Miracle Healing in Christianity

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Miracle Healing in Christianity

Historically, divine healing has been one of the hallmarks of the true church. During the ministry of the original apostles, divine healing was manifest. In the second and third century, deliverance ministry was common among followers of Christ.

Jesus taught that when demons were cast out, the Kingdom of God was manifested. Therefore, the power to cast out demons was given to the disciples.

In the early apostolic era, Paul had demonstrated a healing gift. However, he had never performed a miracle similar to the feeding of the 5,000. He also never healed Epaphroditus, a sick friend of his.

The gift of healing was limited in scope and purpose. Healing was not to keep the church healthy, but to demonstrate the holiness of those praying.

After Constantine converted to Christianity in 312 CE, healings began to drift to the margins. Those who were sick and in danger of death were healed, but only to a degree. After the Edict of Milan, the Church developed spiritual means of dealing with sickness.

A common practice was for the sacrament of anointing of the sick. Sacraments always work. They provide spiritual preparation for heaven. In the twelfth century, the anointing of the sick was renamed extreme unction.

In the fifth century, serious Christians fled urban corruption. Some of these people left everything to follow Christ. They were a risky choice, however. They faced harsh penances. They were also required to go to confession before death.