Is Sickness a Byproduct of Sin?
‘Scripture sees sickness and death as a byproduct of sin.’ From ‘The Names of God,’ Pg 148.
‘Disease is an effort of nature to free the system from conditions that result from a violation of the laws of health. In case of sickness, the cause should be ascertained. Unhealthful conditions should be changed, wrong habits corrected. Then nature is to be assisted in her effort to expel impurities and to re-establish right conditions in the system.’ From ‘Ministry of Healing,’ pg 128.
Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me.’ John 14:6
“For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.” Acts 17: 18
‘Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.’ Eccl 12: 7
The sentence regarding sickness as a byproduct of sin caught my attention. God has given us the laws of health in His word. (New Start)
Nutrition – whole food, plant-based, closer to the original diet, is best
Exercise
Water
Sunshine
Temperance – the foundation of everything
Air
Rest
Trust in Divine Power
In addition to the health laws, we have the moral laws of the ten commandments. There are numerous verses in the Bible where healing is connected to the following of God’s law.
We know from 1 John 3: 4 that sin is the transgression of the law.
When we break the law, we remove ourselves from God’s protection. We disconnect ourselves from the Source of life.
I’m not saying that all individual health conditions come because of a specific sin. We see examples where this is not so in scripture. We also know, from Paul’s personal experience, that his own struggle was not so much from sin, but to keep him humble and dependent upon God.
Sometimes people experience challenges so those around them can see their lives as a witness as to how to depend upon God in all things. (Job is an example of this.) Can we remain true to God no matter what satan throws at us?
But initially, sickness is a byproduct of sin. When sin is removed, there will be no more sickness, sorrow, or even crying.
As we consider these various points, we must also remember that over 95% of chronic health conditions are the result of lifestyle practices. This means the individual is sick because s/he is breaking the laws of health. This is where temperance comes into play.
The reason temperance is the foundation is because we must learn self-control in order to win over appetite; to win over sin.
With men, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible. This gaining of self-control comes only through total dependence upon God. (Rom 12:1-2) 2 Cor 10: 3-6 ‘For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.’
I posted about the obedience of faith earlier.
We do not obey to BE saved, but because we ARE saved. It’s the evidence of our faith and of our love for our Savior.
When we walk in obedience to all of God’s laws (both health and moral), then the natural consequences occur – restored health.
In some verses of the Bible where health is used, the word in the original language means salvation. This reminds me that health is synonymous with salvation.
Ex 15:26 says, ‘And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.’
There are several verses that tell us that we are to be a peculiar people. This means set apart for special purpose. We are to worship God in all we do. This means our lifestyle choices also, especially our diet. 1 Cor 6:19 says, ‘What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?’
3 John 2 says, ‘Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.’
From a brain science perspective, what we eat affects both mental and physical health. We are multi-dimensional beings. If our body is sick, our spiritual life is negatively affected. If we have ‘brain fog’ because we cannot control ourselves regarding food, then our spiritual life suffers. We will not be able to discern God’s guidance. I could go into the leaky gut perspective, but that is a topic for another day.
As one who has been almost totally dysfunctional, I know by experience how health can improve by walking in obedience. For more of my story, click here.
If we are experience any type of physical, mental, or spiritual health challenges, it would behoove us to try God’s way. It’s always the best way.
Something to think about.