We covered the main Scriptures that are asserted to prove that healing is in the atonement. Concerning Scripture, we found the verses that were appealed to were saying something other than what was claimed. We found that “healing” was in reference to sin-sickness and not physical sickness. We also found that there was not a singular direct reference that asserts that healing is in the atonement.

History has also proven fatal to their theory. The early church did not associate the atonement with physical healing, and they knew the teaching of the apostles and early bishops. They knew the language and the events of their day, but they did not see this as essential to the Gospel. Everywhere you look, the Gospel has everything to do with the forgiveness of sins, and not the healing of all by faith i the atonement. Forgiveness and reconciliation is the theme of the Gospel. Physical healing, while a blessing from God, is not the Gospel in the truest sense.

Experience appeals to the “plain evidence” of healing at crusades. It is supposed to prove their case, but upon an examination of this “plain evidence,” all it does is raise doubts and seems to prove that no one has this special gift of healing today but rather it is a sovereign work of God. If someone had the gift, or everybody that believed and had faith for healing were flawlessly healed, then we could present irrefutable scientific proof, but this is not so. If one had the gift, or an infallible formula, this could be proved. Why hasn’t anyone stepped up to the plate to settle the issue? To me, it is for one obvious reason…. when put under objective scrutiny, they cannot heal anybody. The fact that it cannot be demonstrated, or the fact that there is not a single soul that can pass the challenge, proves one thing; it shows me that this doctrine will remain a battle of the words and wishful interpretation. As we stand back in awe as God heals through prayer regardless of a special man’s hand.

What options are we reduced to if someone is not healed?

1. The person has less that sufficient faith. (Faith is a personal power)

2. The people laying on hands and praying did not have faith. (Pass the deficiency here)

3. That healing in the atonement is not a promise. If anyone is healed, it is because of God’s grace; it is the result of a prayer that is answered according to the will of God.

Paul was correct in accepting that God does not always will to heal. This asserts that healing is not in the atonement.

Finally, have you considered how contrary the gift of healing is if healing were already provided in the atonement? If we already have sure healing by faith, the gift of healing would be utterly redundant. The one receiving healing through a faith healer would still have to have the same amount of “adequate faith” as they would if they were to be healed by faith through the atonement alone. So why do we need a faith healer? It does not make good sense to have both in the Bible. If one is “healed” by a person, then what cause are we to give the credit to? The gift, or the atonement? Those in the modern healing movement can’t seem to make up their minds! Why is it that we do not need a man as a mediator to administer the benefit of salvation through the atonement, and we somehow think that we need elders, apostles, and those with the gift of healing to administer a benefit that is already ours by faith through the atonement?

Conclusion

If God does not always will to heal, then why does God allow us to suffer?

I don’t know if we can adequately understand the reasoning for suffering beyond the fact that mans suffering has been brought upon itself as a race, and that God is all love, but yet allows man to suffer.

I see disease, infirmity, and death, and God’s willingness not to heal all, as placing the emphasis on our existence where it should be; eternity. Everyone who was healed in the Bible still died. God may show His hand at times to confirm His presence, but where we spend eternity is what really matters. Physical life is probationary and a preparation for the next. Long physical life may have its blessings, but it cannot compare to heaven and eternity. If I die tomorrow it does not matter as long as I am to be with the Lord. If God chooses to allow me to be inflicted with an infirmity, it should cause me to rely on Him even more, especially in light of His love and eternity.

Healings build my faith, but so does the courage and faithfulness I see in those who cling to God with full hope of heaven within their suffering.

May God grant you peace of mind that He is in control. He is our Healer.