The Difference Between Authority (to heal) and the Gifts of Healing.

[BenFTW]

This is a question that I haven't been able to find a sufficient answer to. What is the practical difference between operating out of authority to heal the sick (as the disciples did) and operating through the gifts of healing given by the Holy Spirit? Is there an operational difference?

The only answer that I got that I found, in part, sufficient was a matter of ministry. Someone may be called/chosen to a ministry of healing (think Kathryn Kuhlman), where as other believers are called to something else (like prophecy/prophetic). So, the difference between the authority every believer has (to address sickness), and the gifts of healing is matter of ministry, what the calling on their life is.

This still, however, doesn't answer the operational difference between the two.

 

[BenFTW]

I just googled the difference, and I actually found an answer that worked. Power and authority is used for non-believers, for witnessing to people the Gospel, where as the gifts of healings is for the Body of Christ, for edification. That makes sense. Anyone else have anything to chime in?

PS: Though I've read testimonies of people using power and authority (Jesus' name) for the healing of family.

 

[wattie]

This is a question that I haven't been able to find a sufficient answer to. What is the practical difference between operating out of authority to heal the sick (as the disciples did) and operating through the gifts of healing given by the Holy Spirit? Is there an operational difference?

The only answer that I got that I found, in part, sufficient was a matter of ministry. Someone may be called/chosen to a ministry of healing (think Kathryn Kuhlman), where as other believers are called to something else (like prophecy/prophetic). So, the difference between the authority every believer has (to address sickness), and the gifts of healing is matter of ministry, what the calling on their life is.

This still, however, doesn't answer the operational difference between the two.

Well, obviously this is going to be a thread for people who believe all gifts are operational for now. I believe faith hope and love remain and the other gifts have fulfilled their purpose.. put away now.

But in regards to what the disciples and christians were doing with gifts then at the time of the bible- all the healing etc.. was 100 percent full and had pretty much instant occurances.

The difference though I am thinking would be that the disciples were all given that authority by Jesus, whereas when spiritual gifts were given with the likes of Acts.. not every one had the same gifts.

The disciples were given power, with the same commission.. to all of them. The spiritual gifts were divided differently between christians in churches so the churches could operate with complementary parts.

 

[SolidGround]

I think the two are one in the same, the difference being "walking in the Spirit" vs being "filled with the Spirit".
The miracles of the Apostles were events of being filled,
whereas ministry is continued by consistent walk.

The filling is more powerful, but rare. The walk is more subtle, but readily attainable.

Little of my opinion has Scriptural basis, but is mostly based off experience. I am not sure that Scripture provides a direct answer, but what I have posted is the indirect answer that I have come to, through examples in the Word, and examples in my life and those around me.

 

[Blain]

I have the deep desire to heal others because I cannot bear to see others in pain and sickness but I do not have the gift of healing, however God can at any time call me to heal but the thing is he has to be the one to say go.

Maybe it's because I lack faith to believe I have received what I asked for in prayer but every time I pray for healing for someone it never happens in which time two scenarios can happen 1- think I simply don't have enough faith and I get down on my self not feeling good enough or strong enough or two which I always choose is I believe it simply isn't his will. I don't know or understand why God would allow someone even such a good kind hearted believer to continue to be in such sickness and pain but I also don't understand his ways his thoughts are not my thoughts and he sees the bigger picture not me.

So I see as this, perhaps one day he will use me to heal others but I will not try to do it on my own he has to move first he is the commander and I am the soldier if I attempt to do this on my own strength or the strength of my faith then what is the point? even if I was successful I know this scripture Mathew 7:22 On judgment day many will say to me, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.'

These ppl had the faith to move mountains but because the lacked the love and heart of God because they moved on their own and didn't wait for the command it was pointless. they wanted God to follow them as they healed and prophesied and such but we are supposed to be following him. However the healing of a broken heart is just as important as healing with the holy spirit, God rejoices when we heal a wounded and broken heart. Which is why we should never take the work we do on cc for granted because even the smallest thing that we might consider nothing has the entire kingdom of heaven applauding and praising God.

