Introduction:
We have considered thus far the need for prayer when seeking God for healing, as well as demonstrating God's concern for those who are physically ill in the church. In the last post we looked more closely at the act of anointing with oil and the manner in which God promises healing in James 5:14-15a here Growing Christian Resources: Post #3 The Meaning Of Anointing With Oil In James 5:13-16 - How It Is To Be Practiced In The Church.
In today's post we want to consider the spiritual benefits that are offered by God in the act of anointing with oil in the name of the Lord in James 5:15b.
Particular spiritual provisions available in the act of anointing with oil. James 5:15
Commentary: James 5:15b "and if he has committed sin, it will be forgiven him." We have here a second provision that is explicitly spiritual - the forgiveness of sins. At issue of course is the level of certainty to be found in the forgiveness of sin upon one's confession of them at the time of anointing. The grammar of the text indicates that forgiveness of sins is available and immediate.
The next clause: "will be forgiven of him" speaks of a specific certainty of forgiveness. At least in this blogger's mind, the parallel grammar of both halves of this verse should not result in saying one provision is only probable and the second provision is certain.
The reader is invited to review the comments made previously to see that there does indeed seem to be a definite promise of healing, just as much as there is a definite promise of forgiveness of sin upon one's confession of them.
Physical healing and forgiveness of sins appear to operate on similar principles, save one - guaranteed immediacy. We know from other scriptures that whenever we confess our sins to the Lord, forgiveness is immediate (Psalm 51:2; Proverbs 28:13; Romans 3:24-26; 1 John 1:9 ). However, healing can vary from immediate healing (Mark 7:31-37) to progressive healing or the complete healing taking place with a time span in between (Mark 8:22-26).
The great Lutheran commentator R.C.H Lenski wrote in his commentary: "Interpretation of the Epistle of Hebrews and the Epistle of James", page 664 on this verse:
"The application of oil soothes the body to a certain degree; the prayer comforts and strengthens the mind and the soul by placing the patient into the Lord's hand with faith and confidence in his gracious will. It is the Lord who raises up the patient to renewed strength and health."
Lenski later adds:
"The prayer directed to him moves him even as he himself has promised. The elders do not bid the patients to rise up and walk. The Lord will raise them up in recovery. The fact that the natural means are not to be discarded as some fanatics demand the mention of oil sufficiently indicates, to say nothing about the further teaching of scripture."
More next time...
