Word of Faith teachings concerns

Isaiah 53 is a chapter that has been talked about, debated, and argued over for years, and perhaps will continue to be for years to come. According to most theologists, that there is a sense in which physical healing took place in the atoning work of Christ. But that healing waits to be realized in the future. The healing of the atonement will bring about our resurrection in glory, where there will be no pain or suffering (Rev. 21:1-4; 22:1-3). Jesus died to save us from our sins is clear both in Isaiah 53 and many other portions of Scripture. But there are some teachers often state that Jesus also died to deliver us from our diseases. Most of us do not believe that concept. We may say that God might very well promise healing. Any conclusion that physical healing is secured through Christ's death must be derived from other passages. But all other passages regarding Christ's death have to do with deliverance from sin and reconciliation with God. Isaiah 53:4-6 and Matthew 8:17. It is interesting that in the book of Matthew, there is a passage about "physical healing" (Matt. 8:17) that it has been conjectured by some that disease as well as sin was included in the atoning death of Christ that goes with Isaiah 53:4-6. Researched and found out how the "healing" is being used as part one of a major doctrine by some. Scriptures have stated that the Lord took away the diseases (sin) of sinners by healing them. In other words, Jesus died for our spiritual death (sins), not our physical diseases. The physical diseases in themselves are not "sin" but merely one of the results of our sins. Interesting that Isaiah 53:5-6 prophesies that Christ bear our sins on the Cross as mentioned in 1 Peter 2:24-25 (NIV) "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." Ezekiel 34:11-12 (NIV) 'For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. Hebrew 13:20-21 (NIV) May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. He is ABLE to heal, that He does on occasion heal. We have a clear understanding that it MAY not God’s will to heal ALL today as He did in Jesus’ time or in the time of the early N.T. church. It is unquestionable that we see healing as part of God’s wonderful grace in the Scriptures. God's Will Knowing God's Will and Accepting God's Will. There is confusion between the determined Will of God and my responsibility as a Christian. As a human being, I love the familiar of my life, the comfortable of my life and something that I can control my life. Also, as a Christian, I love to receive the promises of God. I need to know and understand the Will of God. It is God's Will to have all of us healed at His appointed time. At the same time, God will decide who will be healed according to the glorification of God's plan. Proverbs 20:24 How can we understand the road we travel? It is the LORD who directs our steps. Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Defining the word “will.” The word “will” is from the Greek word thelema, #2307 in Strong’s. It is translated “will” 62 times, “desire” once and “pleasure” once. God's Will is probably the most misuse to fortify an erroneous position. It is very clear, beyond any doubt or question, that you CANNOT always know in advance that it is God's will to heal a particular person, or illness. Especially those who do NOT have a finger, a leg, or a toe. If there was a reliable documented evidence that someone's missing finger have healed by God, we would have know the truth today. "Thousands of babies entered the world with no arms or legs, or with only stumps." (Unknown) "George Bernard Shaw caustically commented that he found the healing shrine at Lourdes unconvincing because it had many crutches and wheelchairs on display, but not one wooden leg, glass eye or toupee." (Unknown) "I have never yet heard an account of miraculous healing of pancreatic cancer (which has a 100 percent mortality rate) or of cystic fibrosis, or a major birth defect, or amputation." (Unknown) "Faith, for instance, is not positive thinking; that is something quite different. Faith is not a hunch that is followed. Faith is not hoping for the best, hoping that everything will turn out all right. Faith is not a feeling of optimism. Faith is none of these things, though all of them have been identified as faith." (Ray C. Stedman, "What Faith Is") Faith believes them and adjusts its life to those facts and walks on that basis. (Ray C. Stedman, "What Faith Is") The Christian walk is a fight of Faith, we have to understand that living (walking) by faith, we accept purpose and plans of God however He sees fit. How does our Christian grow in Faith? We grow through circumstances. Look at it this way, we would not have grown spiritually in the acceptance and understanding of God's grace and ways if God had removed the trial. It takes a great faith for someone to endure the pain, hardship, illness, or whatever is happening in someone's life. It takes more faith to give glory to God while remaining in a wheelchair for the majority of one's life than to be healed. One of my Hall of Faith person is Joni Erickson (who is in a wheelchair). Hebrews 11:39-40 (NLT) All of these people we have mentioned received God's approval because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had far better things in mind for us that would also benefit them, for they can't receive the prize at the end of the race until we finish the race. There have been many GREAT Christians who are not healed and died without being healed. The key word, "all" will be healed is correct... the only difference is that ALL will be healed after resurrection (or after we die). The Bible is clear on that. The Bible is not clear or even stated that ALL will be healed before we die. There is a huge differences in this healing faith. Consider Christians of the past and today who were or are sick or who suffered or are suffering with seriously ailments. Read almost any biography of wonderful Christians and you will in most cases read of certain physical afflictions which God allowed them to endure. If some think those godly saints did not glorify God or their actions were not biblical, then I do not know how some people come up with the definition of God's Glory. In the scriptures, God said He will use all resources to glorify HIM and He not use healing alone. Do not forget to do good (Hebrews 13:16) to help the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed (Luke 14:13-14). God will be glorified who use their spiritual gift for "help others" and "works of service"(1Corinth. 12:28, Eph. 4:12). So, what is the most balanced biblical statement regarding healing? Healing does happen and at the same time, God will commend you for your faith, if you have not received what has been promised (i.e. healing) before you die. God has planned something BETTER for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect (Heb 11:39-40).