 

[Miri]

I do believe there are times as individuals that we are to pray for healing.

Im no healer believe me, but a few years back I developed a bony hard lump at
the base of my middle finger. It was really painful and when I went to grab
hold of anything it kept catching. It wasn't just a blister it was a bony lump and
i thought it might be athrities etc. what's worse is that I played the saxophone
in the worship team at the time.

I felt I should pray for healing but that I really needed to pray believing.
So I did, not knowing if it would work or not, but just believed it was the
right thing to do.

I prayed, forgot about it and just got on with life.
About a week later I noticed this lump had completely gone, I had it
over a month before I prayed.

I have also prayed about a couple of women's problems and been healed.

That being said, they were specific instances where I felt it was right to
prayer for healing. There has been other times I have been ill when I
havent prayed. Maybe it's lack of faith on my part or it hasn't been the
right thing to do, I don't know.

Personally I think we all have the ability to prayer about such things within
our own sphere of influence. There are others as you say, who have a wider
influence.

But there again I think doctors are also used by God to heal.

 

[jb]

This is a question that I haven't been able to find a sufficient answer to. What is the practical difference between operating out of authority to heal the sick (as the disciples did) and operating through the gifts of healing given by the Holy Spirit? Is there an operational difference?

The only answer that I got that I found, in part, sufficient was a matter of ministry. Someone may be called/chosen to a ministry of healing (think Kathryn Kuhlman), where as other believers are called to something else (like prophecy/prophetic). So, the difference between the authority every believer has (to address sickness), and the gifts of healing is matter of ministry, what the calling on their life is.

This still, however, doesn't answer the operational difference between the two.

You can find a bit of a study Here that you should find helpful...

Yahweh Shalom

 

[notuptome]

This is a question that I haven't been able to find a sufficient answer to. What is the practical difference between operating out of authority to heal the sick (as the disciples did) and operating through the gifts of healing given by the Holy Spirit? Is there an operational difference?

The only answer that I got that I found, in part, sufficient was a matter of ministry. Someone may be called/chosen to a ministry of healing (think Kathryn Kuhlman), where as other believers are called to something else (like prophecy/prophetic). So, the difference between the authority every believer has (to address sickness), and the gifts of healing is matter of ministry, what the calling on their life is.

This still, however, doesn't answer the operational difference between the two.

Your scriptural foundation would be nice to review.

Will draw from doctrinal teachings of the Pentecostals and charismatics or from the bible?

Tell me how does God heal? Whom does God heal? Why does God not heal some while God heals others?

Healing is not listed in 1 Cor 13:8 so there is no cessation argument to be made.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

 

[Miri]

But then if healing has ceased, how do you explain the healings which
have taken place since the writing up of the OT and which still happen today.
Ive seen people healed both from big and small things, see also my post
above. A lady in our church was miraculously healed of bowel cancer for example.

Its like saying birds can't fly.
Oh but how do you explain that feathery thing up there flapping its wings.
Dunna but it can't really by flying cos birds can't fly. Lol.


God bless

x

 

[popeye]

This is a question that I haven't been able to find a sufficient answer to. What is the practical difference between operating out of authority to heal the sick (as the disciples did) and operating through the gifts of healing given by the Holy Spirit? Is there an operational difference?

The only answer that I got that I found, in part, sufficient was a matter of ministry. Someone may be called/chosen to a ministry of healing (think Kathryn Kuhlman), where as other believers are called to something else (like prophecy/prophetic). So, the difference between the authority every believer has (to address sickness), and the gifts of healing is matter of ministry, what the calling on their life is.

This still, however, doesn't answer the operational difference between the two.

You have to back up a little to get the panoramic view.

Moses lifted up the serpent to provide a source for healing. jesus is the antitype of the serpent.



Now observe the anointing on David,AAron,Saul,Jesus,Elijah,Elisha........Peter.

