There has been an ongoing debate over the years about whether a believer should visit a doctor for treatment. Many argue that Christians, that is, people who have faith in Jesus, should not use medication, undergo a caesarean section, or even visit the hospital at all.
But does faith disapprove of medicine? Better put, is faith against medicine?
I will attempt to discuss this topic under three headings:
- What faith is.
- Is God against medicine?
- Should believers take medication?
Let’s get right into the conversation!
What Is Faith?
The word “faith” is commonly used to express trust or reliance on God. You often hear phrases like, “I have faith that this issue will be sorted out soon,” or “I have faith in God.”
For Christians, faith is believing in Jesus; His birth, death, and resurrection. It also means believing that God exists and surrendering to the Lordship of Jesus over your life.
Faith is also defined as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1 NKJV).
To put the above scripture in other words, faith is a firm confidence or assurance that a thing will happen. It can also be written as “I have a thing even when I haven’t yet handled it”
When a Christian says, “I have faith for healing,” he is implying, “I believe in God’s power to heal me.”
In several places in the Gospels, Jesus used different terms and parables to explain faith. He spoke about “little faith,” “great faith,” and even “exceedingly great faith.” This shows that faith exists in varying degrees.
Is God Against Medicine?
I have not found anywhere in the Bible where God discouraged people from using medicine or seeking treatment. In Isaiah 38:21 (NLT), Prophet Isaiah told Hezekiah’s servants, “Make an ointment from figs and spread it over the boil, and Hezekiah will recover.”
This happened after God sent a message to King Hezekiah, telling him to set his house in order because he was about to die. However, Hezekiah prayed and pleaded with God, and the instruction above was the remedy the prophet gave for his healing.
This shows that God is not against medicine or the use of science for healing. However, He wants us to depend on Him and recognize Him as the Lord who heals us.
Should Believers Take Drugs?
Now to the final question: should believers take drugs?
God wants us to trust in Him for healing. He wants us to pray, ask, and believe Him for restoration and good health. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible contains several promises of healing, including:
- Exodus 15:26 (NLT)
“He said, ‘If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his sight, obeying his commands and keeping all his decrees, then I will not make you suffer any of the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you.’” - Isaiah 53:5 (NLT)
“But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.” - Jeremiah 30:17 (NLT)
“‘I will give you back your health and heal your wounds,’ says the Lord. ‘For you are called an outcast— “Jerusalem for whom no one cares.”’” - Mark 3:10 (NLT)
“He had healed many people that day, so all the sick people eagerly pushed forward to touch him.”
God is a healer. He heals, and He wants you well too. In many instances where Jesus healed people in the Bible, the recipients exercised faith. A popular example is the woman who had the issue of blood for twelve years. She said within herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made whole.” (Matthew 9:20-21). That belief became the channel through which she received her healing.
Now, not every Christian has that kind of faith. It’s okay to take medications and seek medical care when you feel you haven’t yet developed faith for divine healing or divine health. God is not against your getting well.
Scriptures says in 3 John 1:2 KJV, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
Seeking medical care does not make you an unbeliever. It does not make God angry with you.
I will conclude on this note:
In all your ways acknowledge God, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:6 NKJV)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does faith mean rejecting medical treatment?
Trusting God for healing does not necessarily mean rejecting medical treatment. A believer can pray, exercise faith, and still use medication or seek medical care when necessary.
Does God want Christians to use medicine?
God wants His people to be healthy and whole. While He desires us to trust Him, the Bible does not forbid the use of medicine.
Can believers go to the hospital?
Yes, believers can go to the hospital for treatment, care and medical check-ups. Seeking medical help does not mean a person lacks faith in God.
Should believers take drugs?
Believers can take medication when necessary while still trusting God for healing. Seeking treatment does not make someone less spiritual.
