Divine healing and prayer for the sick

What it is: This belief holds that God can heal the sick in response to prayer, laying on of hands, and communal intercession.

How the tradition understands it: Divine healing is generally treated as a real possibility of God's action in the present, not as an automatic guarantee for all cases. In many contexts, it appears together with anointing, fasting, prayer campaigns, and public testimonies.

Textual or traditional basis: Mark 16, James 5, and healing narratives in the Gospels and Acts are widely used.

Historical context: The theme had major importance in healing movements linked to the rise of Pentecostalism and remained central in its missionary expansion.

Common objections: Frequent criticisms point to unverified promises, blaming the sick, and emotional exploitation in certain settings.

Internal variations: Some churches emphasize healing as a regular part of worship; others adopt a more cautious and less declarative posture.

Supportive

Assemblies of God, Statement of Fundamental Truths

pentecostalism,assemblies-of-god,doctrine,holy-spirit

Classic Pentecostal formulation on the Holy Spirit, tongues, healing, and eschatology.

Reference: The Assemblies of God Statement of Fundamental Truths.

Content: The document presents classic formulations on biblical inspiration, salvation, baptism in the Holy Spirit, initial evidence of tongues, divine healing, and the second coming of Christ.

Use in debate: It is one of the most influential Pentecostal confessional sources internationally.

James 5:14-16

bible,divine-healing,prayer,sick,pentecostalism

Anointing and prayer for the sick.

Reference: James 5:14-16.

Content: The text instructs prayer, anointing, and confession in the context of illness.

Use in debate: It is the most common passage used to support prayer for healing and pastoral care for the sick.

Mark 16:17-18

bible,divine-healing,tongues,exorcism,pentecostalism

Signs accompanying believers, including healings and tongues.

Reference: Mark 16:17-18.

Content: The longer ending of Mark mentions signs such as casting out demons, new tongues, and laying hands on the sick.

Use in debate: It is often cited in Pentecostal contexts regarding healing and gifts, although the textual status of the longer ending is debated by scholars.