Miracle Healing in Christianity

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Miracle Healing in Christianity

Christianity is the world’s largest religion. It is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the life of Jesus of Nazareth. There are over 2.38 billion followers of the faith. Several different denominations use the Bible as a main tenet.

During the early centuries of Christianity, the church was founded by apostles who traveled the world to preach the gospel. Healing was a part of their ministry. They raised the dead and exorcised demons. The anointing of the sick with oil became a sacrament.

In the fourth century, church growth accelerated. Missionaries flew out to every corner of the globe. People converted to Christianity in droves. As the church gained a foothold in the global community, healing began to be limited by church leaders.

In the Middle Ages, Christian physicians and medical schools existed in cities such as Pergamum and Cos. When Constantine converted to Christianity in 312, healing drifted to the margins. Some serious Christians fled to the countryside.

Despite the limitations of church leaders, the Holy Spirit was active and miracles were common. Saints often prayed to be healed. If a person had special faith, their prayers were more likely to be answered.

Many Protestants reported “second blessings”: sanctification, infilling of the Holy Spirit, and freedom from the power of sin. God did not command Christians to heal demons. His word was clear: God wanted his children to be free from fear.

In the Bible, there are clusters of miracles. The story of the deaf-mute man in Luke 5:17-26 is a good example. Another story involves a blind man who runs to Jesus.