PODCAST
God’s Heart For Healing
September 25th, 2015
James 5:13-20
“And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven (v.15). Here we see again the twin aspects of salvation: forgiveness and healing. This promise does not mean that we will never experience suffering or illness. However, as Adam Clarke wrote, if a person’s sins are “the cause of the affliction it is natural to conclude that, if the effect be to cease, the cause must be removed” (Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible, 6/827).
Notice the promise that “If they have sinned, they will be forgiven” (v. 15) This reminds us that forgiveness is purchased by the blood of Christ, and since the blessings of forgiveness and healing are usually connected, it makes sense that healing comes through the blood as well.
The power of confession is also emphasized in this passage: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” (v. 16). Thus, this scripture says that we are not only under saving grace, but healing grace as well.
Author: Jack W. Eyestone
