Bible Study: What Does the Assemblies of God Believe About Divine Healing?
- Boundless Team
- Aug 6
- 4 min read
Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. The Assemblies of God believes that deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement of Jesus Christ and is the privilege of all believers through faith. God continues to heal today through prayer, anointing with oil, and the sovereign power of the Holy Spirit.
When physical pain, chronic illness, or emotional trauma touches our lives, it is completely natural to ask: Does God still care about our physical bodies, and does He heal today? For believers navigating the ups and downs of life in Memphis, Cordova, Bartlett, Arlington, and across the globe through Boundless Online Church, understanding what Scripture teaches about divine healing brings profound comfort and unwavering hope.
As part of our AG 101 foundational teaching series, let’s explore what the Assemblies of God believes regarding divine healing, how it is anchored in the finished work of Christ, and how you can walk in faith and prayer today.
Definition Block: Divine Healing
Divine Healing: The biblical truth that physical and emotional healing was purchased by Jesus Christ on the cross through His suffering and resurrection (Isaiah 53:4–5). It is available to all believers today through prayer, faith, and the ongoing ministry of the Holy Spirit, without replacing medical science but rather supernaturally complementing it.
The Biblical Foundation of Divine Healing
Scripture consistently reveals a God who sees our affliction, hears our cries, and brings restoration to both soul and body. The Assemblies of God derives its doctrinal conviction on divine healing straight from the pages of God's Word.
1. The Atonement Includes Healing (Isaiah 53:4–5)
"Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering... and by his wounds we are healed."
Centuries before the cross, the prophet Isaiah linked spiritual redemption directly with physical restoration. When Jesus suffered on the cross, He bore not only our sin and guilt, but also our sickness and grief. The Atonement is comprehensive, it redeems the whole person.
2. The Ministry of Jesus (Matthew 8:16–17)
"When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 'He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.'"
Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated the heart of the Father by healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, and lifting up the broken. Healing was not merely a tool to prove His divinity; it was an expression of His profound compassion and a direct preview of Kingdom reality.
3. The Practice of the Early Church (James 5:14–15)
"Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up."
James outlines a clear, practical model for the local church: when believers face sickness, they are not meant to suffer in isolation. They turn to the church community, invite the elders to pray in faith, and trust the Lord to bring healing.
Understanding Common Misconceptions About Divine Healing
Because divine healing touches on deep human vulnerability, several misunderstandings often arise. To keep our faith biblically anchored, let's address three common misconceptions:
Misconception | Biblical Truth |
"Healing is guaranteed for everyone right now if you have enough faith." | While God can heal instantly and sovereignly, faith is not a magic formula or human leverage. God operates according to His perfect wisdom, timing, and grace. |
"Seeking medical care shows a lack of faith in God." | God works through multiple channels, including physicians, medicine, and scientific wisdom. Seeking medical treatment is fully compatible with praying for supernatural healing. |
"Miraculous healing ended with the Apostolic age." | Scripture teaches that Jesus Christ is "the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). The Holy Spirit remains active, and His gifts, including gifts of healing, are active in the church today. |
Practical Application: How to Pray for Healing in the 901 and Beyond
Whether you are sitting in a living room in Cordova, commuting through Bartlett, or logging into Boundless Online Church from another state or nation, God's invitation to approach His throne is open. Here is how you can practically apply this truth today:
Do Not Suffer in Isolation: Share your burdens with your trusted small group, family members, or pastoral team. Faith grows in community.
Anoint and Pray: Follow the pattern in James 5. Ask faithful believers or church leaders to lay hands on you, pray in faith, and anoint with oil as a symbolic act of consecration to the Holy Spirit.
Anchor Your Hope in Christ: Even when physical healing unfolds gradually or looks different than expected, hold fast to the promise of ultimate restoration where "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" (Revelation 21:4).
Life Takeaway
Divine healing is a profound reminder that God cares about every detail of your existence, body, mind, and spirit. You are never forgotten, and your pain is never invisible to Him. Lean into His grace, surround yourself with supportive community, and trust the Lord to meet you right where you are.
Closing Reflection & Next Steps
What area of your life or health do you need to surrender to the Lord in prayer today? Will you take one step toward community and healing this week?
Want to go deeper?
If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, join us in person: 🌐 www.famemphis.org
Outside the area? Join our online church community: 🌐 www.boundlessonlinechurch.org
Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341. (Note: This line is for prayer and pastoral support, not emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911.)
You are not alone.
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