Article October 15, 1984 Issue

Faith, healing, and salvation

WARREN E. HOWLAND

I once exchanged several letters with a woman who was reaching out for higher spiritual understanding. She then wrote, "You have answered my questions satisfactorily, and I accept your answers, but we have left the big question untouched. Are you saved?" I did not wish to be drawn into a theological argument, so after praying for guidance I wrote, "I hope and pray that I am saved. I believe I am saved. But whether I am or not is not for any human being to say, but for God alone." Her answer was a happy conclusion to our correspondence. In substance she said, "Don't be silly. You're saved and you know it." I was grateful for this expression of good will, but in my thinking the question persisted: What does it really mean to be saved?

It stands to reason that if salvation is a valid expectation for anyone, it must be available to all, since God is impartial Love. Salvation cannot be an experience awarded to a chosen few and denied to others. And since salvation implies a closer relationship to God, it must be the result of spiritual growth. But how does spiritual growth begin? In Hebrews we read, "He that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Heb. 11:6. Our Master, Christ Jesus, taught that the kingdom of God is within us. Until this teaching is confirmed in individual experience, we must accept it in faith, and the first tangible evidence of God's presence rewarding our faith is moral and physical healing.

The Gospels record many healings occurring as multitudes thronged the great Teacher, and he often ascribed them to faith. When the centurion came seeking his servant's healing, Jesus said, "I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." Matt. 8:10. And to the woman whose twelve-year issue of blood was stopped when she touched his garment he said, "Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole." Matt. 9:22. In contrast it is recorded that on a visit to his own country, Jesus "did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief." Matt. 13:58. When a father brought to Jesus the son the disciples had failed to heal, pleading, "If thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us," Jesus replied, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." After the father cried, "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief," Mark 9:22-24. Jesus healed the boy.

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