Summary of Chapter 6: Embracing the Mystery of Healing
Overview
In this chapter, we delve into the inherent mystery of healing ministry and the complexity it brings to Christian life. Healing, while rooted in the atonement of Christ and part of the kingdom of God, does not follow a clear, predictable pattern. We are invited to embrace this mystery without oversimplifying it. This chapter draws attention to the balance of faith, prayer, and humility, recognizing that while healing can happen miraculously, it often remains an unpredictable aspect of God's kingdom.
Key Themes and Concepts
- Mystery in Christian Faith
The Doctrine of the Trinity: The Trinity itself is a mystery beyond human comprehension, yet it reveals truths about God that guide our understanding of the divine. Just as we cannot fully grasp the nature of the Trinity, neither can we fully understand all the workings of God, particularly in healing. "The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables." (Mark 4:11)
Healing and Divine Mystery: Healing ministry consistently brings us face to face with divine mystery. Even with our faith in Christ’s power to heal, we must accept that not all prayers for healing are answered in the way we expect.
- Faith and Healing
Faith and the Healing Process: Faith is a key factor in healing, but not the only one. The Bible records that faith played a role in many healings performed by Jesus, but not all who were healed exhibited strong or even present faith. The father of the demon-possessed boy cried, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24). This paradoxical mixture of belief and doubt did not hinder Jesus from bringing healing.
Avoiding the Faith Formula: It is a mistake to adopt the “faith formula” which implies that greater faith automatically leads to healing. This oversimplification can lead to guilt and confusion for those who are not healed. Faith must not be understood merely as psychological certainty but as a trust in the person of Jesus Christ.
- Healing in the Atonement
Isaiah 53:4-5 and Physical Healing: The atonement of Christ provided for our salvation and, by extension, our healing. However, not all of the benefits of Christ’s atoning work are fully realized in this life. The prophecy in Isaiah tells us that Christ "bore our griefs" and "by his stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:4-5), but this healing is both spiritual and, sometimes, physical, unfolding according to God's will and timing.
Present and Future Blessings: Healing, like the kingdom of God, is "already and not yet." We experience healing now in part, but full healing, including the redemption of our bodies, awaits the consummation of the kingdom (Romans 8:23).
- Navigating the Tension of the Already and Not Yet
The Kingdom of God: Jesus inaugurated the kingdom of God, but its full realization is still future. This creates tension in healing ministry, where the power of the kingdom is already present but not fully manifest. "The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up." (James 5:15) Yet, we acknowledge that full restoration may not come until the end of the age.
Living in the Mystery: Healing does not always follow a predictable path, and we must learn to live in the "radical middle," accepting the mystery of God's timing and methods. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Biblical References and Citations
Isaiah 53:4-5 - This verse underscores the dual reality of Christ's atoning sacrifice for both our sins and our healing. It is the foundation for much of Christian teaching on divine healing.
Mark 4:11 - Jesus refers to the mysterious nature of the kingdom of God, reminding us that not all divine realities are easily understood or revealed to all.
Mark 9:24 - This plea from the father of a demon-possessed boy exemplifies the paradox of faith—both believing and struggling with doubt—yet still being met by Jesus in healing.
2 Corinthians 12:9 - Paul’s testimony reminds us that not all healings result in physical restoration; sometimes God’s answer is the grace to endure and find strength through weakness.
James 5:15 - The role of faith in healing is affirmed, but the mystery remains as healing does not always manifest as expected.
Conclusion
The mystery of healing calls for faith, patience, and humility. Healing is an integral part of God’s kingdom, secured through the atonement of Christ. Yet, as with other kingdom realities, it is not fully realized in this present age. As Christians, we are called to trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty, even when healing does not come as we expect.
The invitation is to embrace the tension between faith and mystery, understanding that while we have been given insight into God's ways, much remains beyond our grasp. Our ultimate hope lies in the promise of the future resurrection, where all will be made whole. Until then, we trust that God's grace is sufficient, and we continue to seek healing while resting in the mystery of God's greater plan.