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My soul, praise the LORD, and do not forget all His benefits. He forgives all your sin; He heals all your diseases. - Psalm 103:2-3 HCSB

Like any good father, Hashem is interested in both our spiritual and physical health. On 14 distinct occasions Jesus performed miracles of either physical or mental healing. He then commanded His disciples to carry on His ministries, which included healing.[1] This ministry continued in the book of Acts.[2] Even if we believe that this type of miraculous healing was reserved for the early New Testament church as a way of demonstrating that the New Covenant was in fact from God, clearly Hashem is concerned for our health.

Neither the Hebrew nor the Greek idea of health is like ours. In both cultures, physical health was intrinsically tied to mental and spiritual health. For example, the Greek adjective hugies which means sound, balanced or healthy, is often used for doctrine or philosophy.[3]

Thus, the Apostle John prayed for Gaius saying, “I pray that you may prosper in every way and be in good health, just as your soul prospers” obviously comparing Gaius’ physical and spiritual health.[4] This emphasis on the holistic relationship between the body, mind and spirit that is just now coming into fashion in our modern society has been the rule for millennia in the Scriptures.

Just because we believe that Yahweh Rapha[5] can heal us miraculously does not mean that the Ransomed discount the use of doctors and allopathic medicine. After all, the Holy Spirit did choose to appoint a physician to write two books of the New Testament.[6] Jesus obviously had good attitudes toward the practice of medicine and thought that it was an effective approach.[7] Paul actually mentioned the donation of eyes in a positive way![8]

However, we recognize the limitations of human science. We should not call the elders to anoint us with oil[9] as a last resort. Prayer for health should proceed in conjunction with the practice of medicine.

In view of:

• God’s concern for our physical well being,
• His approbation of the use of medicine,
• the example of the Messiah who gave His body for our healing,[10]
• and of the admonition to imitate His attitudes,[11]

we believe that organ donation is to be viewed as an act of neighborly love and charity. It is an excellent way for God’s children to demonstrate compassion for the needs of others and to alleviate suffering. We encourage the Ransomed to donate their bodies, bringing to literal fruition the command to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God as a spiritual form of worship.[12] This view extends to any modern medical services, including surgery, hospitalization, dental work, anesthesia, blood transfusions or immunization.

We should always praise the Lord and not forget all His benefits because it is He who forgives our sins and heals our diseases[13], whether He does it through doctors or through miracles.

[1] Matthew 10:5-8; Mark 6:12-13; Luke 9:1-6

[2] Acts 4:9,14; 5:16; 8:7; 14:10; 28:8

[3] 1 Timothy 1:10; 6:3; 2 Timothy 1:13; 4:3; Titus 1:9; 2:1,8

[4] 3 John 1:2

[5] Raphah (Healer) - Exodus 15:26; Psalm 103:3; Isaiah 30:26; 61:1; Jeremiah 3:22; 30:17

[6] Colossians 4:14

[7] Matthew 9:12; Mark 2:17; Luke 5:31

[8] Galatians 4:15

[9] James 5:14-16

[10] Isaiah 53:5

[11] Philippians 2:5

[12] Romans 12:1

[13] Psalm 103:2-3

"God's Words For US" from Cecelia Lester

The Importance of Prayer