IS SICKNESS CAUSED BY SIN
It should be biblically clear that, sin is the cause for the existence of sickness in the world. There was no sickness in the Garden of Eden, and none of us will find either sin or
sickness in heaven. Until the day Eve yielded to the suggestion of Satan and took of the fruit, which God had forbidden her to eat, the human race was free from both sin and
sickness. At that point, Sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned (Romans 5:12). In this sense all sickness is the
result of sin.
In some cases, a specific disease is directly traceable to a specific sin. Perhaps the best examples of this are the so-called "social diseases" which haunt those who live immoral
lives. In many other cases, the connection is not so readily apparent, especially to those who cannot discern the things of God. But God said, If you will NOT observe to do all the
words of this law...then the Lord will make for you plagues...great plagues and of long continuance, and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance. Moreover he will bring
upon you all the diseases of Egypt, which you were afraid of...Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, them will the Lord bring
upon you (Deuteronomy 28:58-61).
David, speaking by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said, Fools because of their transgressions, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. Their soul abhors all manner of
meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he save them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them
(Psalm 107:17-20).
If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and will do that which is right in his sight, and will give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I
will put NONE of these diseases upon you, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that heals you (Exodus 15:26).
This is sufficient evidence that some sin incurs sickness.
Sin and sickness are closely associated in the New Testament, as well as in the, Old Testament, for Jesus Himself said, in dealing with sickness; Sin no more, lest a worse thing
come unto you (John 5:14). And again; For this cause many are weak and sickly among you (1 Corinthians 11:30).
I Corinthians II - He tells us in verse 30, For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep (die prematurely).
Sin breaks down the hedge that God builds around you, thus permitting Satan to afflict you.
In addition, the medical profession defines many diseases as deficiency diseases, meaning that they are caused by a lack of essential elements in the diet. Christians would do well
to consider the value of the various foods God has placed in the world and choose a diet that will keep their bodies strong and well. This is not a matter of the soul's salvation, but
is vitally important to the body's health.
Much sickness is caused by improper care of the body.
God commanded His people to rest one day out of every seven days. While we are no longer under legal bondage to keep the Sabbath, which was a shadow of a better rest to
come (see Hebrews 4:9), Jesus himself declared that the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath (Mark 2:27). One day's rest out of seven has been proven
essential for good health.
Then there are those who injure their bodies through weakening habits. It may seem unnecessary to mention such things as the use of liquor, narcotics, and tobacco, but there are
many who are still in bondage to one or all of these habits. It is a well-known fact, substantiated by the best medical authorities, as well as athletes, coaches, and others interested
in building strong bodies, that all these habits are injurious to the body.
God chose to make His abode in human bodies, as evidenced by many scriptures, including 1 Corinthians 3:17, quoted above, and also I Corinthians 6:19, What? Don’t you know
that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost? Every Christian is a caretaker of His temple. This is a sacred trust and responsibility, and God is not glorified by our abuse of
our bodies.
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Summary
Some sickness is clearly incurred by sin as stated above, but some illness is incurred due to the repercussions of the original sin. Some people simply get sick from natural
occurrences and not because of individual sin.
In Matthew 9:27-31, when Jesus healed the two blind men, He told them that their faith healed them and did not request repentance or mention that they sin no more.
In Mark 1:29-31 and 32-34, Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law and many others, but no mention of repentance or sin was mentioned. It seems that when sin is the cause of the
sicknesses, that sin is specifically mentioned is in Luke 5:17-26 where Jesus forgives and heals the Paralytic.
In John 9:2-7 Jesus’ disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents
sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as
I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
In John 11:1-16 we’re told the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. In this scripture Jesus says “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of
God may be glorified through it.”
This also is sufficient evidence that some sickness occurs and is not because of the individual’s sin. Again, some people simply get sick, and it is not because of the individual’s sin.
It appears that throughout the scripture, when sin is involved, it is specifically mentioned and repentance is required. We do best when we stay in context of the scripture and read
it as it is written, avoiding personal interpretation.
bryan woods
01/02/11
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