Why is it that so many Christians believe in salvation but struggle to believe in healing? The answer is simple: most of us don’t fully understand what God’s Word says about it. Healing isn’t just something God might do—it’s already been accomplished through the atonement of Jesus Christ. Just like we accept salvation by faith, we need to receive healing by faith as well. The truth is, healing was paid for on the cross, and it’s available to you right now.

But if healing is part of the atonement, why don’t more people experience it? And what exactly does the atonement mean? Let’s dive into the Bible and discover how healing and salvation are connected and why understanding the atonement can change your life forever.

What Is the Atonement?

The word “atonement” refers to the reconciliation between God and humanity through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In simple terms, it means that Jesus paid the price for our sins, bringing us back into a right relationship with God. In the Old Testament, the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was a day when the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies and offer a blood sacrifice to atone for the sins of Israel (Leviticus 16). This was done every year, but it was only a temporary covering of sin.

The blood of animals could never fully remove sin. Hebrews 10:4 says, “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” That’s why Jesus had to come. He was the final, perfect sacrifice, and His death on the cross provided complete and permanent atonement for our sins. Hebrews 9:12 tells us, “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.”

But the atonement didn’t just bring forgiveness—it also brought healing.

Healing Is Part of the Atonement

Many Christians don’t realize that healing is included in the atonement. They think healing is something separate, something that might happen if God is willing. But the Bible clearly shows that healing was provided through Jesus’ sacrifice. One of the most powerful passages on this is Isaiah 53:4-5:

“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

The Hebrew word for “griefs” is “choli,” which means sicknesses or diseases. The word for “sorrows” is “makob,” which means pain. So, this verse is telling us that Jesus bore our sicknesses and carried our pain. It’s not just about spiritual healing—it’s about physical healing too.

This is confirmed in Matthew 8:16-17, where it says, “When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.”

Jesus’ ministry of healing wasn’t just about showing compassion—it was a fulfillment of what He accomplished on the cross. Healing is part of the same atonement that brings us forgiveness of sins.

Healing and Salvation: One Complete Package

Why do we tend to separate healing and salvation? The Bible doesn’t. In fact, it ties them together in passages like Psalm 103:2-3:

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases.”

Forgiveness and healing are listed as benefits of knowing God. Both are part of the atonement Jesus made for us. Just as He bore our sins, He also bore our sicknesses. 1 Peter 2:24 puts it plainly:

“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”

If you’ve accepted Jesus as your Savior, then you’ve already accepted the same atonement that includes healing. It’s not something you have to beg for—it’s something you receive by faith.

A Legal Document and a Love Letter

The Bible can be thought of as both a legal document and a love letter. As a legal document, it outlines what we have been given through Jesus’ death and resurrection. It’s like a will that tells you what your inheritance is. Through the atonement, Jesus left us an inheritance of salvation, forgiveness, healing, peace, and victory. Ephesians 1:3 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” Healing is one of those blessings, part of our legal inheritance as believers.

But it’s also a love letter. God didn’t just legally provide for our healing—He did it out of love. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” God’s desire to heal us comes from His deep love for us. He wants us to be whole in every way—body, soul, and spirit.

Why Don’t We Walk in Healing?

If healing is part of the atonement, why don’t more people experience it? The answer often comes down to a lack of understanding or faith. Many people don’t know what the Bible says about healing, or they doubt whether it’s really for them.

Hosea 4:6 tells us, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” If we don’t know that healing is part of the atonement, we won’t have the faith to receive it. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17), so the more we understand what God’s Word says about healing, the more our faith will grow.

But healing isn’t just about knowing—it’s about believing. Mark 11:24 says, “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Healing, like salvation, is received by faith. It’s already been provided for us—we just need to receive it.

Common Questions About Healing

Let’s address some of the most common questions people have about healing.

1. Is it always God’s will to heal?

Yes, it is always God’s will to heal. Throughout the Bible, we see that God’s nature is to heal. Exodus 15:26 calls Him, “the Lord that healeth thee.” Jesus healed everyone who came to Him, and Hebrews 13:8 tells us, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” God’s will to heal hasn’t changed.

2. If healing is in the atonement, why am I still sick?

This is a tough question, but the truth is that we live in a fallen world where sickness still exists. Sometimes, healing doesn’t manifest immediately, and we are in a spiritual battle. But that doesn’t mean healing isn’t God’s will. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that we wrestle against spiritual forces, and sometimes healing requires persistent faith. James 5:15 encourages us, “And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up.” Keep standing on God’s Word, even if healing doesn’t come instantly.

3. How do I receive healing?

Healing is received by faith, just like salvation. Romans 10:9 tells us that we receive salvation by believing and confessing our faith in Jesus. The same is true for healing—believe in God’s promise and speak it over your life. James 5:14-15 says, “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up.”

Living in the Fullness of the Atonement

Understanding that healing is part of the atonement will change the way you live. No longer will you have to wonder if God wants to heal you—it’s already been done through Jesus’ sacrifice. Healing is a promise, just like salvation, and it’s yours to receive.

Isaiah 53:5 makes it clear that “by His stripes, we are healed.” The price has already been paid. Now it’s time to walk in that healing, stand in faith, and believe that God’s Word is true for you.

Take hold of this truth today, knowing that through the atonement, Jesus didn’t just provide forgiveness—He provided healing, wholeness, and peace. It’s yours. Believe it, receive it, and walk in it.

—Joshua L Mullins