Miracle Healing and Christianity in the Nineteenth Century

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Miracle Healing and Christianity in the Nineteenth Century

The nineteenth century was a time of sweeping reform and growth for Protestants. Missionaries and revivals spread across continents. Many believers experienced the “new birth” experience of forgiveness of sin and the “second blessing” of the infilling of the Holy Spirit. These events freed them from the power of sin and pollution. Some even claimed to experience freedom from sickness and physical ailments.

Baptism was a key part of becoming a Christian. The apostle Peter told the crowd on the Day of Pentecost: “Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sins.” By doing this, people received the Holy Spirit. Another prominent story from the New Testament involves the apostle Paul. He was led to Christ by Ananias, who exhorted him to be baptized and call upon the name of Jesus.

Paul sought to counsel the burgeoning Christian community. His teachings incorporated social ethics. The most complete list of these values can be found in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:1-11. Jesus’ teachings on the kingdom of God are based on a vision of peace, benevolence, and service.

Other significant passages from the Bible show that Jesus’ mission was not limited to the Jewish people, but extended to all of humanity. His raising of Lazarus from the dead, for example, demonstrates that Jesus’ mission extended to Gentiles as well as Jews.