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NASB | 1 Peter 2:24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Peter 2:24 He personally carried our sins in His body on the cross [willingly offering Himself on it, as on an altar of sacrifice], so that we might die to sin [becoming immune from the penalty and power of sin] and live for righteousness; for by His wounds you [who believe] have been healed. |
Subject: Sickness Brings God Glory? |
Bible Note: Thanks for the encouraging word. Job 2:10: (1) We know from the prologue that it is Satan who is buffeting Job, not God (although God allowed it). (2) Job’s experience is unique. It does not reflect the answer as to why believers, in general, suffer. With respect to your comment, God “can and does heal all whom he desires” and all whom he desires to heal are his people through their faith and obedience. This is clearly demonstrated in Jesus’ ministry. As far as examples outside of the Bible, Jim Elliot was martyred, as is the way of every believer who follows Jesus; it is also a promised experience for all who seriously take up their Cross. As someone said, the call of the Gospel is the call to die. However, Elliot is not an example of the idea that God wants his children to be sick. Joni Erickson’s condition does not necessarily support any scriptural truth; the fact that she (or anyone else) is a paraplegic does not necessarily warrant the idea that such is God’s will. Please find in the Bible where it says or clear instances that show God (a) blesses by making his chosen people sick, (b) desires believers to be sick, (c) promises or, at least, warns he will not heal those who believe and are obedient to him. Timothy’s sickness or weakness was healed by proper diet; divine intervention was not necessary. The idea that the apostle Paul had a sickness that was not healed is conjecture. Throughout Church history it is recorded that God has been healing. Eusebius asserts that idolaters “were now liberated by the power of Christ through the teaching and miracles of his messengers.” Origen (c.200) stated that Christians practiced casting out demons. Tertullian claimed, “the noblest Christian life is ‘to exorcise evil spirits – to perform cures – to live to God’.” “2000 years of scholarship and exegesis” apparently missed a lot! I agree it is not God’s desire that His people be sick. Sickness is permitted primarily as the consequence of sin and the judgment of God against it. As far as “numerous examples” of God not healing: Job 2:10 is covered above. It is mere conjecture to interpret 2 Cor 12:8-9 as referring to sickness. I agree he was sick, but where in 2 Timothy does it say Erastus was not healed? Heb 11:36 speak of persecution, not sickness. Deut. 28:22: I am not arguing sickness as judgment for disobedience. That is a given. I am arguing sickness as something God desires for His people. Note also God’s promises to heal should Israel obey (v.1-14). If Israel disobeys, they become sick; if they obey, they will be healthy. Pretty straightforward. In any case, God did not desire or want the people of Israel to be sick. |