Question: Greg,

I have been struggling with this dilemma for over 5 years. When we have physical symptoms in our bodies, is it a lack of faith in our Father’s Word if we go to counsel with a physician? After all, he has said he is the Great Physician.

Rhonda

Answer: Dear Rhonda,

It is not a lack of faith to consult a physician – some believe that the Bible teaches such a thing, but they are in error. The Bible says no such thing.

Some believe that God promises and guarantees that Christians will be blessed physically, with good health and with material blessings as well. For those Christians who are sick, or those who are poor, those same people say that it must be because of a "secret sin" or a "lack of faith." But once again, the Bible says no such thing.

The healing that our Great Physician offers is spiritual healing, salvation and rescue from the eternal effects of our sin. That promise is absolute, to all who believe, trust, and obey the Great Physician. In addition, God does heal some physical ailments and afflictions – but the Bible tells us that death is appointed to us all. Ultimately death will have its way with us for we are mortal, and we live this life as a sojourner, looking for a city whose builder and maker is God. Paul calls the physical body a tent. This mortal life is not our inheritance, but rather eternity, where we will be with God for eternity in our glorified, resurrected bodies.

Given this background and understanding of God’s plan for us, the gospel, there is absolutely nothing "wrong" – there is no lack of faith – in seeing a physician for our physical needs.

Hope this helps, Rhonda.

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht