5 Biblical Keys to Receive Healing
Healing is a covenant promise from God to His children. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, we see God’s desire for His people to live in health, strength, and wholeness. He is not only the God who forgives sins but also the One who heals all diseases. Yet, many Christians struggle with sickness and ask the question: “How can I practically receive healing from God today?” The answer lies in understanding and applying Biblical keys. These keys are timeless principles revealed in Scripture that open the door to divine health and restoration.
In this article, we will explore five Biblical keys to receive healing—faith in God’s Word, prayer of faith, forgiveness, obedience, and thanksgiving. Each of these keys is rooted in Scripture and demonstrated in the lives of men and women who trusted God and experienced His miraculous healing. As you read, may your faith be stirred to reach out and receive the healing that Jesus already paid for on the cross.
1. Faith in God’s Word
Faith is the foundation of the Christian life, and it is the first step to receiving healing. The Bible makes it clear that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Faith is not wishful thinking; it is trusting and believing that what God has spoken is true and reliable. Healing is not based on our feelings but on God’s promises.
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is,
and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6
Jesus often emphasized faith when healing people. For instance, the woman with the issue of blood had been bleeding for twelve years. Doctors could not help her, and she had spent all she had on treatments. Yet, she believed that if she could just touch the hem of Jesus’ garment, she would be healed. Her faith drew power from Jesus, and instantly her bleeding stopped.
“Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” – Mark 5:34
This shows that faith in God’s Word activates healing. When you read the promises of God—such as Psalm 107:20, “He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions”—you must hold on to them and declare them over your life. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God, so fill your heart with Scriptures about healing until you believe them more than your symptoms.
Practical Step: Write down at least five healing promises from the Bible and confess them daily. The more you meditate on God’s Word, the stronger your faith for healing will become.
2. Prayer of Faith
Prayer is one of the most powerful tools God has given His children. The Bible teaches that when we are sick, we should pray and call on others to join us in prayer. Prayer is not just a ritual—it is communication with God and a way of inviting His power into our lives. The prayer of faith is specific, confident, and rooted in God’s promises.
“And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up;
and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” – James 5:15
When blind Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by, he cried out loudly, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” People told him to be quiet, but he prayed persistently. Jesus heard him, called him forward, and asked what he wanted. Bartimaeus boldly asked for his sight, and Jesus healed him instantly because of his faith-filled prayer.
Prayer of faith means praying with expectation. It is not begging God to heal, but thanking Him because healing is already available in Christ. Jesus bore our sicknesses on the cross, and prayer activates that finished work in our lives.
Practical Step: When you pray for healing, avoid repeating the problem over and over. Instead, thank God for His promise and declare your healing in Jesus’ name. Also, do not hesitate to ask trusted believers to agree with you in prayer, for the Bible says one can chase a thousand, but two can put ten thousand to flight.
3. Forgiveness and Letting Go of Offense
One of the hidden barriers to healing is unforgiveness. Many times, people hold on to past hurts, bitterness, or anger without realizing it is affecting their physical health. Medical studies have even shown that stress, bitterness, and resentment can weaken the immune system. The Bible teaches us that forgiveness is essential not only for our relationship with God but also for our healing and peace.
“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any:
that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” – Mark 11:25
Unforgiveness creates a heavy burden in the soul, and this burden often manifests as sickness in the body. Jesus emphasized forgiveness repeatedly in His teachings. When we forgive, we release others from our judgment and open our hearts to receive God’s mercy. Many testimonies exist of people who were instantly healed after choosing to forgive someone who had hurt them deeply.
Biblical Example: In Matthew 18, Jesus told the parable of the unforgiving servant. Though his master forgave him a great debt, he refused to forgive another who owed him little. The result was torment. In the same way, refusing to forgive can open the door to torment—spiritual, emotional, and even physical. Forgiveness brings freedom and healing.
Practical Step: If you are struggling with sickness, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal if there is anyone you need to forgive. Write down their names, pray for them, and release them into God’s hands. Forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling, and when you make that choice, your heart becomes light and free to receive God’s healing.
4. Obedience to God’s Instructions
Healing is sometimes tied to obedience. God may ask you to take a specific step before your healing manifests. Obedience shows that you trust God’s wisdom, even when it doesn’t make sense. Naaman, the Syrian general, is a classic example. He had leprosy, and the prophet Elisha told him to dip seven times in the Jordan River. At first, Naaman was angry, but when he finally obeyed, his skin became as clean as a child’s.
“If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.” – Isaiah 1:19
Sometimes obedience means following simple health instructions, like resting, eating wisely, or avoiding harmful habits. Other times, God may speak directly to you through His Spirit—perhaps telling you to fast, to forgive, to sow a seed, or to change your lifestyle. Disobedience keeps us bound, but obedience unlocks God’s blessings, including healing.
Biblical Example: In John 9, Jesus healed a blind man by putting mud on his eyes and asking him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. The man obeyed, and his sight was restored. Had he refused, he would have missed his miracle. Obedience is often the bridge between sickness and healing.
Practical Step: Ask God in prayer, “Lord, is there any instruction you want me to obey concerning my healing?” Listen carefully, and be willing to act. Healing may require faith and humility, but your obedience will bring results.
5. Thanksgiving and Praise
The final key to receiving healing is thanksgiving and praise. Gratitude is powerful—it shifts your focus from the problem to God’s greatness. When you thank God in advance, you show that you trust Him, even before you see the physical manifestation. Praise creates an atmosphere for God’s presence, and where God’s presence is, healing flows.
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Biblical Example: In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison. Instead of complaining, they prayed and sang praises to God at midnight. Suddenly, there was an earthquake, and their chains fell off. Praise brought deliverance. In the same way, thanksgiving and worship can break chains of sickness and usher in healing.
Another example is the story of the ten lepers healed by Jesus. While all ten were cleansed, only one returned to give thanks. Jesus told him, “Your faith has made you whole.” This means that thanksgiving not only brings healing but also wholeness—spirit, soul, and body.
Practical Step: Make it a daily habit to thank God, not just for what He has done, but for what He is about to do. Keep a gratitude journal and write down three things you are thankful for each day. Praise Him with songs, declarations, and testimonies, and you will see His healing power manifest in your life.
Conclusion
Healing is not something far away or reserved for a chosen few. It is God’s will for all His children. Jesus Christ paid the price on the cross, and by His stripes, we are healed. To receive this healing, we must apply the Biblical keys of faith in God’s Word, prayer of faith, forgiveness, obedience, and thanksgiving. Each of these keys works together to open the door to divine health and freedom.
Perhaps you are reading this today while battling sickness in your body, mind, or spirit. Be encouraged—the same God who healed Naaman, the woman with the issue of blood, blind Bartimaeus, and countless others is still the same today. He has not changed. His promises are true, and His healing power is available to you right now.
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” – Hebrews 13:8
Take time to meditate on the Scriptures shared, pray with faith, release forgiveness, obey God’s instructions, and cultivate a heart of thanksgiving. As you do, expect God to move in your life. Healing is not just for your body; it is for your soul, your mind, and your entire being. Choose to believe today, and you will experience the wholeness that Christ has already secured for you.
