“When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee” (Mark 2:5).
Jesus wasn’t known for being a diplomat. He wasn’t on the earth to please man; He was here to please God. He really didn’t care what men thought, as long as He was pleasing to God.
So, knowing He would be in trouble with the religious leaders, He looked at the paralyzed man and said, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
All through the Bible, forgiveness of sin and physical healing have always been a package deal. Jesus wasn’t trying to make those religious leaders angry; He was trying to prove a point to them. So Jesus gave them an illustrated sermon. He preached, and then He demonstrated His point. He said, “If I say you’re forgiven, it means you’re also healed.”
Back then, people thought Jesus could heal but couldn’t forgive sins. Today most people believe Jesus can forgive sins but can’t heal! The truth is that during Jesus’ ministry on earth He could do both, and today He can do both.
He never turns anyone down for either forgiveness or healing.
Some people ask, “If I’m sick in my body, does that mean I’m not forgiven of my sins?” No, if you’ve made Jesus Lord of your life and received forgiveness for your sins, then healing belongs to you whether you know it or not. You may as well reach out and take hold of the blessing that’s rightfully yours!
God has provided forgiveness for my sins and healing for my physical body. As surely as I know He wants me forgiven, I know He wants me well.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
For over 40 years, Pastors Mark and Janet Brazee have traveled throughout the world sharing the Word of God and the Spirit of God. Together they've shared the powerful truths of faith and healing in more than 50 nations.
Today Mark and Janet pastor World Outreach Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where they base their ongoing outreach to the world. The Brazees still travel as the Lord leads, and they are raising up a congregation who share their passion to reach Tulsa and the world.