Christian biblical narrative (i.e., creation, fall, redemption, and restoration)

• Fall: The introduction of sin through the fall disrupts this perfect harmony, leading to brokenness, pain, and ultimately death, which includes sickness and disease as manifestations of this fallen state. Understanding the fall acknowledges the reality of suffering and its origin within the biblical narrative. It doesn't attribute sickness directly to God's will in a punitive sense but rather as a consequence of a world marred by sin and separation from God's perfect design.

• Redemption: This is where the primary comfort and hope in the face of sickness and disease emerge. The entire biblical narrative points towards God's active intervention to redeem humanity and restore what was lost. This redemption is most centrally embodied in the person and work of Jesus Christ:

  • Jesus' Ministry of Healing: The Gospels are replete with accounts of Jesus healing the sick, casting out demons, and even raising the dead. These acts demonstrate God's compassion, power over disease, and foreshadow the ultimate restoration of wholeness. They offer immediate comfort by showing that God is not indifferent to suffering and actively works to alleviate it.
  • Atonement and Forgiveness: Through his death and resurrection, Jesus atones for sin, the root cause of the fall and its consequences, including sickness. This offers a deeper comfort – the assurance of forgiveness and reconciliation with God, providing spiritual peace even amidst physical suffering.
  • The Promise of Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian hope. It signifies victory over death, the ultimate consequence of the fall. This promise extends to believers, offering hope for a future resurrection where physical limitations, including sickness and disease, will be overcome.

• Restoration: The final part of the narrative looks forward to a complete restoration of creation – a "new heavens and a new earth" where there will be no more pain, suffering, sickness, or death (Revelation 21:4). This future hope provides ultimate comfort and perspective in the face of present suffering. It assures believers that sickness and disease are not the final reality and that God's ultimate plan is one of complete healing and wholeness for all of creation.

In summary, comfort and hope in the midst of sickness and disease are primarily found in the narrative of redemption and the promise of restoration. The life and ministry of Jesus demonstrate God's compassion and power over illness, while his death and resurrection offer spiritual healing and the hope of future physical restoration. The initial state of perfect creation reminds us of God's original intent, and the understanding of the fall acknowledges the reality of suffering within the grand narrative. Ultimately, the Christian finds solace in God's active involvement in overcoming the brokenness of the world and the promise of a future where sickness and disease will be no more.