He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24
The death of Jesus offers a profound healing for those who believe. That’s what Peter is reminding us as Christians. The healing described in this verse is not referring to physical healing. Our Lord certainly has the power and desire to bring physical healing (Matthew 8:17, Luke 4:18). When we look at the earthly ministry of Jesus, we see him preaching the good news of the kingdom and then confirm that good news through miracles and healing. The healings were not his primary mission, but served his primary mission of giving his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).
We should pray for physical healing. And when he graciously provides we should rejoice and celebrate his wonder-working power. But, remember that the death of Jesus provides something deeper and more powerful – spiritual healing. On the cross, Jesus took our judgment for sin by dying in our place. He is our substitute. And by taking the death that we deserved, he has the authority and right to give us the life that he deserved. The healing we receive as Christians is much greater than cancer or diabetes or heart disease. We get eternal life. We get union with Christ now and the glory of Christ forever.
If you are trusting in the finished work of Jesus on the cross for salvation, then you have died to sin. Meaning, the penalty of sin has been cancelled and power of sin has been broken. You may still struggle with the presence of sin in your life, but the reality is that sin no longer has authority over your life. Through Jesus, you have died to sin.
Christian, you must be convinced this is true. Even if you must preach this truth to your heart every day, do it. Because when you believe this reality, two things will happen. First, you will live in the freedom of being dead to sin. Second, you will devote yourself to living the holy life to which you have been called. This is the healing that has been won by the wounds of Jesus.
Jesus didn’t die so we can live a few more disease-free years, as wonderful as that might be. Jesus died so we can live billions of sin-free years with him in glory. And that healing has already taken place. Are you living in the wonder and gratitude for the spiritual healing of the cross? Are you living by faith in the truth that you are dead to sin? Are you presenting your life today as an instrument of righteousness?