3 levels to the anointing

leper's anointing......salvation
Priestly anointing.....Baptism in the HS
Kingly anointing......obedience

Remember peter's shadow healed the sick?That is an example of the kingly anointing.

Saul was anointed as king,and prophet.
David was anointed as prophet,priest,king.


Understanding the levels of anointing,as well as healing being part of the NT is critical in understanding our earthly ministry.

From that vantage point, we can get understanding into the authority and gifts.

 

[Joidevivre]

It seems to me that when you fellowship with the Spirit of God, you just move as He moves.

Forget about putting labels on what is happening. Gift of this - gift of that - it can become confusing.

If you are praying for someone sick, and all of a sudden you sense a strong warmth over your hands, know that the Lord is ministering that healing directly to that person through you in the name of Jesus. Or you might feel a great impulse that the Lord wants to heal someone - just follow that impulse and begin to pray.

If you have a strong word of encouragement or exhortation for someone, just bring it. If you feel to gather a few people around to share some insights of God's word to you, gather them and begin a discussion.

It is always about following the flow of the Spirit. It only requires being in close fellowship with Him, complete surrender, and acting in faith when you feel He wants to use you to be a vessel of His gifts to someone else.

Believe that He still desires to minister to people because He cares for them. And He still wants to reveal the powerful presence of Christ so our faith is even more encouraged and confirmed.

Christ is alive and just as active now as He ever was. To those who believe.

 

[tenderhearted]

Oral Roberts had the gift of healing and God used him to heal many people. Just like Joideivire mentioned he can prompt anyone who is in close fellowship with Him to bring healing to someone. About a decade ago I had a mass in one of my glands and the doctor couldn't determine whether it was cancerous or not, so he wanted to perform surgery to remove it. It was a risky surgery because it was close to the nerves on my face. He said there was a possibility half my face could go paralyzed... pretty scary.

I prayed a lot for God's healing. Then a week before the surgery I went to church where they were praying for sick people. This man anointed me with oil and said "thank you LORD for healing her. " That was all he said-- I remember thinking that's it. Anyway, 2 days before my surgery I was so sick( vomiting). I called the doctor and he wanted to reschedule. However, I felt the spirit of God tell me no don't reschedule, so I didn't. When I woke up the following day, I looked in the mirror and the mass was completely gone. I was praising the LORD. I truly believe it was the faith of that preacher that brought healing to me. I have never experienced anything like that since then.

I have chronic knee pain and I have asked God to give me another miracle, but this time his answer was My Grace Is Sufficient. He's been my strength and has been so faithful to me. I still have faith though that one day I will be healed in his perfect timing, but if he doesn't I made up my mind that I will still praise him.

 

[atwhatcost]

This is a question that I haven't been able to find a sufficient answer to. What is the practical difference between operating out of authority to heal the sick (as the disciples did) and operating through the gifts of healing given by the Holy Spirit? Is there an operational difference?

The only answer that I got that I found, in part, sufficient was a matter of ministry. Someone may be called/chosen to a ministry of healing (think Kathryn Kuhlman), where as other believers are called to something else (like prophecy/prophetic). So, the difference between the authority every believer has (to address sickness), and the gifts of healing is matter of ministry, what the calling on their life is.

This still, however, doesn't answer the operational difference between the two.

I don't get it. What is your concept of authority? The disciples were given authority to go out and preach and heal, so I don't get what you mean by "authority." (Oddly enough, everyone seems to be answering you like they just accept the same thing you do, and yet, I'm not doubting you. I honestly never heard this one before. lol)

I don't have the gift of healing, but God has used me once to heal. Hubby doesn't have the gift, but he was used a few of times. I always thought healing was a gift like any other gift -- God gives some that ability as a full-fledged gift, and to the rest of us it's an as-needed gift.

 

[RickyZ]

It seems to me that when you fellowship with the Spirit of God, you just move as He moves.

Forget about putting labels on what is happening. Gift of this - gift of that - it can become confusing.

