What does “by His stripes we are healed” mean?

Quick Answer: What does “by His stripes we are healed” mean? While Isaiah 53:5 is sometimes interpreted to mean that Christians have guaranteed physical healing through the finished work of Christ, the passage is actually speaking of a spiritual healing which occurs at salvation because of Christ’s removal of our sins (1 Peter 2:24).

Diving Deeper: Some believe Isaiah 53:5 speaks of Christ’s finished work achieving a guaranteed physical healing for all believers. However, Isaiah 53:5 actually speaks of a healing that is directly associated with Christ’s death for our sins. Because Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead, we can experience spiritual healing that comes through our forgiveness and righteousness in Christ.

We see evidence for this interpretation in 1 Peter 2:24. Here, Peter directly associates Isaiah 53:5 and being forgiven for our sins with the healing mentioned in the passage.

We need to be very careful what we believe about Christ’s finished work on the cross. If we think that physical healing is somehow guaranteed, then we set ourselves and others up for unrealistic expectations, disappointment, and ultimately, disillusionment with God. Not everyone is physically healed in this life. God promises us heaven and resurrection bodies for good reason.

Let’s Make It a Conversation!
1. Can you see how Isaiah 53:5 might be twisted, causing unrealistic expectations and disappointment? If so, explain.
2. Have you experienced spiritual healing through Jesus? If so, how?
3. React to this statement: Every single person who has taught guaranteed physical healing ends up dying like the rest of us.