The Therapeutic Value of Salvation

The word “therapy” is a Greek word which means “healing.” It is a popular term today applied to nearly everything from relaxa­tion and exercise to exotic medical treatments. Therapy evokes positive feelings. In this final section of our book, let us firmly establish the therapeutic value in each phase of salvation. It is time that we see salvation as more than a set of hard com­mands to be obeyed, or as meaningless rituals that people have to go through before they get to the “good stuff.” Each requirement of the salvation process contributes profoundly to the inner healing that every soul desperately needs. Sinners must see that Jesus Christ is the way to peace and freedom from pain.

Each step towards God is divinely therapeutic. At the same time, we must keep in mind the principles of process, balance and equilibrium. By extolling the virtues of each step, we are not denying or excluding other steps. Each element plays a valuable part in reaching the ultimate goal of complete spiritual health.

Faith

The moment a person activates faith in Christ, healing virtue is released. A remarkable story took place in the ministry of Christ which demonstrates this fact.

“Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. “She said to herself, ‘If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.’ “Jesus turned and saw her. ‘Take heart, daughter,’ he said, ‘your faith has healed you.’ And the woman was healed from that moment.” Matthew 9:20-22

While this was an instance of a physical healing, the power of faith itself is the same, whether it heals in a physical or a spiritual sense. Even the world has discovered this power, if only in a limited way. They speak of a “positive mental attitude,” autosuggestion, possibility thinking, visualization, the magic of believing, and so on. People can create powerful imagery through the exercise of faith. It can be so forceful that it can triumph over formidable odds and help them achieve goals that had never before been possible.

The simple connection between inner healing and faith should excite the soulwinner. Any person who suffers from the pain of sin can experience immediate help when he/she starts believing in Christ. This is not to say that embryonic faith constitutes full salvation. Salvation is still a process. But faith in Christ starts the process in motion! Consider these scriptures:

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”   Hebrews 11:1,3,6.

People who begin in faith enter into the provincial realm of God’s promises. As long as they continue, they will enjoy total spiritual healing. “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6.

Specifically, faith brings healing to a number of sin’s injuries. Faith fills the vacuum created by doubt. Faith counteracts the negative influences of fear. Faith reverses one’s sense of worthless­ness and unimpor­tance. Faith helps build back self-esteem. Faith dispels the clouds of depression. Faith connects the heart and soul with God. Faith pleases God. However faith is considered, it is wholesome, positive and good.

Repentance

Unfortunately, we usually cast repentance in a negative light. It does represent the bloody sacrifices at the brazen altar, Christ’s death on the cross, humiliation, self-denial and a harsh change from a sinful life to holiness. It often appears so intimidating that some people become discouraged just thinking about it. No one likes pain, and if people have the limited view that repentance only inflicts pain, they will balk at it.

We cannot deny that repentance means death to the flesh. Far more important, however, repentance delivers powerful thera­peutic effects. As we emphasize these positive results, we inspire courage and confidence in people to follow through with repen­tance.

• Repentance aligns a person with the true gospel. “And repen­tance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Luke 24:47.
• Repentance paves the way for the Holy Ghost baptism. “Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38
• Repentance is a gift of God. “When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.” Acts 11:18
• Repentance indicates God’s love and good intentions.
• “God’s kindness leads you toward repentance.” Romans 2:4
• Repentance leads to reconciliation with God. “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” II Corinthians 7:10.

Again, let’s examine the medical model to gain insight into repentance. The first steps toward the cure of a disease or the healing of an injury involve pain. Dead tissue must be cut away, toxins must be drained from a wound, infections must be attacked by strong antidotes, broken bones must be reset, tourniquets must be applied, and shock therapy must be administered to restart vital signs. Whatever it takes to bring a diseased or injured person back to safe medical grounds must be done, often without regard to the pain that the procedure inflicts.

But the pain caused by the cure differs from that caused by the disease or injury. It is a pain filled with hope. It is a meaningful pain. It says, “Smile through the hurt, because you’re going to feel better after it’s over!” “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” Proverbs 27:6 If repentance symbolizes the crucifixion of Christ, it is good to remember that it is only a symbol. Christ absorbed the full impact of the cross, the penalty for our sins, so that we could be spared from eternal death. Without that supreme act of love, we would have to bear our own penalty. How much better it is to repent than to be crucified!

Repentance heals because it stops the infection of sin in one’s heart. Repentance heals because it releases a person from the hold of sin. Repentance heals because it alerts one to the root of spiritual pain. Repentance heals because it establishes a connec­tion with God himself. Repentance heals because it changes a person’s perspective of himself/herself. Repentance heals because it removes the oppressive weight of guilt and other emotional baggage that one has carried around for years. Repentance heals because it sets God free to operate in one’s life. Nothing other than complete repentance can bring about such deep and profound positive changes.

Soulwinners who lead people to repentance must not hurriedly push them through this process as though it has relatively little meaning. Repentance may precede other important spiritual steps, but it is itself bringing about vital changes that must not be lightly dismissed. Repentance needs to go deep. The soulwin­ner needs to under­stand and be able to explain to the repenting sinner what is happening. Also, a new convert ought to have time to savor the momen­tous event taking place in his/her heart. “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10.