If you are praying for someone sick, and all of a sudden you sense a strong warmth over your hands, know that the Lord is ministering that healing directly to that person through you in the name of Jesus. Or you might feel a great impulse that the Lord wants to heal someone - just follow that impulse and begin to pray.

If you have a strong word of encouragement or exhortation for someone, just bring it. If you feel to gather a few people around to share some insights of God's word to you, gather them and begin a discussion.

It is always about following the flow of the Spirit. It only requires being in close fellowship with Him, complete surrender, and acting in faith when you feel He wants to use you to be a vessel of His gifts to someone else.

Believe that He still desires to minister to people because He cares for them. And He still wants to reveal the powerful presence of Christ so our faith is even more encouraged and confirmed.

Christ is alive and just as active now as He ever was. To those who believe.

Exactly. None of the gifts, offices, and anointings have anything to do with the circus tent show you see on You Tube. It's about being open to the Spirit's moving in more private situations.

 

[RickyZ]

You have to remember the difference between gifts and offices. A gift, like healing or prophesy, is more of a one time (or infrequent) thing, available to most all Christians as the Spirit moves. But someone who is called to continuously heal or prophesy publically holds what is called an office. So when you ask about the place of each, it does depend on whether it is of the Spirit's moving, or is it more like your job?

The authority for both, of course, comes from Christ and Christ alone.

 

[atwhatcost]

I have the deep desire to heal others because I cannot bear to see others in pain and sickness but I do not have the gift of healing, however God can at any time call me to heal but the thing is he has to be the one to say go.

Maybe it's because I lack faith to believe I have received what I asked for in prayer but every time I pray for healing for someone it never happens in which time two scenarios can happen 1- think I simply don't have enough faith and I get down on my self not feeling good enough or strong enough or two which I always choose is I believe it simply isn't his will. I don't know or understand why God would allow someone even such a good kind hearted believer to continue to be in such sickness and pain but I also don't understand his ways his thoughts are not my thoughts and he sees the bigger picture not me.

So I see as this, perhaps one day he will use me to heal others but I will not try to do it on my own he has to move first he is the commander and I am the soldier if I attempt to do this on my own strength or the strength of my faith then what is the point? even if I was successful I know this scripture Mathew 7:22 On judgment day many will say to me, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.'

These ppl had the faith to move mountains but because the lacked the love and heart of God because they moved on their own and didn't wait for the command it was pointless. they wanted God to follow them as they healed and prophesied and such but we are supposed to be following him. However the healing of a broken heart is just as important as healing with the holy spirit, God rejoices when we heal a wounded and broken heart. Which is why we should never take the work we do on cc for granted because even the smallest thing that we might consider nothing has the entire kingdom of heaven applauding and praising God.

Would you kindly stop thinking you're so little in God's eyes? Yeesh! You're the adopted son of the King of Kings. You, sir, are a prince -- literally. He chose you. It doesn't get better than that!

You need the faith of a mustard seed. I've watched your faith on here. At the very least sunflower seed size. I suspect bigger-than-a-bread-box. God has fully and completely equipped you with everything you need to heal someone -- God! He is the power. If it's his will, the person will be healed. AND, you'll know it because, poof! They're healed. The only thing we miss is whose will. Most the time, it's been my will, but not God's, so the person isn't healed. I've been a believer for 43 years now and I still can't tell the difference, probably for the same reason you can't. I empathize greatly with people hurting, so I want everyone healed. It's not like God gets mad at us for that. How can he? He's the one doling out enough love on us to feel that way for the person.

God's used me once to heal, and yet I've prayed thousands and thousands, if not millions of times for God to heal someone.

Meanwhile, hubby has been used three times (since I've known him.) He actually sensed God tell him to pray for the person. One time, he thought that meant to go off and pray, but after he did that, God clearly told him to lay hands on the guy. Another time it was for me. We rarely pray out loud together. (Not saying we don't pray, but rarely out loud.) And yet, I was hurting and God told him to lay hands on me. Much to both of our surprise God healed me immediately. I think hubby was more surprised because the UTI I used to get never ever went away without antibiotics, until that time. It came back every other month before that day. (Ain't it romantic and noble to talk about getting healed from a reoccurring UTI? LOL) Since then, I've had it five times in 33 years. But he get's this sense and I don't.

