Recently I've had a number of people tell me that the gospel of Jesus Christ is not a "Health and Wealth" gospel. This statement of denial was heard by them at a Church meeting, I gather.

Now I would understand this stance if the claim were being made that the gospel was only about "Health and Wealth", but why think the gospel excludes these things, even for those whose priority is the kingdom of God.

And has it not been said that, "If Jesus was rich, why do I have to be poor?"

So, Is "Health and Wealth" included in the gospel, or not? Should God's people expect to be sick? Is good health and healing a part of the gospel message?

Let's look at what the apostle John had to say on the subject.

3 John 1:2 "Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers."

I want you to notice that John, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, tells believers that he prays that all manner of prosperity and health should be theirs in the same way that their soul is prospering.

This is interesting in that we see that John is not just referring to spiritual prosperity or wealth and that health is part of the package!

Now, are people saying that John was in error when he spoke here of a health and wealth gospel?

I hope not! One should not malign the Holy Spirit's inspiration. God does not waste words or inspire error! The blessing of God which applies to all believers includes health and prosperity. And He has given us the authority to pass it on! When Peter and John came across a lame man at the gate to the Temple, this is what they said and did....

Acts 3:4-7 Peter looked directly at him, as did John. “Look at us!” said Peter. So the man gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” Taking him by the right hand, Peter helped him up, and at once the man’s feet and ankles were strengthened and He sprang to his feet and began to walk.

Notice that Peter said, "What I have I give you". Healing was not something he had to beg and plead for God to provide. It was within his authority to give it! As with Peter and John, God blesses His people today to be a blessing to others. That includes good health.

God wants His people to maintain good health, preferably. The blessing is better than a miracle and God gives advice through His word and through His people on how to maintain the blessing of good health.

A miracle is for a crisis. God wants to bless rather than keep rescuing us from crisis after crisis but His power is available for miracles of healing as well! Just as in the case above with Peter and John! And this is because Jesus has provided for our healing through His suffering.

Isa 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

Healing is already ours. It's a done deal. God's done His part. We will have to check on why we may not receive healing in particular situations, but the problem will be at the receiving end, not at God's transmitter!

The evidence in Isaiah 53:5 is repeated in 1 Peter 2:24 to give two witnesses.

1 Pet 2:24 "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the tree, so that we might die to those sins and live righteously. "By his wounds you have been healed."

Now these are the scriptures usually quoted and which people stand on for their healing, but God has sprinkled throughout His word, promises and information on the healing He has provided for all people. In Matthew 8:17 God tells us this...

Mat 8:17 ...that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying: He Himself took our infirmities, and bore our diseases.

Jesus took our infirmities and bore our diseases. Our sicknesses have been taken by Jesus so we do not have to carry them. He also set us the example of healing people bound by Satan to show that was God's will for us!

Act 10:39 And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

Now what spirit would want God's people to deny this and believe that good health was not a blessing God wanted us to have?

Exactly! Is God not with us?

Let's not fall for Satan's deceptions and help him to limit God's people to accepting poverty as our lot, in health or any other area of life.

This is why Jesus told us in the book of Matthew, chapter 10, verses 7 to 8...

Mat 10:7-8 ... proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand'. ’Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons'.

Jesus has given us the authority under Him to do this. "In His name", in other words - but WE have the authority! And notice, proclaiming the kingdom of heaven goes hand in hand with healing the sick!

And the Apostle John confirmed Jesus' words when he said...

3 John 1:2 "Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers."

Don't let unbelievers or unbelief rob you of your blessings!

Best wishes for Grace and The Peace of Jesus.

Attlee.

Another thought....

If Jesus was rich - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7