Water Baptism

In our discussion of spiritual healing, we referred to the importance of water baptism. Mysteriously, water baptism has almost acquired a stigma among some groups in their effort to stress salvation by faith alone. This imbalanced view amoun­ts to a denial of baptism in some cases. When water baptism is men­tioned, they experience a phobic reaction. In fact, the statement of Jesus “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:15) has caused such embarrassment to them that they have blatantly rewritten it to say, “He that believeth and is (not) baptized shall be saved …” This tragic position has locked up the divine therapy that water baptism was meant to convey.

We must not place water baptism over against faith to deter­mine which one is responsible for salvation. Rather, let us unravel the purpose of water baptism and search out the therapeutic value that God intended through it.

Baptism conveys a cleansing experience. Baptism was practiced long before Christ or even John the Baptist. Since baptism is a Greek word, we don’t readily recognize it in the Old Testament. Usually, when we see references to “washings” they mean the same thing we understand as baptism in the New Testament. Old covenant believers viewed baptism as sig­nifying spiritual change. Whenever repentance swept across the people, baptism meant a revived relationship towards God. Washings also were the means for ceremonial purification.

New Testament believers should enter into baptism with strong overtones of cleansing and absolution. Corruption and impurity in the soul flee as a person is plunged beneath the baptismal waters. Afterwards, the baptized believer should glow from the experience. Baptism is intended to be a powerful healing agent for the soul.

Baptism is for the remission of sins. According to the scripture, baptism is intrinsic to the remission of sins.

“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 2:38

“‘And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’” Acts 22:16

Baptism directly addresses sin in each deleterious aspect. First, it applies healing virtue to damaged emotions. Second, it erases the standing record of sin against the believer. Third, it absolves the soul of guilt. Fourth, it provides an eternal asylum from sin’s destruc­tive nature. Fifth, it breaks the connection between the sinner and the past.

We must be careful to mention that the water itself does not cleanse. Neither is there sin remitting power contained in the ceremony itself. Yet, when water baptism is administered in faith, it conveys something spiritual to the candidate.

Baptism joins the believer to Christ. Paul writes to the Galatians, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” Galatians 3:27. Getting into Christ happens through more than an exercise of faith. This scripture points out the role of baptism as the agent. When a believer is baptized, he/she enters into Christ. This provides access to every victory Jesus won for us. His death, burial and resurrection belong to the church. His victory over Satan, the flesh and the world belong to the church. His triumph over sin belongs to the church. Baptism positions us in an unbeatable place.

One of the most important psychological principles for mental and emotional health is the sense of belonging. Baptism places the believer into the family of God, into the body of Christ on earth (the church). Not only does Christ belong to the church, the church belongs to Christ. His victories are ours, our defeats are His. To those who have experienced rejection, hatred or discrimination, this truth heals deep wounds. “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” I Corinthians 12:13.

Baptism also imparts healing to us through the principle of identification. We become identified with Christ in the waters of baptism. “Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:3-4. Baptism swallows up our marred, corrupt identity. We then become one with Christ. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” II Corinthians 5:17.

Baptism invokes the saving name of Jesus Christ over the believer. A careful reading of the New Testament reveals that the name of Jesus Christ was used exclusively in baptism. Several of these instances have been quoted previously. Here are two more.

“When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, Because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 8:15-16.

“So Paul asked, ‘Then what baptism did you receive?’ ‘John’s baptism,’ they replied. Paul said, ‘John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.’ On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 19:3-5.

The use of the name of Jesus is highly significant, especially in terms of the healing of the soul. God always manifested His power on earth through the use of His name.

The name of Jesus confers salvation. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

The name of Jesus puts devils to flight. “She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!’ At that moment the spirit left her.” Acts 16:18.

The name of Jesus holds power over physical ailments. “Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. “Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.” Acts 3:6-8.

Baptism places within our grasp the use of the name of Jesus. The very name which wielded so much power in the early church belongs to baptized believers. The therapeutic effects of such power are immeasurable.

Spirit Baptism

According to I Corinthians 15:1-4, the gospel consists of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When we align these elements with the message of Acts 2:38, we discover that repen­tance answers to death, baptism answers to burial, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit answers to the resurrection. Since the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead embodies the ultimate healing over death, then the entrance of the Spirit of God in the believer’s life activates the true dynamic of spiritual healing. Power, life, light, revelation, spiritual motivation and many other attributes proceed from the Spirit of God as He indwells the believer. The gift of the Holy Ghost reverses every negative movement and consequence that characterizes sin. For weakness, He gives strength; for darkness, He gives light; for death, He gives life; and for sorrow, He gives joy.

