sickness is sin?

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 The sources indicate a strong and divinely appointed connection between sickness and sin, viewing disease as a consequence of violating God's laws, both natural and spiritual.

Here's a breakdown of how the sources explain this relationship:

  • Sickness as a Consequence of Transgression:

    • Violation of God's Laws: Sickness is directly stated to be the result of violating the laws of health or nature's law, which are considered to be God's laws. Disregarding these laws leads to consequences like "suffering, disease, imbecility, or death".
    • Specific Sins and Diseases:
      • Indulgence of appetite and lustful passions are frequently cited as primary causes of disease, including corrupting the blood, inflaming passions, weakening digestive organs, and leading to various physical and mental infirmities. Overeating, especially with too many kinds of food at one meal, can cause dyspepsia and exhaust vital forces.
      • Immorality and licentiousness are highlighted as sins leading to widespread disease and degeneration of the race.
      • Dissatisfied feelings, discontent, gloom, and sadness are also identified as causes of sickness of body and mind. Conversely, the consciousness of right-doing is considered the "best medicine".
    • God's Displeasure/Judgment: The sources from Leviticus and Deuteronomy describe various "plagues" and sicknesses as judgments from the Lord due to disobedience and sin. Isaiah 1:5,6 refers to a sick head and faint heart, with wounds and sores, as a result of a sinful nation's rebellion. Micah 6:13 states God will make people sick due to their sins.

  • Sin as the "Spiritual Leprosy":

    • Leprosy itself is presented as a dreaded disease and a symbol of sin. The "leprosy of sin" is a metaphor used to describe the corrupt and degraded spiritual state of humanity.
    • The "burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, lies at the very foundation of a large share of the maladies the sinner suffers".

  • Sickness Not Always a Direct Punishment for Personal Sin:

    • While sin is the ultimate cause of all suffering, the sources clarify that not every affliction is a direct punishment for an individual's personal wrongdoing. Jesus corrected the disciples' belief that a blind man's condition was due to his or his parents' sin, stating it was "that the works of God should be made manifest in him".
    • Some individuals suffer due to inherited disease or accidents, a consequence of the accumulated sins of past generations.
    • God is not the author of sickness and death; these are the work of an "antagonistic power" (Satan).

  • Healing of Sickness and Forgiveness of Sin:

    • Christ as the Healer: Jesus is presented as the "mighty healer of the sin-sick soul" and body. His healing ministry often involved forgiving sins before or alongside physical restoration. This shows that addressing the spiritual condition (sin) is crucial and often precedes physical healing.
    • Conditions for Healing through Prayer:
      • The prayer of faith is emphasized as vital for saving the sick.
      • However, such prayer is a solemn act and requires careful consideration.
      • Confession and Forsaking Sin: For healing to occur, violation of God's law (natural or spiritual) must be recognized as sin, confessed, and forsaken. The sick must be taught to lay aside unhealthy practices and live in harmony with God's laws.
      • Cooperation with God: God will not work a miracle to preserve health for those who disregard health laws and make no effort to prevent disease. Faith must be "made perfect by works". Individuals must "cooperate with God" by using natural remedies, living healthfully, and bringing their habits into conformity with correct principles.
      • Submission to God's Will: Prayers for the sick should include submission to God's will ("if it is for Thy glory and the good of the afflicted ones") rather than demanding recovery. Not all sick are healed, and this should not be seen as a lack of faith. In some cases, it might be better if they died if they would continue in sin.

  • The Role of Sanitariums and Health Reform:

    • Sanitariums were established, not for miraculous healing without effort, but to educate people in right habits of living and health reform, which is closely linked to the gospel message. The purpose is to lead "sin-sick souls" to Christ by teaching them how to live in harmony with God's laws, both physical and spiritual.

In essence, the sources present sickness as a physical manifestation of a spiritual problem (sin), either directly through personal transgression of health laws or as a broader consequence of sin in the world. Healing, therefore, often involves addressing both the physical and spiritual aspects, with emphasis on repentance, confession, and adherence to God's laws for a complete and lasting restoration.

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