Scripture shows that God is able to heal, and the New Testament calls us to pray for the sick. But Scripture does not promise healing for everyone who has sufficient faith: some believers were sick, and there is no mention of their being healed. Christians differ on whether the gifts of healings continue in their former form; no position is chosen here for the reader.
What does the Bible say about this?
- The Lord heals all diseases (Ps. 103:2–3); at a leper’s request, Jesus healed him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed” (Matt. 8:2–3).
- A sick person is instructed to call for the elders of the Church; they pray over him and anoint him with oil; the prayer of faith will heal the sick person (Jas. 5:14–16).
- The “gifts of healings” are listed among the gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:9), but Paul asks whether everyone has gifts of healings (1 Cor. 12:28–30).
- Not all believers were healed: Paul received the answer from the Lord that grace was sufficient for him (2 Cor. 12:7–10); Trophimus remained sick (2 Tim. 4:20); Timothy is advised to treat his ailments (1 Tim. 5:23); Epaphroditus became ill and nearly died, but God had mercy on him (Phil. 2:25–27).
- Interpretations differ as to whether the gifts of healings continue today and in what form. Christians who believe that such gifts have ceased and Christians who expect them today read the same passages differently.
- Conclusion: these passages do not promise healing for everyone who has sufficient faith, nor do they give anyone the right to accuse a sick person of lacking faith if they are not healed.
This brief answer was prepared by the editorial team; the verse texts are from the Father’s Blessing Bible.
Key Scripture Passages
9 Scripture passages · Father’s Blessing Bible
James 5:14–16
14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church, and let them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord; 15 and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise them up; and if they have committed sins, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed: the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
1 Corinthians 12:9
to another, faith by the same Spirit; to another, gifts of healings by the one Spirit;
1 Corinthians 12:28–30
28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?
Psalm 103:2–3
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. 3 He forgives all your iniquities, heals all your diseases;
Matthew 8:2–3
2 And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord! If You are willing, You can make me clean.” 3 And Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.
2 Corinthians 12:7–10
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given me, a messenger of Satan to torment me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 But the Lord said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will most gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Timothy 4:20
Erastus remained in Corinth, but I left Trophimus sick in Miletus.
1 Timothy 5:23
No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
Philippians 2:25–27
25 Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and minister to my need, 26 because he was longing to see you all and was deeply distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27 Indeed, he was sick and near death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow.
