What does the Bible say about healing?

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Question: "What does the Bible say about healing?"

Answer: Isaiah 53:5, which is then quoted in 1 Peter 2:24, is a key verse on healing, but it is
often misunderstood and misapplied. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was
crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his
wounds we are healed. The word translated healed can mean either spiritual or physical
healing. However, the contexts of Isaiah 53 and 1 Peter 2 make it clear that it is speaking of
spiritual healing. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins
and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed (1 Peter 2:24). The verse is
talking about sin and righteousness, not sickness and disease. Therefore, being healed in
both these verses is speaking of being forgiven and saved, not physically healed.

The Bible does not specifically link physical healing with spiritual healing. Sometimes people
are physically healed when they place their faith in Christ, but this is not always the case.
Sometimes it is Gods will to heal, but sometimes it is not. The apostle John gives us the
proper perspective: This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask
anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears uswhatever we
askwe know that we have what we asked of Him (1 John 5:14-15). God still performs
miracles. God still heals people. Sickness, disease, pain, and death are still realities in this
world. Unless the Lord returns, everyone who is alive today will die, and the vast majority of
them (Christians included) will die as the result of a physical problem (disease, sickness,
injury). It is not always Gods will to heal us physically.

Ultimately, our full physical healing awaits us in heaven. In heaven, there will be no more pain,
sickness, disease, suffering, or death (Revelation 21). We all need to be less preoccupied with
our physical condition in this world and a lot more concerned with our spiritual condition
(Romans 12:1-2). Then we can focus our hearts on heaven where we will no longer have to
deal with physical problems. Revelation 21:4 describes the true healing we should all be
longing for: He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning
or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.