The Lie of Guaranteed Healing

By Dave Jenkins
A Contending for the Word Q&A

Short Answer:

No. Guaranteed healing is not promised in Scripture, even if our faith is strong. While Scripture calls us to pray for healing, it never assures us that all illness will be removed in this life. The ultimate healing every believer is promised is not temporary relief—but eternal glorification in Christ.

1. What the Bible Actually Teaches About Healing

a. Healing Is Sometimes God’s Will

James 5:14–15 calls us to pray for the sick, promising that “the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick.” But this passage emphasizes submission to the Lord’s will, the necessity of confession, and life in biblical community—not a guaranteed healing outcome.

Paul himself pleaded three times for the Lord to remove his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7–9), but God answered no: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

b. Jesus Heals—But Not Always

Jesus healed many during His earthly ministry—but not all (John 5:3–9). At the pool of Bethesda, He healed one man out of a crowd.

Even Paul left faithful companions like Trophimus ill in Miletus (2 Timothy 4:20), and Epaphroditus came near death (Philippians 2:25–30). These are not examples of weak faith—but of God’s sovereign purposes.

c. Isaiah 53 and Misused Proof Texts

Some claim Isaiah 53:5 (“by His wounds we are healed”) guarantees physical healing now. But this verse, interpreted by Matthew 8:17, refers to Jesus’ authority to heal—not a blanket promise for all believers today. And 1 Peter 2:24 clearly applies it to spiritual healing from sin.

2. What the Word of Faith and NAR Movements Get Wrong

Movements like Bethel Church and Word of Faith theology falsely teach that if you just have “enough faith,” God is obligated to heal.

• Kenneth Copeland: “Healing always comes… It’s not God who’s holding back. It’s the receivers who aren’t receiving.”
• Bill Johnson (Bethel): “God is always in a good mood,” a phrase often used by Bethel leadership to support the idea that God is always willing to heal.

These teachings twist Scripture and place unbearable burdens on suffering Christians, blaming them for their illness.

Examples from the NAR and Word of Faith scene:

• Heidi Baker claims mass miracles in Mozambique—yet these are anecdotal and unverified.
• Todd White regularly performs “healings” on the street—often involving leg-lengthening tricks and unverifiable claims.
• Benny Hinn is infamous for “healing crusades” that prioritize spectacle over Scripture.

3. What Church History Teaches About Guaranteed Healing

• John Calvin taught that while God may heal, our trust must rest in His sovereign will—not expected outcomes.
• Martin Luther believed in healing but warned against seeking signs above the sufficiency of Christ.
• Charles Spurgeon, who suffered lifelong illnesses, once said: “I venture to say that the greatest earthly blessing that God can give to any of us is health—with the exception of sickness.”

4. The Real Hope of the Christian: Glorification, Not Guarantee

“The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” — Romans 8:18

“He will wipe away every tear… neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore.” — Revelation 21:4

The Christian life isn’t marked by freedom from trials—but by faith in Christ through them. God uses affliction to conform us to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).

Quick FAQ on Guaranteed Healing

• Q: If I’m not healed, does that mean I lack faith?
  A: No. Scripture never teaches that healing is guaranteed if your faith is strong enough. Even Paul wasn’t healed. God honors faith that trusts Him—regardless of outcome.
• Q: Should I still pray for healing?
  A: Yes. James 5 encourages us to pray and call on others to pray. But we do so with humility, trusting God’s will above our own desires.
• Q: Is healing ever promised in this life?
  A: God sometimes heals in this life, but His promise is ultimate healing in glorification—not guaranteed relief now.
• Q: What should I say to someone who wasn’t healed?
  A: Don’t accuse—comfort. Remind them that God is near to the brokenhearted, uses suffering for His purposes, and will one day wipe away every tear.

If you’ve been hurt by teachings about guaranteed healing, we encourage you to explore what God’s Word truly says. The gospel offers real hope—not hype.

Practical and Pastoral Application

• Pray Boldly, Submit Humbly – Ask God for healing, but entrust the results to His perfect will (James 5).
• Don’t Blame the Sick – Accusing someone of lacking faith is cruel, unbiblical, and spiritually abusive.
• Care for the Suffering – Come alongside those who are hurting. Weep with those who weep. Remind them of the hope of glory.
• Preach the Gospel, Not Guaranteed Healing – Christ is our healing, our life, and our future. Whether He heals now or not, we trust Him.

Call to Action

Dear Christian, resist the teaching that health is guaranteed if your faith is strong enough. That is not the gospel. True faith rests in God—not outcomes.

Christ is enough. His grace is sufficient. And our hope is not in healing, but in Him.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9

For a deeper biblical response to false healing teachings, we recommend Justin Peters ministry which provides sound teaching on the dangers of the Word of Faith movement. Watch as he also explains why he’s not bitter about not being healed. 

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