Challenges and Questions Regarding Healing
Over the 30 years in Healing Ministry, Pastor Gene received many questions, criticisms, and opposition against healing. The root cause for those voicing these challenges was because they have very little exposure to true biblical teachings. Some people doubted actual healing even with concrete evidence. Others hold tightly to their denomination’s doctrinal positions embedded within their church culture. Or they are influenced by the lies of the kingdom of darkness and strongly come against miracles. We’ll explore the flaws in these positions and others.
First, many Christians believe sickness is automatically allocated to us because we live in a fallen, sinful world. Even though they read numerous scriptures of healings performed by Jesus, they counter with: “Healings ended when the disciples died.” They defend this by stating that healings in the Bible now refer to our healing when we die and go to heaven. Unfortunately, these individuals take scriptures out of context to fit their rationale, not God’s. This position cannot stand up to the evidence of the many men and women serving God in ministries of healing throughout history. (see Smith Wigglesworth—1859-1946, John G. Lake—1870-1935, David Hogan, Freedom Ministries, current)
Second, people hold to denominational doctrines, which teach that miracles happened in the early church to bring in converts. Then they were not needed nor evident after the first century. 1 Corinthians 13:10 is used to support this position: “But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.” They believe this fits their position because the miracles, healings, and deliverances were ‘in part’ and only needed by the early church because ‘the perfect’ came later with the Church dispensation and the writing of the New Testament scriptures.
Therefore, they interpret the ‘perfect’ to mean God’s Word. However, the ‘imperfect’ in this verse references the preceding verses about prophecies, tongues, and knowledge. (1 Corinthians 13:8) There is no mention of healings, deliverances, and miracles. We need to be careful not to take scripture out of context and fit it into something else to support a manmade doctrine.
This belief also means people remain embedded in their churches’ doctrines. They look to leadership to have all the knowledge and answers without searching for what the Bible teaches. Traditions take precedence over scriptures, and people fall into the ‘herd’ mentality, blindly following the authority of man’s words and not God’s. (Hosea 4:6) There is a religious spirit at work in this environment, causing spiritual blindness and making it hard for them to believe in healing. They hold to a form of godliness but deny its power. (2 Timothy 3:5) People respond with negativity, lack support for an individual’s testimony about their healing, and even question the actual evidence.
The third reason is: “God is making me sick to teach me a lesson.” Think about this for a moment. Sickness is an antithesis to who God is. No darkness exists in Him; He only gives us that which is from His nature—wholeness! (James 1:17) If we pray for healing and expect God to heal us but believe He caused it, we work against Him. This view is absurd! Sickness is one of the penalties of Adam and Eve’s sin in the garden. We live in a fallen, sinful world with consequences, sickness being one of them. It has many different sources, some of which are our sinful choices, but it is NEVER from God. He gives grace, strength, and mercy in our trials and tribulations. (Romans 8:28, Isaiah 53:5)
The fourth denial is that everything that happens to us, including sickness, disease, pain, etc., falls under God’s control. Therefore, it is His will for us because He is sovereign over all the world. We need to understand; first, it is not God’s will nor His purpose to allow harm on us. There are evil forces in this world under the authority and power of the kingdom of darkness and satan. (John 12:31, John 14:30, John 16:11). God will not override satan’s activities if that is what we choose. He gave us free will. As believers, we have authority and power through Jesus to reverse and overcome the devil’s kingdom—call down God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven! (Matthew 6:9-10)
Fifth, people put their faith in the wisdom of men – human philosophy – and not in the knowledge of God. (1 Corinthians 3:20) This position is the most challenging stronghold to contend with and destroy. Do not mix any philosophy, teachings, doctrines, or religious systems with the Word of God, the only source of absolute Truth. This mixture is called syncretism – the blending of different religions, cultures, or schools of thought to agree with our rationale and reasoning. We see evidence of this in many practices in Christian churches that mimic the carnal behaviors (seeker-friendly) of the world and spiritual experiences through New Age practices.
Often people are oblivious to the shift away from solid biblical doctrine, being gullible and deceived because they are not grounded in the Word of God. When Jesus was on earth, He challenged the Jewish leaders about the burdensome oral traditions they adhered to, claiming they were pleasing to God. (Mark 7:13) The apostle Paul spoke against these traditions, calling them strongholds. (2 Corinthians 10:5) It is difficult for people under this influence to receive Truth because they walk in spiritual blindness.
Sixth is direct opposition. Some will doubt and discredited Pastor Gene even though many people were healed and delivered under his ministry. The kingdom of darkness always strives against God’s servants. (Matthew 16:18). He sets up a counterfeit or imitation of healing through lying signs and wonders. (2 Thessalonians 2:9) He uses impostors falsifying miracles and healings, preying upon the vulnerable with empty promises. We need to exercise caution, wisdom, and the leading of the Holy Spirit before following after claims of men promising healing and deliverance. Test the spirits. (2 Corinthians 11:13a-14, 1 John 4:1).
The test for the authentic is 1. All God’s gifts are free. He gives generously and in abundance beyond all that we could ask. (James 1:17) 2. Everything He does is for His Glory and not man’s. If a man is exalted, then it is not of God. 3. ONLY Jesus is our only true healer! Satan is just an imitator or imposter. 4. God chooses the way healing comes and when. Man’s coercion does not manufacture true healing from God. 5. If manipulation or fear is used in the ministry, the Holy Spirit is NOT directing it; He will NOT bless it. 6. God’s miracles are always marked with peace that we will know and sense within our spirit.
Despite all unbelief, we continue to contend for the Truth. The manifestations of His miracles are for today! (Acts 5:12) God will vindicate His TRUTH!
Jesus Christ is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 AMP)
