The Divine Connection Between Sin and Disease

There is a divinely appointed connection between sin and disease, bearing the unmistakable relationship of cause and effect2MCP 410.3+2. It is a profound blessing to study this topic, as recognizing this truth helps us embrace God's physical and moral laws for our complete healing and restorationMH 113.5+1.

Sickness and suffering are not the original will of God, but rather the result of humanity's transgression of natural and spiritual lawsCH 30.4+1. Sin is the primary cause of physical degeneration, disease, misery, and deathMM v.2+2. Whether through the indulgence of perverted appetite, neglect of health principles, or the spiritual burden of guilt and remorse, sickness of the body and mind frequently has its foundation in sin1MCP 59.2+2. Every needless violation of the laws of our physical being is virtually a continual transgression of the law of God, and it is accounted as sin in the sight of Heaven2MCP 416.1+2.

Because of this undeniable link, true healing involves both physical restoration and the forgiveness of sins2MCP 455.3+1. As Jesus warned the afflicted to "sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee," we are lovingly pointed to the Great Physician who alone can cleanse the soul from the burden of guilt and grant us the power to live in obedience to His life-giving laws John 5:14MH 113.5+1.

...anity, is one of its most effectual remedies; for it is a potent soother of the nerves. There is a divinely appointed connection between sin and disease. No physician can practice for a month without seeing this illustrated. He may ignore the fact; his mind may be so occupied with other matters that his attention will not be called to it; but if he will be observing and honest, he cannot help acknowledging that sin and disease bear to each other the relationship of cause and effect. The physician should be quick to see this and to act accordingly. When he has gained the confidenc...— CH 324.2 (1923)

...ase, who, like the paralytic, are longing for the message, “Thy sins are forgiven.” The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the foundation of their maladies. They can find no relief until they come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can gi...— 2MCP 455.3 (1977)

...at relates to the prevention of ailments. And still more, the writer of this volume recognizes that sin, the transgression of divine law, is the primary cause of disease, sickness, and death— MM v.2 (1932)

Transgression of Nature's Laws Is Sin—A continual transgression of nature's laws is a continual transgression of the law of God. The present weight of suffering...— 2MCP 416.1 (1977)

...nd became warring lusts, the ministers of death. And so man passed under the dominion of the grave. Sin is the cause of physical degeneration; sin has blighted the race, and introduced disease, misery, and death— PHJ February 1, 1902, par. 3 (1897)

... is perfection and the spirit of holiness, which cannot be attained with diseased minds and bodies. Sin is the cause of disease and suffering, and a true physician will seek to remove this cause by pointing the soul to the “Lamb of God...— 16LtMs, Ms 88, 1901, par. 4

... dressing, that injures the fine human machinery, interferes with God’s order. Every needless transgression of the laws of our being is virtually a transgression of the law of God and is sin in the sight of Heaven— 24LtMs, Ms 109, 1909, par. 14