What Is Divine Healing?
Exodus 15:22-27 James 5:13-16

October 2, 2005

Pastor William Underwood

There is much controversy and misunderstanding about Divine Healing. It has been abused by some people who want to be sensational and promote their own interest. It has also been misused by some to make great profit. But we must not ignore it for it is a Scriptural teaching. Let us look at the Bible for our instruction. Here are three things for us to consider - The Promise - The Picture - and The Practice.

I - THE PROMISE - Exodus 15:22-27
A- The Desperate Need - Water
1-They were in a desert for 3 days without water. 2-About 1 million people were dehydrating. 3-Death was not far away.
B- The Divine Provision - "A tree"
1-The healing tree looked forward to the Cross 2-God used a wooden cross to meet man's needs.
C- The Definite Promise - "I am, the God Who heals"
1-Good health is God's blessing for us. 2-Healing from sickness is God's promise 3-Everyone is not healed.

II - THE PICTURE - Isaiah 53:4-5
A- Our Great Substitute
1-God provided a lamb for Adam's needs. 2-God provided His own Son - His Lamb for us. 3-The effects of sin are cancelled by His suffering.
B- His Generous Suffering
1-His sufferings provided relief for all of man's sufferings 2-The fact that He became a man was a great sacrifice. 3-No human has ever suffered like Jesus did.
C- God's Gracious Statement - "By His wounds we are healed"
1-His physical suffering was the price for our healing. 2-We can be healed either by nature or by miracle. 3-God offers us a choice for our healing.

III - THE PRACTICE
A- The Established Permanence - Hebrews 13:8
1-God never changes ! 2-His power does not diminish. 3-God can do today anything He has ever done before
B- The Exact Procedure - James 5:14
1-Who are the Elders? 2-The sick should ask for the Elders. 3-The anointing oil has no magic.
C- The Effective Prayer - James 5:15
1-Prayer of faith is vital. 2-Faith overcomes doubt and fears. 3-Oil is symbolic - it has NO healing power. 4-The healing power from God is released by prayer. 5-God has made this provision for us in the suffering and death of His son - Jesus Christ.

This is the Scriptural basis for our belief in Divine Healing. Dr. Simpson said, "If healing does not begin after you have obeyed James 5:14-15, you should go to the best doctor you can afford."