In the earthly ministry of Jesus, the primary way people received healing was through faith. We see this time and again throughout the Gospels. But many wonder: was that a limited-time offer, or is that same healing power available to us today?
If we believe that “Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8), then the answer is a resounding yes.Healing is still offered, and faith still works.
The Unfailing Response of Jesus
It is important to note a historical constant in the New Testament: Not one person who came to Jesus in faith failed to receive their healing. He never turned a seeker away or told them it wasn’t “God’s will” to heal them. If He was willing then, He is willing now. James even calls the prayer for the sick “the prayer of faith,” noting that:
“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church… and the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.” — James 5:14-15
“According to Your Faith”
Notice the interaction between Jesus and two blind men in Matthew 9. He didn’t just heal them immediately; He asked a specific question: “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” When they answered “Yes,” He touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be to you.” In the Kingdom of God, we often receive what we believe for. While God’s blessings are freely given through Jesus, faith is the “hand” that reaches out and takes hold of those promises.
Faith Doesn’t Require an Invitation
Consider the woman with the issue of blood. She didn’t have a formal invitation or a “connection” to the disciples. She simply chose to believe that what God had done for others, He would do for her.
When she touched the hem of His garment and was made whole, Jesus didn’t credit her background or her special status. He said:
“Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” — Mark 5:34
If her faith could make her well, your faith can make you well.
The Power of the Spoken Word
One of the greatest examples of faith in the Bible comes from a Roman centurion. When his servant was paralyzed, he didn’t even ask Jesus to come to his house. He understood a principle many of us miss today: the Word alone is enough.
- The Request: “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.” (Matthew 8:8)
- The Result: Jesus marveled at this, calling it “great faith.” The servant was healed that same hour.
Today, we receive primarily by believing in and standing on God’s written Word. We don’t need a physical visitation or an outward sign; we have His promises.
It Didn’t End at the Cross
This pattern of receiving by faith continued long after Jesus ascended. In Acts 14, we see the Apostle Paul in Lystra. He noticed a man who had been crippled from birth and, seeing that the man had faith to be healed, commanded him to stand. The man leaped and walked.
This man didn’t have a leather-bound Bible or a library of resources—he simply heard the Word and believed it.
Your Next Steps
You are capable of believing exactly what the people in the Bible believed. If their faith could make them whole, yours can too.
How to build your faith:
- Meditate on Scripture: Read the promises of healing daily.
- Believe the Word: Decide that God’s Word is the final authority on your health.
- Stand Firm: Don’t let circumstances dictate your belief.
Deepen Your Study
If you want to dive deeper into these truths, I’ve put together two audio series to help you build a foundation of truth:
Both are available at gregfritz.org in CD, USB, and MP3 formats. Don’t wait—start building your faith for healing today!