THE GREAT PHYSICIAN

By Charles N. Spence, Jr.

Most people are familiar with the work that a doctor does to help sick people get well. He has the ability to diagnose what one's sickness might be. He also often knows how to treat those sicknesses. When one goes to the doctor because of an illness and is told by the doctor how to treat that illness, if he wants to get well, he will do what the doctor says. Spiritually speaking, Jesus said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick" (Mat. 9:12). Jesus was making application to himself as the physician and to sinners as the sick. Jesus' words hold some important truths that we must realize if we are to be cured of the terrible sickness of sin.

ALL HAVE SINNED (Rom. 3:23). Since all have sinned we need to find a doctor who can heal us. And the only doctor who can treat our awful condition is Jesus. He came to earth to die for our sins. This makes forgiveness possible (Eph. 1:7). Jesus understood his purpose in coming to this cursed earth (John 12:27). No other has the ability to treat our sin-sick lives. Jesus is the ONLY way (John 14:6) and He is the ONLY authority in this area (Acts 4:12).

Since Jesus is the solution to our sick condition, we must not only turn to Him, but also do what He says. He said "Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not the things that I say?" (Luke 6:46). In Hebrews 5:9 the writer says that Jesus, "became the author of eternal salvation to all who OBEY Him." If you went to the doctor and refused to take his prescription, should you expect to be cured? If you refuse to do what Jesus says, will you be forgiven of your sins? What is Jesus' prescription for your life? "He who believes and is baptized shall be saved" (Mark 16:16). If you have not taken Jesus' prescription, why not do so? You have everything to gain with respect to your spiritual health. We stand ready to assist you in whatever way we can.