Divine Healing

Mr. Murray, because of his doctrine concerning "original sin" or "sin nature," attributes all sickness to sin, either personally committed or resulting from "the preponderance of sin which weighs upon the entire human race." We agree that all sickness results from sin-- but only indirectly-- when referring to honest-hearted Christians. Almost all of the sickness endured in this world is because of sin. But the presence of sin need not be a factor at all, were an honest Christian to bear an infirmity. Mr. Murray agrees in Spirit, stating: God "teaches us not to accuse every sick person of sin." When dealing with an honest Christian (or, one who has "an honest and good heart, having heard the Word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience" [Luke 8:15]), physical infirmity can have a sanctifying effect-- diverting the Christian from sinning-- even as it happened for the Apostle Paul. "7 And lest I should be exalted above measure [Paul hadn't sinned-- 'lest I should be'] through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the LORD thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong" (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Of course, this example does not deny the Scriptural fact that "the LORD [is] for the body," (1 Corinthians 6:13). It was "for the body" that the "thorn in the flesh" was allowed, God thus providing a sanctifying warning for Paul to refrain from the sin of pride. While infirmities give us the opportunity to be refined, we are to "be careful (or, anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Philippians 4:6). "Jesus Himself who is always the first, the best, the greatest Physician," as Mr. Murray so excellently affirmed, is "the LORD that healeth thee" (Exodus 15:26).