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    In Context

    Does God Still Heal Today — In Biblical Context

    The Bible records numerous healings by God, Jesus, and the apostles, and many Christians believe God continues to heal today through prayer and faith.

    Quick Answer

    The Bible records numerous healings by God, Jesus, and the apostles, and many Christians believe God continues to heal today through prayer and faith.

    "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick." James 5:14-15 (KJV)

    The Biblical Context

    Healing is woven throughout Scripture. God revealed Himself as 'the LORD that healeth thee' (Exodus 15:26). Jesus' ministry was marked by extensive healing — blindness, leprosy, paralysis, deafness, and even raising the dead. He healed to demonstrate the Kingdom of God and out of compassion for sufferers. The apostles continued healing miracles in Jesus' name (Acts 3:6-8; 5:15-16). James instructs the sick to call for church elders to pray and anoint with oil, 'and the prayer of faith shall save the sick' (James 5:14-15). Christians have different views on healing today. Some believe the gift of healing continues fully; others believe miraculous gifts ceased with the apostles. Most agree that God can heal supernaturally at any time but doesn't always choose to — Paul himself had a 'thorn in the flesh' that God chose not to remove (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). What's clear is that all ultimate healing comes through Christ, and the final healing of all believers occurs at the resurrection.

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, James 5:14-15, sits inside James 5. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.

    "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick."
    James 5:14-15 (KJV)

    Supporting Passages

    Isaiah 53:5
    "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."
    Psalm 103:3
    "Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases."

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