Some Christians claim that Psalm 91:3 promises them protection from “deadly pestilence,” sickness, and disaster.
If Christians never died from disease and the only passage in Scripture was Psalm 91, we could legitimately hold such a view. But they do, and it's not.(1)
Psalm 91 assures us that God can protect us from anything. But it doesn't promise invincibility, nor does it free us from personal responsibility.
Is every death part of God's perfect will? No. Suicide, an unhealthy lifestyle, or foolish behavior might cause an untimely death.(2)
Scripture tells us that we shouldn't:
1. Test God by taking unnecessary risks with our lives (Luke 4:12).
2. Selfishly do things that might affect our health or the health of others (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Philippians 2:3-4).(3)
God may ask us to risk our health for the sake of the gospel, but He still expects us to behave responsibly.
And we also must understand that Scripture doesn't fully define every aspect of this subject. Some mystery is involved (1 Corinthians 13:12).
💙Foot Notes and Resources:
(1) We must study the "full counsel" of Scripture (Acts 20:27; 2 Timothy 2:15). It's especially important that we understand what Scripture teaches about physical healing. The Healing Series will answer many of your questions.
(2) Every death is allowed by God (Deuteronomy 32:39), but we can cause our untimely death. For a biblical example, read 1 Corinthians 11:27-32. See Do we have an appointed time of death?
In addition, God is more concerned about our spiritual health than our physical health (Matthew 10:28-31).
⮞If you’re a believer, you need not fear because in life or death, you will “rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).
⮞If you’re reading this and you’re not a Christian, you should turn to God. This could be your last opportunity. Please read Are there Many Paths to Heaven and Can a Simple Misunderstanding Keep you from Heaven?
(3) 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 speaks specifically of sexually misusing our bodies, but the principle applies to any misuse. However, it's worth noting that sexually transmitted diseases are another health problem that are the result of sin, even though they sometimes affect the innocent (e.g. babies born to women with STDs).
I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first 4 devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" or "read sample" on Lifeway or Amazon.
I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.
Bible Love Notes
Ecclesiastes 3
ReplyDeleteTo every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
9 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?
10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.
11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
12 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.
14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
15 That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.
16 And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.
17 I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.
18 I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.
19 For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.
20 All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?
22 Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?
King James Version (KJV)
Very good and interesting insight, may the almighty God continue to enlight us through his word in Jesus name. Amen
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