Eli Schnell
Apr 7, 20202 min
Updated: Jan 16, 2023
Beginning with Mark 1:32:
When evening came, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed. And the whole city had gathered at the door. And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He was not permitting the demons to speak, because they knew who He was.
Benny Hinn and others like him have proclaimed their ability to heal diseases of many kinds[1]. They claim access to the same healing power Jesus and the apostles used while they walked the earth. If their claims are accurate, why do we have a pandemic on our hands? And why are these healers not approaching world leaders with their healing power for the masses? Often, the simplest answer is the right answer. They do not offer the power to heal this pandemic because they have no power to heal at all.
God provided the power to heal all kinds of diseases during the first century, and He did so for several purposes. One purpose is identified in Luke 7:18-23. John, the one who announced the coming of the Messiah, inquired whether Jesus was the Promised One. Jesus responded by recounting His miracles. “Report to John what you have seen and heard…” Jesus told them. Miracles in the first century were here intended to prove that Jesus was the Messiah.
Miracles were also intended to prove the Word of God as truly inspired (Mark 16:20), to provide assurance to believers of God’s approval (Mark 16:17-18) to reassure believers of the truth of the promise of eternal life (Eph. 1:13), and to edify the church while the word of God was being revealed (1 Cor. 13:8-10; 14:18-19). Paul spoke of the end of miracles in 1 Corinthians 13, identifying the completion of God’s revelation to man as the moment when God would stop miraculously revealing information to mankind. God’s completed message would then accomplish all the goals miracles had previously (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
If there is one good thing that comes out of this pandemic, let it be a firm rejection of so-called faith healers who have failed to solve this pandemic immediately. Forever remember their failure, and recognize they continually speak falsely about their power, making baseless promises, taking advantage of so many who are seeking God (2 Tim. 3:6-9). Instead of following those who are making false claims, follow God’s Word, which leads you in all good things (2 Pet. 1:3).