Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen. (Heb. 11:1) Many people can quote this scripture backwards and forwards, but they don’t know how to apply it to their lives. This is because many people don’t know why Jesus died.
I know this statement may shock many people. They may retort, “Jesus died for our sins, so that we can be saved.” This is only partially true. The bible is consistent. Jesus died to remove us from our own way and lead us back to God’s way. (Isaiah 53:6, I Peter 2:25, Isaiah 55:7-9) When we return to God, we experience abundant life.
I Peter 2:24 describes two major areas of receiving life. “Who [Jesus] His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” Living unto righteousness is receiving salvation and healing. Jesus’ body was offered up for both. Hebrew 10:5-9 says that God prepared Jesus a body to do His will. Jesus displayed that will on the earth by teaching the Kingdom (God’s ways), and healing all who came to Him (God’s mercy).
Jesus saved us over two thousand years ago, but it is our receiving and excepting Him that activates our covenant. Jesus also healed us through the sufferings of that same body over two thousand years ago. Why is there such a reluctance to accept it by faith? The same God who saved us has also healed us.
How do we receive it? Romans 10:9-10 is a good place to start. If you confess the lordship of Jesus and believe that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. This is an act of faith. Trust that healing is a part of your salvation and abundant life. Ask the Lord to reveal His heart to you in this matter. You will see your confidence and boldness grow because faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. (Rom. 10:17)
Apostle Calvin Brown Sr.