Better Than Medicine

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 13, 1916

Better Than Medicine

Christ’s commission to the disciples was, “As ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.”

In this commission the gospel and the health work are united—“Go, preach, . . . heal the sick.” The gospel message itself possesses greater healing power than all medicines. It operates on both giver and receiver, as declared by Isaiah: “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward.”

Today the world is full of men and women who are burdened with sin and its results, and with unsatisfied desires, which are the source of many physical diseases. They obtain no relief until they find the Helper of the soul, who is revealed through his special message for this age. Like the paralytic who was laid at the feet of Jesus, they must have mental relief and soul cleansing before bodily vigor is restored. There is no greater power in the earth for soul cleansing than the full gospel message for this day and age; for it is the intensified power of God for the salvation of men in the last struggle in the reign of sin. Whoever, therefore, carries the message to the people is fulfilling Christ’s commission, “Go, preach, . . . heal the sick.”

The following report of one who has gone and preached in one of the most effective ways, illustrates the power of the gospel to heal the sick and to reflect upon the preacher great joy and consolation:—

“I love working with the Present Truth Extras. I have circulated hundreds of them. A friend who has received them regularly lent some copies to a relative who had been very ill. He says they did for him what medicine could not do, for they made him well, and he is now rejoicing and praising God for the message they brought him. The seed that is being sown is bringing forth good fruit. Please send two hundred more copies so that I may continue my work.”