My dear brothers and sisters in Christ: Debates about mask mandates and required vaccinations are much in the news in light of Governor Pritzker's Executive Order seeking to slow the spread of COVID. So glorify God in your body. God commands that we protect life and care for the health of our neighbors (Lev. Love does no harm to a neighbor. The Bible celebrates the role of government exercising care for society. Repent, sinner! Ellen White wrote nothing about vaccination, but her life and practice provide good support for and confirmation of this articles reflections. 19:18; Ezek. I still repeat this verse from time to time. We can thank God for the wisdom He gives for research and invention. People with . The author is NOT a scientist, nor does she claim . And if you gather within your cities, I will send pestilence among you, and you shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy. Some protesters reacted with violence in Michigan and Washington, D.C. A clean spirit encourages and supports other people with love. Vaccination, nothing magical, must be supported by other intelligent choices in life such as prayerful, devotional living, a healthy lifestyle, spiritual witnessing, and trust in God. The government policing people's religion raises a number of thorny issues. But when he heard it, he said, Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Michigans governor enforced quarantines and mask wearing to slow the spread of COVID-19. Perhaps more time in prayer, less time reacting in fear and anger would help bring peace in this difficult, pandemic time. Nothing outside a man can make him "unclean" by going into him. Romans 14:23 The Lexham English Bible (LEB) 23 But the one who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not do so from faith, and everything that is not from faith is sin. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Isaiah 54:17 says no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper. The Bible foretells that the advent of the reign of the devil will be marked by humans being given numbers without. If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her servant woman, and she took it. The shield of his mighty men is red; his soldiers are clothed in scarlet. Vaccines prevent complications of health deterioration. Check out her blog atBetty by Elizabeth Dunning and her website,www.elizabethdunning-wix.com. According to the Apostle John in the New International Version Bible, a pair of beasts will rule the Earth with cruelty. In the four hundred and eightieth year after the people of Israel came out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month, he began to build the house of the Lord. However, the Scriptures teaches that there are natural remedies to various illnesses. (For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the elders, and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches.) For many will come in my name, saying, I am the Christ, and they will lead many astray. No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. Catholics may morally use vaccines, but they are also free to refuse them for reasons of conscience or prudence. Sign up today.]. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. Some people argue getting injected with a foreign substance such as a vaccine would defile their bodies, which they say is sinful. Hindu Texts S-2 Table 1B. He shall let the locks of hair of his head grow long. Most vaccines are developed by actually giving a protein or giving a small, tiny component of the germ that we're trying to vaccinate against. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. While declaring the splendors of creation, God asked rhetorically, Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?(Job 38:4). Saying, If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.. M 34:4, 16). Our view and understanding of people going through a similar situation are forever changed. There are many Bible verses that convey that if we're saved, we are in Christ and he is in us. C. ARE . Romans 14:23 New International Reader's Version (1998) (NIrV) In our COVID-19 debates, we can get so wrapped up in opinions that we forget to ask, "what does the Bible say about vaccines?" A segment of the states society protested vigorously. God wants us to preserve healthours and everyone elsesin the best possible shape and conditions (3 John 1:2), not only to live longer, but to be able to serve others and be useful for as long as possible. This story that St. Luke tells in his gospel (17:11-19) is not the only Bible verse I have seen and heard evangelical Christians use to justify anti-vaccine convictions. Those bearing the seal of God love, honor, and give Him glory as their Creator and Savior. Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com. The problem is that the same people who eagerly promote anti-vaccine misinformation are just as eager to misuse religion to avoid . Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. 7:15; 28:60; Ps. Allowed are activities that are congruent with Gods revelation, though not directly mentioned in the Bible. "There is no basis for a priest to issue a religious exemption to the vaccine . He shall drink no vinegar made from wine or strong drink and shall not drink any juice of grapes or eat grapes, fresh or dried. The chariots race madly through the streets; they rush to and fro through the squares; they gleam like torches; they dart like lightning. The Bible does not instruct us as to whether or not one should receive a vaccine, but it is clear when it comes to the doctrine of the liberty of conscience. Getting the vaccine is something to pray about, to discern Gods will for your life and our collective life on this planet. Job could not understand why a good person like him was punished with so much misfortune. He will also protect His people during the seven last plagues as He protected Israel from the Egyptian plagues (see Rev. Government and medical entities recommend vaccinations to slow its course. There are blessings in isolation and in spending more time with immediate family. Rightly understood, science and the written word agree, and each sheds light on the other. R 1. Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. 6. And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and from man. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Then the men of Ephraim said to him, What is this that you have done to us, not to call us when you went to fight against Midian? And they accused him fiercely. For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 100 Bible Verses about Vaccinations 1 Corinthians 6:19-20ESV / 1,155 helpful votes HelpfulNot Helpful Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? In the 16th century, Martin Luther and other Protestant reformers translated the Bible from an already existing Greek text into the languages of common people. We are rational beings, and our Creator gives us the ability to think and know what works best for our health. Evidence-based science is beneficial in this decision process, allowing us to choose the best available options in given life situations. We need divine wisdom to know how to be best informed and make mature decisions. Applying this thinking to vaccination, we can see that this product, a result of capacities God has given to humans to think and be creative, is a life-saving product. White was herself vaccinated, and encouraged others to do so for at least two reasons: (1) personal health benefits enable us to efficiently serve others; and (2) vaccination prevents transmission of disease and contamination to others. B It is not a denial of faith to use such remedies as God has provided to alleviate pain and to aid nature in her work of restoration. God has put it in our power to obtain a knowledge of the laws of life. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And the king said to her, What is it, Queen Esther? The Rev. Geocoding Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. For example, a hospital in Uganda recently received 5,000 doses of a vaccine, but was only able to administer about 400 doses because of vaccine hesitancy among a heavily evangelical population. 103:3; Luke 4:40; 6:18; 7:21). Multiple studies throughout the world have shown the vaccine greatly reduces the likelihood of contracting COVID as well as the risks of hospitalization from serious ailments and death.. One evangelical Christian staffer's religious exemption request cites the use of aborted fetal . Please let us go a three days' journey into the wilderness that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God, lest he fall upon us with pestilence or with the sword.. Their experience of continuous restoration to Gods image is seen in their character and lifestyle. O While the Bible may not use the word "vaccine," it gives clear principles about medicine and handling disputes with other Christians. First observation: in Romans 3:8, some of Paul's adversaries accused him of "do [ing] evil that good may come." Paul responded to this, that it was a slanderous charge. Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! In 1 Corinthians 10:22-27,Paul writes, Everything is lawful, but not everything is beneficial. As years passed, I honored my body by slowing down my activities and retiring early from work. K But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.. 38:21). This dilemma has become increasingly apparent in light of recent . Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. Lets take for example the sickness of King Hezekiah. Opponents may challenge vaccination requirements based on claims of religious liberty or under specific laws that would allow for a religious exemption from any COVID-19 vaccine mandates. This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666. Pro-mask or anti-mask? We know this from our friends and loved ones personal experiences with modern medicine in addition to published research reports. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.Philippians 4:6, Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? This verse (1021) was written by Moses to warn God's people to stay away from some prohibited religious practices. One interpretation of this verse could be that vaccinations serve the common good. A Timeline of COVID-19 Developments in 2020, A. M. J. M. ANAGED . It took accepting grace from God for me to limit these activities. This story that St. Luke tells in his gospel (17:11-19) is not the only Bible verse I have seen and heard evangelical Christians use to justify anti-vaccine convictions. Creativity and ingenuity are Gods gifts. And he answered them, Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? (Mark 7:14-15). John Fea, Professor of American History, Messiah College, Central figure of Christianity (6 or 4 BC AD 30 or 33), Philippe Lissac/Godong/Universal Images Group via Getty Images, built followers around innovative readings of the Scriptures, destroyed two of the citys Catholic churches, Thailand's 'most beautiful transgender woman' and husband wear $580K in attire at extravagant wedding, Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; 'We are coming,' sheriff says, U.S. court won't require FAA to make airplane seat size, spacing rules, Convicted killer Alex Murdaugh's new mugshot revealed after double life sentence, Rebel Wilson says she was banned from Disneyland for 30 days for taking a bathroom selfie, Chicago