In
the book of Psalms King David wrote; “Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that
is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not
all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your
diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness
and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth
is renewed like the eagle's” (Psalms 103:1-5).
As
one can clearly see the benefits of the death of Jesus Christ is not only to express His love for mankind and forgive our iniquities which is made feasible though the cup of the New
Covenant but it is also for healing all our diseases, redeeming our life from
destruction which is made possible through partaking of the bread which
represents the broken body of Jesus Christ.
I
therefore beg to ask the question, since Jesus Christ was bruised for our
iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we
are healed, why are so many of us who profess to be believers in Jesus Christ
are so weak and sick and some have also perished?
Why
should someone pay for a debt that has already been paid in full? The reason
for that is quite obvious which is, either being ignorant of the fact that the
debt has been paid and how to claim it or, not having faith and confidence in
the manner in which the debt ought to be settled.
Because
the same way no one can say that, I have no sin or, I have not sinned and
therefore require the blood of Jesus in the form of the wine to be cleansed
from sin, in like manner, no one can say that I have no sickness or will never
be sick.
But
there is a reason why many of us who profess to be believers in Jesus Christ are
weak and sick and some are even dead and therefore, we should take time to
examine ourselves as we have been duly instructed saying;
“Therefore
whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner
will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine
himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats
and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not
discerning the Lord's body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you,
and many sleep” (1Corinthians 11:27-30).
In
addition to this if peradventure a believer who esteems the sacrificial body of
Christ is sick the instructions are stated as follows; “Is anyone among you
suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone
among you sick? 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 will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has
committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another,
and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer
of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:13-16).
One
thing we as believers should always bear in mind is the fact that, faith is the
key to our success in our Christian journey because, it is clearly stated, “But
without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must
believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him”
(Hebrews 11:6).
In
the same token, we must also bear in mind the instructions which states; “What
does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have
works? Can faith save him?”
“You
believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe --- and
tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is
dead?” (James 2:14; 19-20).
Therefore,
it is imperative that we who profess to be believers in Jesus Christ
demonstrate our faith with positive action. For example:
If
we claim to believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior who came to love,
heal and forgive us and we are willing to proclaim His death until He comes,
here is an example of how we should go about doing it.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BFP1SMV
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FV4WTWQ
To be continued
Lucius Joseph
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