God’s Benefits
Claiming God's Abundant Benefits: Beyond Forgiveness and Eternal Life
Many people have been taught that the primary benefits of following God are forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life. While these are undoubtedly foundational and essential blessings, God’s promises to His children extend far beyond these two aspects. In Psalm 103, often referred to as our benefits package, we find a glimpse of the multitude of blessings God has in store for us. The first two benefits mentioned are the forgiveness of all our sins and the healing of all our sicknesses. In Isaiah 53:4-5, we discover how Jesus’ atonement provides comprehensive benefits, encompassing spiritual, physical, and mental healing, touching every aspect of our being—spirit, soul, and body. In Galatians 3:13-14 and Deuteronomy 28, we learn how Jesus took the ‘curse’ (i.e., spiritual death, sickness, and poverty) for us and granted us access to the ‘blessing.’ So, in summary, key benefits include spiritual life, healing, and prosperity. Let’s explore the rich tapestry of benefits God has promised us in His Word.
Psalm 103: Our Benefits Package
Psalm 103:2-5 declares, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgives all your sins, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Here, we see God’s heart for His children, offering forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, mercy, and renewal.
Isaiah 53: Comprehensive Atonement
Isaiah 53:4-5 provides a profound glimpse into the scope of Jesus’ atonement. He bore our sins, carried our sorrows, griefs and sicknesses, was wounded for our transgressions, and by His stripes, we are healed. This passage reveals that God’s benefits package extends to spiritual, physical, and mental healing. It touches every facet of our lives, offering wholeness and restoration.
Galatians 3: Freedom from the Curse
Galatians 3:13-14 explains that Jesus redeemed us from the curse of the law (i.e., spiritual death, sickness, and poverty), becoming a curse for us so that we might receive
the blessing of Abraham. Deuteronomy 28 outlines the blessings that come with obedience, including prosperity, protection, and provisions (daily bread). Jesus’ sacrifice grants us access to these blessings, demonstrating God’s desire for our well-being.
A Multitude of Benefits
In addition to forgiveness and eternal life, God’s Word promises a wealth of benefits to His children:
- Love: Romans 8:38-39 assures us that nothing can separate us from God’s love.
- Joy and Peace: Galatians 5:22-23 speaks of the fruit of the Spirit, which includes joy and peace.
- Salvation: Acts 4:12 declares that there is salvation in no one else but Jesus.
- Healing: 1 Peter 2:24 reminds us that by Jesus’ wounds, we have been healed.
- Deliverance: Psalm 34:17 reminds us that the Lord delivers us from all our troubles.
- Prosperity: Philippians 4:19 assures us that God will supply all our needs.
- Protection: Psalm 91 offers a promise of divine protection and refuge.
- Provisions (Daily Bread): Matthew 6:11 encourages us to ask God for our daily bread.
While forgiveness of sins and eternal life are foundational, God’s benefits for His children are abundant and diverse. As seen in Psalm 103, Isaiah 53, Galatians 3, and throughout His Word, He offers healing, love, joy, peace, deliverance, prosperity, protection, provisions, and more. These blessings encompass every aspect of our lives—spiritual, physical, and mental. As children of God, we can confidently claim these benefits, knowing that they are part of His generous and loving plan for us. Let us embrace these promises with faith, patience, and gratitude, for they are a testament to the depth of God’s love and provision in our lives.
While these benefits apply to all areas of life, let’s take a closer look at how this applies specifically to healing, as it is one of the most misunderstood aspects of God’s benefits.
A Deeper Dive on Healing
We all need to recognize the healing power of God. In today’s world, medicine has been politicized, and we can only rely on Jesus for true healing. Learning to receive healing directly from God is essential.
Sickness: Not from God
A common misconception is that God inflicts sickness to punish or teach us. Many of us grew up with the belief that God uses sickness to humble or judge us, portraying it as something positive. However, a thorough study of the Bible reveals this is entirely false.
Sickness is from the devil, not God. If you doubt this, you won’t experience healing. Jesus, who reflects the Father (Hebrews 1:3), did only what the Father does (John 5:19). Jesus never made anyone sick nor said they needed to stay sick to learn a lesson. Acts 10:38 states that Jesus was anointed by God to do good and heal all oppressed by the devil, because God was with him.
Jesus' Healing Ministry
Throughout His ministry on earth, Jesus constantly demonstrated God’s desire for healing. He healed the sick, restored sight to the blind, made the lame walk, and raised the dead. These miracles were never done as acts of judgment or punishment, but purely out of compassion and to demonstrate the kingdom of God. Jesus Himself said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).
Jesus’ healing ministry wasn’t just for the past; it’s for today (Hebrews 13:8). His power to heal didn’t end when He ascended to heaven but was passed on to His followers through the Holy Spirit.
The Atonement and Healing
While there are Old Testament instances where God put sickness on people as punishment, it was never a blessing. We are no longer under the Old Covenant; Galatians 3:13 tells us Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law. Under the New Covenant, God does not punish His children with sickness.
Healing is part of Jesus’ atonement. The Greek word “sozo,” used over a hundred times in the New Testament, encompasses everything Jesus did for us, including forgiveness, healing, deliverance, prosperity, and wholeness. 1 Peter 2:24 links the forgiveness of sins with the healing of our bodies.
Healing in the New Covenant
We need to understand that we are no longer under the Old Covenant, where sickness was sometimes used as a punishment. Galatians 3:13 makes it clear that Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law. This means we don’t have to accept sickness (and we should rebuke it as it no longer belongs to us) and we should not view sickness as God’s will. Just as we are confident that God doesn’t want us to live in sin, we can have the same confidence that He doesn’t want us to live in sickness.
Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we have access to the full benefits of healing, just as much as we have access to forgiveness. Healing is not just something we hope for in heaven—it’s something we can receive now, on earth.
Expecting Healing Now
However, the modern church often teaches that we should only expect forgiveness of sins, with complete healing and joy reserved for heaven. But Jesus taught us to pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). There is no sickness in heaven, so we should expect to walk in healing now.
We do not condemn those who are sick, just as we do not condemn those living in sin. We love people enough to tell them that Jesus is their Lord (John 3:3) and that God does not want them to be sick. Sickness is not God’s will for anyone, and Jesus paid for our physical healing just as much as He paid for our forgiveness of sins.
Claim God's Benefits in Your Life: A Call to Action
As a child of God, you have been given access to an incredible array of blessings, including healing, prosperity, protection, and deliverance. These benefits are not just for the future—they are for today. Now is the time to step into all that God has provided for you.
Here’s how to start
Pray Boldly
Lift up the promises of God in prayer, thanking Him for what He’s already provided through Jesus. Ask God to reveal His blessings in every area of your life.
Meditate on the Scriptures
Spend time daily meditating on the scriptures that outline God’s benefits, allowing His Word to sink deep into your heart and build your faith.
Declare His Promises
Speak out God’s Word over your life. Declare healing, prosperity, protection, and peace boldly, knowing that your words are powerful and aligned with God’s truth.
Example Declaration
“Father, I thank You that You have forgiven all my sins, healed all my diseases, redeemed my life from destruction, and crowned me with love and mercy. I declare that I am healed, whole, prosperous, and protected. I walk in Your blessings today and every day, confident that You have given me every benefit through Jesus. Amen.”
Walk confidently in the benefits Jesus has provided. Remember, these promises are not just for one day—they are for now. Step into God’s abundant life today!