1. The Holy Spirit generates power for spiritual healing.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

The world has created and developed many sciences and therapies to help people. Often, health care profes­sionals in physical or psychological fields can pinpoint disorders with great accuracy. They can trace the problems back to their beginnings, identify contributing factors along the way, and project new courses of action to solve them. Unfortunately, it is at this point of imple­mentation and sustained treatment that these programs falter. They cannot make anything happen. They have power to analyze, but no power to energize. They can offer suggestions and support, but the real results are left to the will power of the in­dividual.

Because of this, the gift of the Holy Ghost was conferred upon believers by God to empower them to do spiritual feats. He takes up where religion and reformation fail. He supplies the power to actually implement the changes that must take place in a person’s life, plus He gives them power to perform the will of God throughout their lives.

Jesus knew that the baptism of the Holy Spirit was critical to the success of the infant church, both as a corporate body and in the lives of individual disciples. His command to them to return to Jerusalem until they were endued with “power from on high” emphasizes this. He knew that even after training his disciples for over three years, they needed something more. Without the indwelling Spirit they would have a form of religion, but would lack the power to make it work.

2. The Holy Spirit produces life.

Without God’s Spirit in a person’s heart, spiritual death has the upper hand. The Apostle Paul reasons this out in his epistle to the Romans.

“Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Romans 8:5-7.

Physically, when tissue dies, it loses all healing power. As we have seen, dead tissue must be cut away. If it is allowed to remain, it will rot and produce toxic chemicals that will kill the living cells surrounding it. Living cells, however, retain an active blood supply, and can work to bring about healing. Spiritually, unregenerated man is con­taminated with sin. Death, then, is present in the soul. Eventually, the entire person will suffer decline and death.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23.

Life—-irrepressible, vibrant, and eternal—-holds the greatest healing agent within itself. When a person receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit, he/she is indeed endued with eternal life. Jesus told the woman at the well,

“But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:14.

Eternal life guarantees eternal victory over death. It is healing raised to the infinite power. And, since the Spirit is God’s abiding presence, He works un­ceasingly in a person’s heart and life to bring about positive change. Every day, the Spirit-filled person triumphs in ways both big and small. Death gets over-matched on every front; sin has no place to establish a foothold. As one person has said, “Some people expect to go to heaven at last; I go day by day!” Eternal life does not begin when the last natural breath is drawn. It begins the moment the Spirit of God enters, by faith, into a believ­er’s heart. The Spirit becomes a spring of living water that springs into eternal life.

3. The Holy Spirit connects one to the body of Christ.

The scriptures clearly teach that the work of the Holy Spirit is to join a person to the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit gives birth to our relationship with the Heavenly Father.

“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Romans 8:15-17.

Also, the Holy Ghost baptism establishes common ground for the body of Christ, and puts the divine features of Christ into us.

“For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” I Corinthians 12:13.

Connectivity to the body carries with it all the benefits of the body. Paul elaborates on the functions of the body throughout the twelfth chapter of I Corinthians. Membership in the body facilitates the healing process.

4. The Holy Spirit reveals truth to believers.

Physically, healing depends upon an accurate examination of the disease or injury. If the attending physician overlooks a problem, or diagnoses it improperly, then any prescription for treatment will be off the mark. When the Holy Spirit fills our hearts, He also floods our minds and our consciences with light and truth. He provides this gift to us because, in our humanity, we are subject to error.

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” John 16:13

Sometimes our mistakes result from ignorance. Sometimes they stem from willful disobedience. In other words, our flesh may rebel against the leadership of the Holy Spirit in our lives. In this regard, the Spirit provokes not only our awareness of the substan­tive problem, He also provokes our conscience to do the right thing.

“Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” Romans 8:14

5. The Holy Spirit defends us against the enemy.

One of the marvels of the Holy Spirit is His role as our Paraclete, or our advocate. In this aspect, He takes over our defense against Satan the same as a defense attorney takes over the defense of a client against a plaintiff or a prosecutor. Indeed, Satan is called the accuser of the brethren, the devil, the tempter, the deceiver, the father of all liars, the Serpent and the Dragon. We need the Holy Ghost to continually fire back answers to the endless attacks the devil launches against us.

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor (Paraclete) to be with you forever—The Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” John 14:16-18

Our counselor never rests His case. He never tires of our defense. He never gets stumped or outflanked by the enemy. He provides a flawless defense forever.

“Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Hebrews 7:25-26.

In terms of our medical model, the Holy Spirit supplies the antidote to every invasion of our lives by enemy cells. Recalling our discussion of the four lines of defense, God’s Spirit immunizes us against the spiritual criminals that seek to re-introduce sin and death back into our hearts.

6. The Holy Spirit refreshes our spirituality.

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, Whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, So that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:4-7.

As we consider salvation in terms of its therapeutic value, we see it from a new perspective. We must not see it as a meaningless formality in which we pay nominal respect to tradition. We must not use it to condemn and criticize the unsaved, or to ridicule those who have not precisely fulfilled the requirements, or to stand on as a platform for spiritual pride and superiority. The therapeutic effects make us see salvation from the sinners’ standpoint. The sinner pleads for relief from pain, for a lighted pathway to get out of darkness, and for love and hope in an uncaring, desperate world.