The Five Ways Jesus Heals

Summary of Chapter 3: The Five Ways Jesus Heals

Overview

In The Five Ways Jesus Heals, Stephen A. Seamands presents a comprehensive view of Jesus' multifaceted healing ministry. Seamands identifies five primary ways in which Jesus heals: directly and supernaturally, through doctors and medicine, through the natural healing ability of the human body, by bestowing sufficient grace during suffering, and through victorious dying. Drawing from biblical sources and historical Christian practices, Seamands emphasizes that healing is an integral part of the Christian experience, and each of these five methods demonstrates Jesus’ ongoing work of restoration in the world. Seamands also discusses how figures like John Wesley offer an example of integrating these healing approaches.

Key Themes and Concepts

  1. Supernatural Healing: The Miracle of Direct Healing Jesus often heals directly and supernaturally, demonstrating that the Kingdom of God has broken into the present. Seamands discusses how throughout the New Testament, Jesus performed miracles of healing, and His disciples were empowered to do the same (Matthew 10:1-8; Luke 9:1-2). Supernatural healing remains a vital part of the global Christian experience today, particularly in Pentecostal and Charismatic movements. Seamands references Craig Keener’s extensive research in Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts and emphasizes that we should pray for supernatural healing with expectancy, acknowledging that the Kingdom is both “already” and “not yet” present.

  2. Healing Through Doctors and Medicine: The Miracle of Modern Medicine Jesus also heals through the practice of medicine and the work of doctors. Seamands highlights that Christians have always esteemed physicians and the practice of medicine as part of God's provision. The Bible, notably in the writings of Luke (Colossians 4:14), reflects a positive view of doctors. Seamands draws attention to the historical role of Christian missionaries in advancing scientific medicine globally, as discussed by Amanda Porterfield. Medicine is a gift from God, and Seamands advocates for a partnership between supernatural healing and medical treatment, noting that both serve as channels for Jesus' healing work.

  3. Healing Through the Body’s Natural Healing Abilities: The Miracle of Nature Jesus heals through the body’s own natural healing processes, which He designed. Seamands explains that the body is “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) with built-in mechanisms for healing, such as immune responses and tissue repair. He recounts stories of people whose physical healing occurred after resolving emotional or spiritual barriers, such as unforgiveness, allowing their bodies to heal naturally. Seamands also emphasizes the importance of promoting overall health through proper diet, exercise, rest, and emotional well-being.

  4. Healing Through Sufficient Grace: The Miracle of Endurance Sometimes, Jesus heals by providing the grace to endure suffering rather than removing it. Seamands uses the example of Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9) to illustrate how Jesus’ power is perfected in weakness. Rather than taking away Paul’s affliction, Jesus granted him grace to bear it. Seamands highlights that enduring suffering with patience and grace can be a powerful testimony to others, and sometimes this form of healing is more transformative than physical recovery.

  5. Healing Through Victorious Dying: The Miracle of the Victorious Crossing Jesus heals through death, which for Christians is not the end but the beginning of eternal life with God. Seamands draws on biblical passages, such as Hebrews 2:14-15 and 1 Corinthians 15:54, to show that Christ’s victory over death has transformed it into a passage of healing. He shares testimonies of Christians who have faced death with peace and confidence, viewing it as a doorway to a deeper experience of God’s love. Seamands describes this as “victorious dying,” a form of healing where the ultimate restoration occurs through entering the presence of Jesus.

Biblical References and Citations

References

  • Porterfield, Amanda. Healing in the History of Christianity. Porterfield explores the long-standing involvement of Christians in healing practices throughout history.
  • Keener, Craig. Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts and Miracles Today: The Supernatural Work of God in the Modern World. Keener documents verified miraculous healings across the globe, demonstrating the continuation of supernatural healing today.
  • Kreeft, Peter. Kreeft’s metaphor of death as “life’s golden chariot” illustrates how Jesus transforms death into a victorious crossing for believers.
  • Wesley, John. Wesley’s Primitive Physic and his writings demonstrate his holistic approach to healing, integrating supernatural healing with medical practice and promoting health through lifestyle.

Conclusion

In The Five Ways Jesus Heals, Stephen Seamands provides a balanced and integrated perspective on healing, emphasizing that Jesus heals in diverse and complementary ways. Whether through direct supernatural intervention, modern medicine, the body’s natural healing processes, grace during suffering, or the victorious crossing of death, Jesus continues to work as the Great Healer. Seamands challenges Christians to embrace all five ways of healing and to participate in Christ's ongoing ministry of restoration. Figures like John Wesley exemplify how these methods can be held together in a holistic approach, offering a model for the church to follow today. Ultimately, Seamands encourages believers to seek healing in all its forms, trusting that Jesus’ love and power are present in every situation, regardless of the method He chooses to employ.