Nothing to do with capability, since God is the capability.

As for why some of us aren't healed? (Hubby and I are both disabled with pain of one kind or another.) That's God too. God's reminding us more often than most that we need him. The pain almost pulses into "need you, God, need you, God, need you, God." Add to that, when we have to do something that we know is going to make the pain worse, we automatically pray, "Help us through this, Father." Honest now? Don't you wish you had a warning light when you're about to do something that's going to cause you to need God? I think it's cool God gave us our warning lights.

And the day we no longer need the warning light will be the eternity we never have pain again. Good deal too!

 

[Miri]

Oral Roberts had the gift of healing and God used him to heal many people. Just like Joideivire mentioned he can prompt anyone who is in close fellowship with Him to bring healing to someone. About a decade ago I had a mass in one of my glands and the doctor couldn't determine whether it was cancerous or not, so he wanted to perform surgery to remove it. It was a risky surgery because it was close to the nerves on my face. He said there was a possibility half my face could go paralyzed... pretty scary.

I prayed a lot for God's healing. Then a week before the surgery I went to church where they were praying for sick people. This man anointed me with oil and said "thank you LORD for healing her. " That was all he said-- I remember thinking that's it. Anyway, 2 days before my surgery I was so sick( vomiting). I called the doctor and he wanted to reschedule. However, I felt the spirit of God tell me no don't reschedule, so I didn't. When I woke up the following day, I looked in the mirror and the mass was completely gone. I was praising the LORD. I truly believe it was the faith of that preacher that brought healing to me. I have never experienced anything like that since then.

I have chronic knee pain and I have asked God to give me another miracle, but this time his answer was My Grace Is Sufficient. He's been my strength and has been so faithful to me. I still have faith though that one day I will be healed in his perfect timing, but if he doesn't I made up my mind that I will still praise him.

Wonderful story, praise God

 

[atwhatcost]

This is a question that I haven't been able to find a sufficient answer to. What is the practical difference between operating out of authority to heal the sick (as the disciples did) and operating through the gifts of healing given by the Holy Spirit? Is there an operational difference?

The only answer that I got that I found, in part, sufficient was a matter of ministry. Someone may be called/chosen to a ministry of healing (think Kathryn Kuhlman), where as other believers are called to something else (like prophecy/prophetic). So, the difference between the authority every believer has (to address sickness), and the gifts of healing is matter of ministry, what the calling on their life is.

This still, however, doesn't answer the operational difference between the two.

Bummer. I was looking forward to learning the difference between the disciples going out without authority and not.

 

[ladylynn]

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[TD="width: 100%, align: left"] Numbers 21:9
So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived. [/TD]
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[TD="colspan: 3, align: left"] "Pastor I know that God is my healer. But why is this sickness and pain still in my body?” If you have been looking at your sickness and pain all this while, stop looking at yourself and start looking at Jesus. Did He or did He not take upon Himself your sickness and pain?

God’s Word declares, “Surely our sicknesses he hath borne, and our pains—he hath carried them…” (Isaiah 53:4, YLT) Since Jesus has already taken your sickness and pain at the cross, then He cannot “untake” them. Even if you find it hard to believe that Jesus has paid for your healing, especially when the pain is unbearable, the truth is that it is still paid for. It is a finished work!
God is not saying that your sickness does not exist, nor is He asking you to pretend that it is not there. He is asking you to look away from the sickness, painful as it may be, and look to the truth that it has already been judged at the cross in the body of His Son.
Once, while still in the wilderness, the children of Israel were bitten by deadly desert serpents. The serpents were real. The bites were painful and deadly. So God told Moses to point the people to the bronze serpent put on a pole—a picture of the cross. (John 3:14) Bronze signifies judgment. In other words, the serpent—their problem—was already judged at the cross.
Those who kept their eyes on the bronze serpent lived. Those who focused on their wounds died. So stop looking at your sickness. Instead, look to the cross and see your sickness already judged in the body of Jesus. Surely He has borne your sicknesses and carried your pains! That is the truth of God’s Word. And His Word supersedes natural facts.
My friend, you let natural facts rule or establish God’s truths over your problem by what you choose to focus on. So decide today not to focus on the facts concerning your problem. Instead, establish the truth of God’s Word and Christ’s finished work over your problem—and live!
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[nowyouseem033]

