LORD’S DAY, DECEMBER 24
Psalm 103:1-5
James 5:13-16

Honour the Lord’s Day.

NO FAITH, NO HEALING

Modern faith healers abound but genuine cures of pathologically certified organic disease are not seen. We are not disclaiming the subjective improvement in health that may result. What we seriously question is: “Is the faith healing genuine?”

Some faith-healers offer to heal by appealing for handkerchiefs or portions of garments to be sent – preferably with a gift of money. The article will be prayed over with “laying of hands” by the electronic preacher, then returned – without the money! Healing is assured the user of that article – but with this proviso that the healing will be according to the measure of the person’s faith. What do you think of this sort of “pious robbery”? The “healer” accepts no responsibility if the person is not cured. The fault is his own lack of faith! What these confidence tricksters are saying is: more faith, more healing; no faith no healing! This sort of abominable doctrine must be exposed by the light of God’s Word.

In the act of faith healing, we must consider (a) the healer’s authenticity, (b) the subject’s faith and (c) God’s will. Regardless of (a) and (b), God may not heal the subject. It may just not be His will. This is the decisive factor. The subject’s faith is the least important factor. Why do we say this? On the ground that our Lord and the Apostles healed all who sought their help (Matt 12:15; Acts 5:16) and these did not all have faith. How could a dead man like Lazarus manifest “faith”? In further refutation of the faith healers’ vile theory, we cite the case of the Apostle Paul. Who would doubt that Paul was a man of great faith? Yet he was afflicted by his “thorn in the flesh.” He prayed to the Lord thrice. But it was not removed. Lack of faith? Or, God’s perfect will? The Lord’s answer is in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9.

The Charismatics’ incessant quest for physical well-being loses sight of the all-sufficiency of God’s grace under all circumstances.

THOUGHT: What do I do when I am down with some sickness?
PRAYER: Lord, grant me Thy grace for my daily needs.