MONDAY, DECEMBER 25
Psalm 103:1-5
Matthew 8:5-10

“Thy Word is truth.”

FEATURES OF CHARISMATIC HEALING

(abridged from “The Texts All Say No!”
by Dr Peter Masters, Sword and Trowel, 1987 No 1)

Many of the arguments advanced by the new charismatics in favour of their healing methods could easily sound convincing to young or unwary Christians… The reality is that not one of the texts which they cite supports their methods of healing, but Bible passages are constantly wrested away from their plain sense and obvious context…

To clarify matters, we define a Charismatic author as one who advocates a healing ministry which includes most of the following elements:

(1) Healers will usually claim to possess a personal healing gift, and will probably practise the laying on of hands or utter commands to heal the illness. (2) It is believed that (generally speaking) all Christians have a right to expect healing, as it is God’s will and purpose that His people should be well. (3) Clairvoyant powers are involved, either because the healer receives a “word” from God about the illness without having previously met the sufferer, or because he receives a “word” from God about the prognosis so that he can pray in line with God’s will. (4) Interaction with demons and exorcism are practised. (5) Sick people are “visualized” in a recovered state in order to effect the prayer of faith. (6) The Holy Spirit is dispensed or called down upon sufferers. (7) Trances or ecstatic states are induced to aid healing. (8) The “prayer of faith” is regarded as a prayer which is based upon an absolute certainty that God will heal.

By contrast, the traditional evangelical view is that all direct divine healing today is carried out by the Lord simply in answer to the prayers of His people. He no longer uses specially gifted people, but deals directly with the sufferer. Nor is there any promise of certain healing, for the Lord will act entirely in accordance with His sovereign, wise and perfect will, and sometimes it is His will to leave a burden of sickness upon His people.

THOUGHT: Does God promise to heal His people’s every sickness?
PRAYER: Lord, keep me strong and useful for Thy service. Amen.