Healing in the Atonement: Why We Believe in Divine Health
- Dr. Layne McDonald
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Welcome home, friend. Whether you're reading this from your couch, your office, or somewhere in between, we're so glad you're here. Today, we're diving into something that touches every single one of us at some point, our health and God's heart for healing.
Maybe you've been praying for healing for yourself or someone you love. Maybe you've wondered if God still heals today. Or perhaps you're just curious about what Scripture actually says about divine health. Wherever you're coming from, let's explore this together.
What Does "Healing in the Atonement" Actually Mean?
Let's break this down in plain terms. When we talk about "healing in the atonement," we're saying that when Jesus died on the cross, He didn't just provide forgiveness for our sins, He also made a way for physical healing. It's part of the complete package of what Christ accomplished for us.
Think about it this way: Jesus came to restore everything that was broken by sin. And that includes our bodies.
The Assemblies of God, our family of faith, puts it beautifully in our Statement of Fundamental Truths: "Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the Atonement, and is the privilege of all believers."
That's not some add-on feature. It's woven right into the fabric of the Good News.
The Scriptural Foundation: What Does the Bible Say?
Here's where it gets really good. This isn't just a nice idea, it's grounded deeply in God's Word.
Isaiah 53:4-5
One of the most powerful passages comes from Isaiah's prophecy about the coming Messiah:
"Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering... But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."
Did you catch that? "By his wounds we are healed." Isaiah wasn't just talking about spiritual healing, he was describing the complete restoration Jesus would bring.
Matthew 8:16-17
Fast forward to Jesus' ministry, and we see this prophecy come alive:
"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.'"
Matthew directly connects Jesus' healing ministry to Isaiah's prophecy. This wasn't coincidental, it was intentional. Healing was always part of the plan.
Exodus 15:26
Even in the Old Testament, God revealed His nature as Healer:
"I am the LORD, who heals you."
This is one of God's covenant names, Jehovah Rapha, the Lord who heals. It's not just something He does occasionally; it's part of who He is.
Why This Matters for Your Life Today
So what does this mean for you, right now, in 2026?
First, it means healing is available. Divine healing isn't locked away in biblical times. The same God who healed in Scripture is the same God we serve today. Hebrews 13:8 reminds us that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
Second, it means you can pray with confidence. James 5:14-16 gives us practical instructions: "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."
This isn't wishful thinking, it's biblical practice.
Third, it means healing is for the whole person. God cares about every part of you, spirit, soul, and body. The gospel isn't just fire insurance for eternity; it's transformation for right now.
Holding Faith and Mystery Together
Now, let's be real with each other, friend. We've all experienced moments when healing didn't come the way we expected. Maybe you've prayed and waited. Maybe you're still waiting.
Here's something important: believing in divine healing doesn't mean we ignore the mystery of God's timing and ways. Some healing comes instantly. Some comes gradually. Some healing happens through medical means, and yes, God works through doctors and medicine too!
What we hold onto is this: God is good. God is able. And God invites us to bring our needs to Him with faith.
This isn't about having "enough" faith as if healing is a vending machine. It's about trusting a loving Father who knows what we need and when we need it. Sometimes the greatest healing happens in our hearts and perspectives, even as we continue to pray for physical restoration.
How to Pray for Healing
Ready to put this into practice? Here are some simple steps:
You're Not Alone in This
At Boundless Online Church, we believe in walking alongside you through every season, including seasons of waiting for healing. You don't have to figure this out by yourself.
If you'd like prayer or just want to connect with someone who cares, we're here for you 24/7. Seriously, any time, day or night.
Join one of our online groups at Boundless Online Church or check out our Prayer Connection group where you can share your prayer requests and find encouragement.
Final Thoughts
Divine healing isn't a dusty doctrine from the past, it's a living reality for today. Jesus paid for our healing on the cross, and that gift is still available to every believer.
So keep praying. Keep believing. Keep trusting the One who calls Himself Jehovah Rapha, the Lord who heals you.
We're cheering you on, friend. And more importantly, God is right there with you.
Blessings,
Dr. Layne McDonald Online and Connection Pastor at FA Memphis and Boundless Online Church
Connect With Us
Boundless Online Church AI 24/7 Assistant: 1-901-668-5380 Boundless Phone: 1-901-213-7341 FA Memphis: 1-901-843-8600 Email:lmcdonald@famemphis.netWebsites:www.boundlessonlinechurch.org | www.famemphis.org
Social Media Posts
🙏 Did you know that healing is part of what Jesus accomplished on the cross? It's not just about forgiveness, it's about restoration for your whole being: spirit, soul, AND body.
In our latest blog, we explore the scriptural foundation for divine healing and what it means for your life today.
"By His wounds we are healed." , Isaiah 53:5
Read more and be encouraged! 👉 www.boundlessonlinechurch.org/blog
Need prayer? We're here 24/7: 1-901-668-5380
✨ Healing is part of the gospel. ✨
When Jesus went to the cross, He made a way for forgiveness AND restoration, including physical healing.
"By His wounds we are healed." , Isaiah 53:5
Swipe through to learn more about what Scripture says about divine health, and tap the link in bio to read the full blog! 🙌
Need prayer? Our AI Assistant is available 24/7: 1-901-668-5380
#DivineHealing #JehovahRapha #TheLordWhoHeals #FaithOverFear #BoundlessOnlineChurch #ChristianFaith #HealingScriptures
As a pastor, one of the most common questions I receive is: "Does God still heal today?"
The answer, grounded in Scripture, is yes.
Divine healing isn't separate from the gospel: it's woven into it. Isaiah 53 and Matthew 8 connect Jesus' sacrificial work directly to physical healing.
This doesn't mean we ignore medicine or pretend faith is a formula. But it does mean we serve a God who cares about our whole being and invites us to bring our needs to Him.
Read more about the scriptural foundation for divine healing on our blog: www.boundlessonlinechurch.org/blog
: Dr. Layne McDonald, Online and Connection Pastor at FA Memphis and Boundless Online Church
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"By His wounds we are healed." : Isaiah 53:5
Divine healing isn't a dusty doctrine; it's a living reality. Jesus paid for our wholeness on the cross. 🙏
Read more: www.boundlessonlinechurch.org/blog
Need prayer 24/7? Text us: 1-901-668-5380
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