Donald Bridge has some helpful things to say on this subject:-
1. Sickness is related to sin and to the fall. That does not mean that in individual illness is related to an individual sin. But it does mean that in broad terms, sickness is an enemy and a work of the Enemy. The idea of ‘wholeness’, on the other hand, is closely related to biblical concepts of holiness and of salvation.
2. Holy living is likely to lead to healthy living.…
Reflection of the subject of miraculous healing has led me to the conclusion that such healing should be considered really possible, yet exceptional. The rationale for such an approach is well put by Craig Blomberg in the article ‘Healing’ in Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels. He writes as follows:-
…Though some would argue that there is healing in the atonement (Mt 8:17), clearly no one receives full physical healing until the life to come, since all die.
Physical sickness came as a result of the fall and the subsequent curse, and leads eventually to physical death. By his atoning death, Christ lifted that curse, Isa 53:4f, and there is consequently both spiritual healing (1 Pet 2:24), and physical healing (Mt 8:16-17) in the atonement. Christ purchased for us complete freedom not only from sin, but also from bodily infirmity; however, the full possession of these benefits will not be ours until he returns, 1 Cor 15:23.…
The early chapters of the Gospel of Mark present a number of aspects of Jesus as healer. They teach of his healing power, his healing touch, and his healing word. In this passage, it is healing faith that comes to the foreground. I would like to assume that you have been impressed by his great power, attracted by his compassionate touch, convinced by his authoritative word. I would like to encourage you to have faith in Jesus the healer. …
This chapter tells us about the difference that Jesus makes in the lives of four individuals in particular – Lk 5:1-11 – Simon. Lk 5:17-26 – a paralysed man. Lk 5:27-32 – Levi the tax collector. Here we have:-
The term ‘leprosy’ covered a variety of chronic skin conditions, including psoriasis, dermatitis, and the bacterial infection of leprosy itself. Consider how desperate this man’s need was. He was physically disfigured: in its severest form, leprosy was terribly disfiguring, and this man is described as being ‘covered with leprosy’. …
Wayne Grudem takes, I think, a scripturally balanced view of this sensitive subject. To summarise:-
It is right to pray for healing, Mt 6:13; 3 Jn 2.
Jesus frequently healed all who were brought to him.
A high expectation of healing is implied in our regular use of ordinary medical remedies. We do not usually argue, “I won’t take this treatment, because it’s better for me to suffer than to be well!”
It is right to pray believingly for healing. …