Weather Alert: Rain and snow on Friday, Zanesville man involved in shooting killed by return fire, Florida Gov. Ignorance may try to support skepticism by appealing to science; but instead of upholding skepticism, true science contributes fresh evidences of the wisdom and power of God. Jesus could have healed a blind man by His word, but He used mud mixed with His saliva for this purpose, and had the man also go and wash his eyes in order to receive his sight (John 9:1, 6, 7). There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. Many who believe in the sanctity of life sincerely believe it is inappropriate to have even the slightest connection with abortion, even if that connection is remote. In a nationwide Associated Press survey, 40% of white born-again or evangelical Christians said they weren't likely to get vaccinated, compared with the 25% of all Americans. The Prophet wrote about our human temple of God with the words of Psalm 139:14: "I am fearfully and wonderfully made." However, it is not easy to understand Gods Word. Edward Meeks, pastor at Christ the King Catholic Church in Towson, gave an almost 20-minute homily Nov. 21 in which he interpreted several Bible verses from 1 Corinthians as indicating . And he said to her, Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. If anyone destroys Gods temple, God will destroy that person; for Gods temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.. Medical science and faith work closely together and must be applied hand in hand. Meanwhile, we all await the ultimate kingdom of God, where there is no sickness or dyingand we all get along. On the contrary, based on the biblical material, we strongly recommend the practice to people who have no specific serious health preconditions. It Is So Painful to Care: How Do I Conquer Apathy? Note well that God first commanded freedom by creating for humans a safe space for life and growth (general rule), and then put clear boundaries: no eating from one tree, from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This was a specific command. Paul preached to the rowdy citizens of Corinth in 1 Corinthians 6:12, I have the right to do anything, you saybut not everything is beneficial. Labs These preachers built followers around innovative readings of the Scriptures. The work of Gods brains aptly describes modern medicine. Jesus also preached on a broader view of a Kosher dietrelated to our current dilemma over prescription and non-prescription use of drugsas stated in the passages from Marks gospel and I Corinthians. 2. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press, 1905), 231, 232. It's a symbolic way of John saying are you a believer or not?" We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. V L It is before his own master that he stands or falls. 1. 4 The city of Pergamum, too, had long been a hotbed for imperial worship. But Peter and the apostles answered, We must obey God rather than men. He also built a structure against the wall of the house, running around the walls of the house, both the nave and the inner sanctuary. Though it was true an emperor would be deified after he died, many Greeks living in various cities throughout the eastern parts of the empire jumped the gun; they would worship the Roman emperor while he was still alive. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Often they are brought about in a way which looks like the natural course of events. We ask to be kept from the pestilence that walketh in darkness, that is stalking with such power through the world; we are then to cooperate with God, observing the laws of health and life. Do you not know that your bodies are temples. After the death of Ahab, Moab rebelled against Israel. Vaccination: A Biblical and Theological Reflection. For he is God's servant for your good. A Reflection for the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Times. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. S By: JiMoskala, for General Conference Health Ministries Department. W From my perspective, the response of some evangelicals to the vaccine reveals the dark side of the Protestant Reformation. Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead. The chariots come with flashing metal on the day he musters them; the cypress spears are brandished. As a historian of the Bible in American life, I can attest that such shallow reading in service of political and cultural agendas has long been a fixture of evangelical Christianity. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Q . If they are not allowed to carry out their personal convictions based on what the Bible teaches, they would be sinning against God. 6. She then quotes 2 Corinthians 7 out of context and assumes a vaccine will "contaminate" her. . E . So, health advice for the common good should hardly be construed as antagonistic to God. 1 Cor. Back to the Third Commandment. Publication date: Mar 2, 2023. Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. For example, some Christian Scientists may decline to receive the vaccine. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. Readings: Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8 James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27 Mark 7:1-8, 1415, 21-23 One day, walking home from university along Eighth . In some . For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. More specifically, he entrusted his disciples to . Vaccination has nothing to do with the mark of the beast or with false Babylonian teaching. Scientists are hard at work on developing an effective vaccine against the virus. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. We deeply appreciate each day God gives us after a severe illness.