Biblical Perspectives, Vol. 11 No. 1-2, 2003.
Review article
Health and healing
George W. Reid
; Biblical Research Institute, Silver Spring, MD, USA
Abstract
The biblical degree of interest in health and healing is underrepresented in contemporary theological and biblical studies. An adequate grasp of the subject rests on broad theologi¬cal truths about God’s character as expressed in creation, His dealings with humanity, His plan of salvation, and His ultimate restoration of all things. Our understanding incorporates the uniqueness of creation in God’s image, the impact and consequences of sin, and how God in Christ addressed the problem of suffering, pain, and death. In a world of widespread ill¬ness and universal death, we would expect the Scriptures to address suffering and pain. As consequences of sin, both sickness and death represent anomalies in God’s universe, to be coped with for the present, but destined to end in the coming triumph of Christ’s kingdom.
The Scriptures present no systematic dis¬cussion of issues in health and healing, al¬though many examples of illness and healings appear there. Especially in the min¬istry of Jesus we encounter repeated con-frontations with sickness and demon possession. These He used as opportuni¬ties to teach lessons about God’s character and purpose as well as to bring relief from suffering and demonic oppression. His min¬istry presents the ultimately compassionate approach to humanitarian concern, but it is more, for it opens penetrating insights into the character of both God and man. This brief article begins with Creation, tracing the biblical picture of health and healing to its summit in the work of Jesus, and concludes with His final triumph over evil, suffering, and death.
Keywords
Health; Healing; Creation-health; God-as-healer
Hrčak ID:
99978
URI
Publication date:
3.12.2003.
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