His lecture on faith healers was most interesting because it is very relevant to today. Warfield explained that to insist upon a miracle healing (that is a healing apart from any medical intervention) is unbiblical, for scripture nowhere promises that all our diseases will be cured. Therefore, he states, “Such a miraculous method of action on God’s part would be wholly unnecessary for the production of the effect desired; God can heal the bodily hurt of His people without miracle.” He adds, “If miracles are to be common, everyday occurrences, normal, and not extraordinary, they cease to attract attention.” Additionally, he gives countless example of so called “miracles” and gives other possibilities, even discredits them by researching and finding testimony from the person who others claim was healed. One thing he notes is the classes of miracles which cannot be healed by faith healers; things like broken bones, cancers, and various other diseases. In making this observation he also points out the similarity of the cures wrought by “Christian” healers to those of other false religions. Surely, God does not validate false religions by performing the same kind of healings, which could very well have cured themselves or come about through the power of the mind.
As I read his work I could not, but wonder about several things pertaining to miracles. Firstly, I wonder how much I have cheated God glory surely due him, by failing to recognize all the people he has cured through use of medicine. As Prebendary Reynolds says, “It is God, however, the real physician, who gives the chief medicine; who makes drugs, operations, kindness, nursing to having true healing power…” I think about the countless times I have been in pain because of a headache, cramps, or other minor ailment, taken pain reliever, and been immediately relieved of the pain without giving a thought to the true healer, Jesus Christ. I have been thankful for medicine, but not necessarily thankful to God. I think this disconnect is a result of the emphasis some Christians circles place on miracles. It’s implied that miracles are of God, but medicine is not. Yet, is a miraculous healing greater than one God has brought about through medicine? Shall we pray for healing and not take advantage of all the various means God has provided for healing? Can we really be shocked when we are not cured, if we never availed ourselves of these means? Instead, we ought to pray that God might work through the means available to us, just as he does in other areas of our lives (think of manna and grocery stores).
I know those who believe in miracles in this way are genuine and want to glorify God, but I couldn’t help but think of those I know who are or have been sick and how these teachings have hurt them. My friends have been told God wants them healed; yet they are not healed. Thus, they are left wondering if God really loves them and feeling like they do not or ever will have enough faith to be healed. They are given two choices. One, to believe something is wrong with them and it is their fault they are sick. Or, two, God does not keep his promises. It’s quite heartbreaking to see, knowing neither is true. Believing strongly that God will heal does not change the reality that many Christians are left sick. If, then, countless Christians are not healed, perhaps it’s time to change what we believe God’s will is in regard to healing. The fact of the matter is God will not heal all of us in this lifetime of our physical ailments. Just as sin is not God’s will, yet we will continue to commit this side of heaven, so sickness is not God’s desire for us, yet will continue to be a reality in our lives.
My brothers and sisters, it is my prayer that you might think more deeply and thoroughly on this matter. Consider, the evidence at hand and how various teachings have hurt so many people, rather than build them up. If God has truly performed a miracle healing, then let us praise God, but let us not suppose that this is his normal method or that we have the right tell God to heal believing he must. Rather, may his Holy Spirit teach us more fully what is means for His grace to be sufficient for us in our weakness.