Why Scripture Doesn't Promise Complete Physical Healing on Earth

Christ completely saved believers on the cross, overcoming the world, conquering sin, death, sickness, and Satan (Isaiah 53:5; Colossians 2:9-15).  

Christ's victories are legal and eternal, but we won't experience their complete fulfillment here on earth.

Jesus makes this clear when He tells us He's overcome the world, but we'll still have trouble in the world:

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  ~ Jesus, John 16:33

No one teaches that Satan and death will never trouble Christians on earth, but a number of teachers make that claim about sickness. 

They're wrong. God can and does heal, but it's not a promise.(1)

Passages like Hebrews 2:5-9 make this clear, explaining that God has placed all things under the feet of His people, "Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them."

If God promised healing here on earth, faithful Timothy wouldn't have suffered from frequent illness (1 Timothy 5:23).

We can look forward to a perfect eternity, but “While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life.” 2 Corinthians 5:1-5 

Most false teachings are based on inconsistencies. Let's be alert and discerning like the Bereans (Acts 17:11). 

For more devotions on healing, see Bible Love Note's Healing Collection.

Footnote:

(1) We should pray for sick people because it may be part of God's plan to heal them (James 5:14-16). However, we know that faithful believers, like Timothy (1 Timothy 5:23), Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25-30), and Trophimus (2 Timothy 4:20), were sick while doing the Lord's work. In addition, many Bible scholars believe Paul's "thorn in his flesh" could have been a physical illness (2 Corinthians 12:1-10). 

Some people believe healing is a promise because Jesus healed people, but Jesus also walked on water, resurrected the dead, turned water into wine, and fed thousands with a few fish and loaves. When Jesus says we can do more than He did (John 14:12), He is talking about having a wider influence than He had during His time on earth. Read a more detailed explanation HERE.

 

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