This dissertation examines the concept of healing in the New Testament from theological, biblical, dogmatic, and practical theological perspectives, with the goal of proposing a biblical model of healing-oriented spiritual ministry for the twenty-firs...
This dissertation examines the concept of healing in the New Testament from theological, biblical, dogmatic, and practical theological perspectives, with the goal of proposing a biblical model of healing-oriented spiritual ministry for the twenty-first-century church. Healing is understood not merely as the recovery from physical illness but as a holistic process that seeks the restoration of the whole person and the renewal of one’s relationship with God. By exploring healing theology of both the Old and New Testaments, this study investigates the theological foundations and pastoral applicability of a biblical healing.
Chapter 1 presents the background, purpose, significance, research methodology, and review of previous studies. Despite scientific advancement and material prosperity, contemporary society continues to experience deep emotional and spiritual emptiness, and relational fragmentation. In this era of circumstances, the pastoral task of the church must move beyond psychological consolation toward the comprehensive restoration of human life through spiritual and theological healing. Accordingly, this study seeks to recover the biblical essence of healing and to develop a model of spiritual ministry that can be practically applied within contemporary church contexts.
Chapter 2 analyzes and compares the concept of healing in the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, healing is presented as a holistic reality rooted in the restoration of covenantal relationship with God, emphasizing inner renewal and communal reconciliation. The Pentateuch highlights relational restoration through the observance of the law and sacrificial practices; the historical books emphasize communal healing through obedience and repentance; and the Psalms and prophetic writings portray healing as inner spiritual experiences in which inner wounds and emotional conflicts are healed in the presence of God.
In the New Testament, healing is more explicitly defined through the ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ healing acts signify not only physical recovery but also the forgiveness of sins and inner renewal as redemptive events, serving as signs of the inbreaking Kingdom of God. The Book of Acts demonstrates that the healing ministry empowered by the Holy Spirit fostered communal unity and contributed to the growth of the early church, while Pauline epistles describe healing as a holistic reality closely connected to spiritual maturity, communal integrity, and ethical living.
These findings confirm that healing is a central theological theme closely tied to the mission and identity of the Christian community.
Chapter 3 explores the theological, biblical, dogmatic, and practical theological foundations of healing-oriented spiritual ministry. Theologically, healing ministry pursues a threefold restoration: reconciliation with God, inner healing of believers, and renewal of the faith community.
Dogmatically, healing is closely related to soteriology, sanctification, and pneumatology, emphasizing that healing and sanctification occur integrally through the work of the Holy Spirit. From a practical theological perspective, an examination of healing practices in the early church, medieval church, and modern church reveals that although the forms of healing varied across historical contexts, they consistently relied on the work of the Holy Spirit and the teachings of Scripture. This study argues that contemporary churches require a healing spirituality that integrates the experience of the Holy Spirit with a ministry firmly grounded in the Word of God.
Chapter 4 presents practical applications for biblical healing spirituality for the contemporary church. Programs for the spiritual growth of believers should be designed with a complementary structure integrating external healing practices, such as worship, communal life, counseling, and intercessory prayer, with internal healing disciplines, including prayer, meditation on Scripture, spiritual discernment, behavioral obedience, and the exercise of spiritual gifts. Pastors are called to embody an Immanuel-centered ministry shaped by the presence of the Holy Spirit, uniting worship, Scripture, and Spirit-empowered healing. Such an approach moves beyond programmatic strategies and seeks genuine transformation and healing within individuals and the community through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Ultimately, this study proposes a new model of “biblical healing spirituality for the twenty-first-century church,” integrating spiritual healing programs with Immanuel-oriented pastoral ministry. It emphasizes that healing spirituality is not merely a form of psychological counseling but a holistic ministry that transforms believers and communities through the work of the Holy Spirit. In an ear when the church faces spiritual crises and increasing secularization, this study aims to assist the church in recovering the biblical essence of healing and spiritual renewal so that it may once again fulfill its mission of bringing the healing power of the gospel to the world.