Survey of Doctrine: Topic: Medical science

The Intercontinental Church of God

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The primary discussion of this topic in the doctrine is to make it clear that neither the Bible nor Christ ever condemn or discourage the use of physicians, healers or medicines. Indeed, we see them used by biblical servants of God. The other important point that is discussed is the fact that one procedure is not more or less godly than another and that all procedures and medicines must be evaluated on their own merit.

Physical healing-of any and every sort-must be distinguished from divine, miraculous, supernatural healing.

Topics
Source of healing	Faith	God vs. Medical science	Jesus	Member responsibility
Godly purpose	Bible	Effect of healings	Meaning of word	Medical science
God's promise	Sin/degeneration	Cause of sickness	Gospel	Salvation
Resurrection	Healing symbolism	Disciples-1st century	Healings today	Righteousness
Ministry	Right attitude	Wrong attitude	Healing	Doctrine Summary

Key Statement/Teaching	Paragraph
Physicians and healers in the Bible are not condemned.	8
Isaiah 38:21: Neither Hezekiah nor medical science are condemned in this situation.	30
Jeremiah 8:22: There is no sense of condemnation of medical science.	31
Nowhere in the ministry of Jesus do you see Him condemning physicians, though He mentions them a number of times.	32
Medicines used to heal sickness are not condemned in the Bible.	33
Certainly we can go to medical sources and take advantage of the scientific advances they have to offer, with the full confidence that this positive act on our part in no way interferes with God's ability to heal supernaturally should that prove to be His will.	94
Physical procedures cannot be evaluated based on spiritual criteria.	132
Surgical interventions, pharmacological prescriptions and other medical procedures (whether diagnostic, preventive or curative) must be evaluated on their own merits and on their own terms.	133
One physical method is not more godly than another; one physical method is not necessarily more in harmony with the Bible than another. Physical healing-of any and every sort-must be distinguished from divine, miraculous, supernatural healing.	134
-Stitching a gash in one's arm is just as physical as open-heart surgery. -Special diets and supplements for cancer just as physical as surgery. -Fasting is physical -Cancer treatments are physical -To extract a decayed tooth is the same as taking out a tumor.	135

Conclusion: Key points:

Physicians, healers and medicines in the Bible are not condemned.
Jesus witnessed a number of physicians but never condemns them in any way.
We can go to doctors and take advantage of medical advances and technology without interfering with what God can do for us supernaturally.
Physical procedures cannot be evaluated based on spiritual criteria.
Medical procedures, surgical interventions and medicines must be evaluated on their own merit. They cannot be evaluated in spiritual terms.
No physical method is more godly than another.
Physical healing-of any and every sort-must be distinguished from divine, miraculous, supernatural healing.
The least of all medical procedures is just as physical as more complex ones. Special diets and supplements for cancer just as physical as surgery.