Biblical Suffering Part 1

This week, I heard a patient woman at Hope4Cancer tell some people that the Greek word "Sozo" means healing, made whole, etc. This is all correct. Just because someone uses Greek words does not mean that they know what they are talking about. She added in another term to describe the mean of Sozo: "prosperity." She also went on the advertise that she ran a healing ministry in Texas if anyone wants her to pray for them. I know she means well, but the irony of a "healer" at a cancer center. As believers, we desperately have to understand the whole in order to correctly interpret the parts.

In a world overflowing with bad vocabulary, it is one of my pet peeves when I hear theological terms used poorly or even completely wrong. Usually bad theological terms are used in conjunction with other bad theology. Although, to be fair, sometimes people have inadvertently been taught wrong, so the blame should fall on the teacher.

In light of the opening two paragraphs, I would like to talk about suffering. Suffering is an incredible word that Jesus uses several times. Before we dive into the word, we must understand some of the presuppositional problems that are sometimes brought into a conversation.

Problem #1: There must be a separation between a child of God and an enemy of God. An unbeliever cannot receive the same blessings, inheritance, etc. as an adopted Child of God. Just because a person has a heart beat does not mean that they are a believer. This is belief system called Universalism. Logically, this does not make sense. Why would Jesus die on the cross if everyone, past, present, and future, was already destined for Heaven?

Problem #2: There is a difference between a trial (suffering) and persecution. Job did not do anything to bring the trials to him. Generally, persecution is the direct result of someone standing up for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Problem #3: We cannot claim physical healing while we are living in a sin cursed body. Yes, God does heal, but we cannot control how God chooses to heal. Every child of God is promised healing. However, complete healing will only come once we are in Heaven with Him.

Problem #4: Just because someone is going through a trial does not necessarily mean that it is punishment for a sin that they committed. 

Hopefully part 2 will be published soon.

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