk in faith. Faith plays a major role in healing, and draws a response from God. Never look at someone else’s situation about healing, but stay focused on Christ. Second, faith to obtain healing must be combined with prayer and renewing of the mind. If you don’t receive instant healing, a renewed mind with consistent prayer will keep faith alive until the healing process is completed. Third, follow doctor’s orders and take medicine as prescribed. God heals through doctors and medicine, and that method of healing should be respected and honored. To take medicine is not lacking in faith, but it is biblically sound.

Lastly, maintain a strong prayer life. Prayer is direct communion with God and by maintaining a strong prayer life, we maintain the proper attitude toward God. God honors a person of prayer.

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