I believe certain gifts have ceased completely. i.e. Tongues/healing/prophecy which are defined as the gifts of signs and wonders.

The reason why is based upon 2 certain yet important questions we must ask ourselves.

1) What were the purposes of these gifts? and
2) Whom were they given too?

1) IMO the gifts were purposed in a two fold setting. One was to edify and build up the early New Testament Church, which foundations were laid by the apostles and prophets. These gifts also were to be done within a restricted framework that Paul outlines in 2 Corinthians. And NO they weren't used to put on a show in the Middle East contrary to modern evangelical methods being used today. Their purpose was primarily for the building up of the early church.
Two which is more of a pre-requisite to the one above is that is was also to verify and authenticate the men who possess these gifts as men of God. Context: In the early church establishment there was no Bible at their disposal. So what the gifts do is act as a sort of confirmation that the men who possessed these gifts were men sent from God. and because these men were sent from God people could hear what they had to say to them as they had no bible to be able to do that. The gifts act as " you will know those who are mine, by their works they do in my name". It is true however that their were many who had counterfeit gifts in order to lead the people of God astray such as false prophets etc. This is why men who had gifts had to be either sent from Jesus himself or appointed by Peter, John or Paul. Anybody that did not fit that category weren't recognised as people who had the gifts. hence detecting a false believer.

2) Scripture teaches that all do not have these gifts. So the question is who then does have these gifts?
The gifts were given to the 12disciples and apostles. (apostles were not only 12 but many more than that later on).
So the gifts are exclusive only to the office of an apostle. NOT EVERY BELIEVER.
question now is how does one become an apostle?
To be an apostle you were have had to either witness or seen Christ firsthand and be sent by him (12disciples, Paul on his conversion experience) or be appointed to the office of an apostle, by an apostle. (Many examples of people healing that didn't see Christ). So the gifts were categorised and were linked directly to the office and ministry of an apostle, and an apostle only. That is how they also were to distinguish those who were counterfeit and false believers. Either they walked with Jesus and seen him or they were appointed by someone who did i.e. Paul, Peter etc. If every believer had this gift it would be near impossible to know who was a false believer and who was a true believer. (in the area of gifts that is).
question now is do we have amongst us Apostles that walk the earth today?
My answer is NO we don't and no longer have the office of an apostle today.
The purpose for Apostleship was to establish the foundations of the early church through the gifts given to them by God.
Today the church is well thriving amongst the world and we are no longer at the foundations but we are upon those foundations. Hence the orthodox Church has recognised that time as the Apostles Era, and we no longer live in the Era.

Conclusion: The gifts were for a specific purpose (establish the early church), given to a specific group of people (Apostles), during a specific stage in time (Apostles Era) until the Word of God completed and revealed.

The death of the last apostle brought the ceasing of the signs and wonders gifts, and the closing of the Apostles Era. Then the dawn of the Enlightenment age which would prove to be one of the most prosperous ages until the Medieval age.

Note: Can God heal? YES healing hasn't ceased its the gift of possessing it has. That's why we pray for people we love etc, because we know God heals not us.
Does this restrict the Spirits ministry? NO, if you understand the outpouring had a set and defined goal.
What about tongues? I speak English so yes I do speak in tongues, its the gift of translation that has been ceased.
Prophets? Jesus Christ and all he says in his Word is all that you ever will need now and forever more.