Chapter 11: Divine Healing
We believe healing is provided for in the atonement, and that the Lord still heals the sick in answer to the prayer of faith. This is the Foursquare Church’s third cornerstone: “Jesus Heals.”
God revealed himself in the Old Testament as healer: “for I am the LORD that healeth thee” (Exodus 15:26). The prophet saw it in the cross: “with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5); Peter echoes this, “by whose stripes ye were healed” (1 Peter 2:24). Jesus healed all who came to him (Matthew 8:16-17). He sent out his disciples with this power (Luke 9:1-2; Mark 16:17-18).
The church is given a practice: “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him” (James 5:14-15). Healing is also among the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:9).
Healing does not replace wisdom or care. Luke was “the beloved physician” (Colossians 4:14), and Paul advised Timothy about his health (1 Timothy 5:23). God remains sovereign, and Paul’s own thorn was not removed, though the Lord answered, “My grace is sufficient for thee” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).
Where the traditions stand. The Assemblies of God and Foursquare teach divine healing as part of the full gospel, and practise prayer for the sick, anointing with oil, and the laying on of hands. Many Evangelical Baptists believe God can and does heal in answer to prayer and encourage elders to pray over the sick, while differing on whether healing is “in the atonement” or on the place of healing ministries.
Carry this verse: “I am the LORD that healeth thee” (Exodus 15:26).