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Adventistische Schriften über: "In Mark 2: Why did Jesus first say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven”? Was his paralysis the result of a personal sin?"
Answer
The man's paralysis was indeed the direct result of a life full of sin, and his physical suffering was further aggravated by tormenting bites of conscience. Jesus first pronounced forgiveness to him because the spiritual burden of guilt and the despair over the presumed rejection by God weighed far heavier on the paralytic than his physical infirmity. After his heart found peace and hope through the assurance of forgiveness, Jesus also granted him complete physical healing.
The Cause of the Illness and the Spiritual Distress
»Just as the leper, this paralytic had also lost all hope of recovery. His illness was the result of a sinful life, and his suffering was bittered by bites of conscience. He had long ago turned to the Pharisees and physicians, hoping for relief from spiritual suffering and physical pain. Yet they declared him hopelessly incurable and left him to the wrath of God.«
The Heaviest Burden of the Paralytic Was Sin
»Our Savior saw and fully understood his condition. He also knew that this unfortunate man suffered from a disease of the soul that was far more tormenting than the physical suffering. He knew that the greatest burden he had carried for months was due to his sins. ... “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven to you.” These were the most precious words that could reach the ear of this suffering patient, for the burden of sin had weighed so heavily upon him that he could find no relief at all. ... Once the mind had again attained peace and bliss, the suffering body could now be addressed.«
The Peace of the Heart as Christ’s First Work
»The Savior knew that the paralytic had been tormented by the insinuations of the priests, that God had cast him out because of his sins. Therefore His first work was to grant him peace of soul. “Son,” He said, “your sins are forgiven to you.” This assurance filled his heart with peace and joy.«
Spiritual Healing Precedes Physical Recovery
»The paralytic found in Christ healing for soul and body. Spiritual healing was followed by physical restoration. This lesson should not be overlooked. Today there are thousands who suffer from physical illnesses and, like the paralytic, long for the message: “Your sins are forgiven.” The burden of sin with its unrest and unfulfilled desires is the basis of their suffering. They cannot find relief until they come to the Healer of the soul.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
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