Henry Krabbendam - James - World Evangelical Alliance

clearly expressed by Jesus (Mt. 15:28), and more than just implied by James
(Jam. 1:5).
Eleventh, it also ought to be underscored that in the context of Scripture
purposeful holiness is conducive to health and prevents diseases typical of the
culture in which Christians reside (Ex. 15:26; Deut. 28:21-22).
Twelfth, to sum up the preceding in the well-chosen words of one commentator,
“The ‘prayer of faith’ should thus be understood not just as a prayer
of petition but as a prayer of praise, a prayer of confession, a prayer for
wholeness. In this believers may need to raise their expectations. The prayer
of faith expects that something will happen. Such prayers do not doubt (Jam.
1:6) and are not of two minds in their requests (Jam. 1:6-8; 4:3), but trust in
God who gives to all generously and without grudging” (Brosend, 163).
Thirteenth, and last but definitely not least, Christians ought to remember
that both their forgiveness and healing (Ps. 103:3) does, and should, rest
upon the twofold accomplished work of Christ on the cross as their foundation.
He was wounded for our transgressions and was bruised for our iniquities.
But he also took our infirmities and healed us by his stripes (Is. 53:4-5;
Mt. 8:17; 1 Pet. 2:24) (Manton, 455-456)!
Especially Matthew 8:17 requires special attention because of its crucial
place in the debate about the essence, function and treatment of sickness.
It does not simply describe the pity and the compassion of the Savior, as
he enters into the condition of sufferers during His walk on earth. This is too
restrictive. Neither does it indicate that every man has the right to receive
healing in every instance. This is too inclusive. Note specifically 1 Cor. 15:1-
3, 1 Tim. 5:23, and 2 Tim. 4:20, where the removal of sickness is not mentioned
in the description of the foundation of the Gospel, and therefore as an
inalienable right of the believer!
However, it does teach that healing flows forth from the accomplished
work of the Savior on the cross. In other words, the mediatorial work of the
Savior is the foundation for healing. Just as one may expect the gift of the
forgiveness of sins to be granted, so one may expect the gift of healing to occur.
One may appeal to this in prayer as one of the mercies (Ex. 15:26; Phil.
4:9) and promises (1 John 5:14-15) of God to his children.
Nevertheless, just as the fact that Christ carried our sins does not imply
that we will or can display sinless perfection, so the fact that he took our infirmities
upon himself does not imply that we universally will or can possess
perfect health. What is the reason? Just as indwelling sin will remain with us
until death, so also our deficient bodies will be with us until death. Besides,
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