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. V JiMoskala is dean of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary and professor of Old Testament Exegesis and Theology at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, United States. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace by the power of the Holy Spirit." I stay close to God through prayer and reflection. Diligent study is also necessary. 3. We need to work diligently under Gods guidance and blessing: Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. 1. Y What the French traveler and diplomat Alexis de Tocqueville described as individualism had a profound influence on biblical interpretation and the way laypeople read the sacred text. 4.First to have public health officials telling those receiving the vaccination to expect an adverse reaction. In the early 19th-century United States, biblical interpretation became more free-wheeling and individualistic. Perhaps more time in prayer, less time reacting in fear and anger would help bring peace in this difficult, pandemic time. This highly contagious, steadily mutating virus is a pandemica threat to world health. And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall execute vengeance for the covenant. Job has a whole new perspective on misfortune in his life. Health is the greatest gain . Discovering that ordinary is the best we can be. So that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. And he said to them, What have I done now in comparison with you? But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. The Bible calls the human body "a temple of the Holy Spirit." The New Testament makes multiple references likening the human body to a temple. Why die prematurely simply because we neglect remedies that are available to protect and prolong our lives, thus enabling us to be a blessing to others? (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.) Ellen White admonishes, Train the people to correct habits and healthful practices, remembering that an ounce of preventive is more value than a pound of cure. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established. He was already near to his death, when he asked the Lord to remember his obedience and prolong his life. 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. A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain (Ps. So glorify God in your body. . Ive learned to care for my body, my temple of God, by babying myself with good health habits, such as following a lifestyle full of fresh vegetables and fruit, regular sleep, and exercise. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Neither God nor we always need a thus says the Lord to know what to do or not to do, because He can show, and we can see, the benefits or disadvantages of many of our decisions and actions. A Reflection for the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Times. This knowledge has been placed within our reach for use. (Mark 7:14-15). Some have children with This is the great and first commandment. Then from the smoke came locusts on the earth, and they were given power like the power of scorpions of the earth. 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. As years passed, I honored my body by slowing down my activities and retiring early from work. 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. So, health advice for the common good should hardly be construed as antagonistic to God. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. However, it is not easy to understand Gods Word. Allowed are activities that are congruent with Gods revelation, though not directly mentioned in the Bible. Z. 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. Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. 6. 8. So if you get sick, it's because you don't have faith in God and that you're not living a holy life, so God isn't able to protect you." In addition to spreading anti-vaccine ideology in America, this belief in the supreme authority of God has also affected vaccine efforts abroad. A blessed, Christ-like life now and joy in a future world describes the kingdom of God. "I have a . Activities like conducting Sabbath School or participating in potlucks on Sabbath; celebrating the Lords Supper every quarter; building schools and hospitals, organizing the church structure with conferences, unions, and so on. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Reading and praying on the verses below may expand your understanding of Gods intentions regarding our bodily health and the role of vaccines. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. Some Christians believe if they get the vaccine, they will be marked for hell, but some pastors are trying to stop those rumors. 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. Vaccines are 100%, completely against our religion. Perhaps the journey through bad health is a gift for all of us. God, then sent prophet Isaiah to give the king the medicine. Jesus, in this statement, taught his followers that a pure heart does not condemn other peoples choices about whatever is ingested (including medicine) into their bodies. After the death of Ahab, Moab rebelled against Israel. You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Prevention is always more important than actual healing. For the Lord is restoring the majesty of Jacob as the majesty of Israel, for plunderers have plundered them and ruined their branches. What is your request? Are you still hesitant to get the vaccine? He shall let the locks of hair of his head grow long. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. Ellen G. White affirms such an approach. And he said to her, Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.. Vaccination: A Biblical and Theological Reflection. And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. The passage reads: "Then he said unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: Abd great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and. For example, some Christian Scientists may decline to receive the vaccine. It was neither necessary nor practical to enumerate all that was allowed: you may eat from the apple, orange, fig, pear, banana, and so on. The apocalyptic biblical term comes from Revelation 13: 16-18. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God. Yet there are many people claiming religious exceptions to COVID-19 vaccination mandates: Two weeks after Biden announced an employer vaccine mandate, The New York Times reported that the. Hindu Texts S-2 Table 1B. 1.First to use PEG (polyethylene glycol) in an injection. The practice has arisen as more employers and schools issue mandates that employees and students must be vaccinated before returning to work or school. Check out her blog atBetty by Elizabeth Dunning and her website,www.elizabethdunning-wix.com. Let's take for example the sickness of King Hezekiah. Lectures and studies in this line will prove of the highest value. Vaccination is about preventing a potentially deadly virus from spreading within us or through us to others. But if you need some extra convincing, check out these incredibly powerful . Your moral beliefs probably predict yourstance. Such misinformation is connected to confusion about the mRNA basis of vaccinations against the coronavirus and SARS. As Luke 17:21 says, "the kingdom of God is within you.". And the angel said in reply, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Labs The government policing people's religion raises a number of thorny issues. We are rational beings, and our Creator gives us the ability to think and know what works best for our health. And the king said to her, What is it, Queen Esther? Indeed, the importance of vaccinations from the biblical-theological perspective can be demonstrated from multiple angles. I read the verse in the chapter and book context and realized there was no mention of physical illness in chapter 17 of Jeremiahs prophecy. The fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth and upon every bird of the heavens, upon everything that creeps on the ground and all the fish of the sea. Grabenstein JD. He was rebellious at times. On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace, in front of the king's quarters, while the king was sitting on his royal throne inside the throne room opposite the entrance to the palace. We should employ every facility for the restoration of health, taking every advantage possible, working in harmony with natural laws. 4 The city of Pergamum, too, had long been a hotbed for imperial worship. Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 12:4). This verse told, more than 3,000 years ago, to stay away from vaccine practices. She then quotes 2 Corinthians 7 out of context and assumes a vaccine will "contaminate" her. Prayers and support pour out as search and rescue operations are underway. December 02, 2021 9:34 AM Vaccine Debates Are Responsible for 2021's Fastest-Growing Bible Search Term: Sorcery December 03, 2020 6:00 AM 2020's Most-Read Bible Verse: 'Do Not Fear' "Do you have a vaccine card or a religious exemption?". It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. . More specifically, he entrusted his disciples to . 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. There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. Several examples come to mind from the biblical material. Of David. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Johnson &. This verse (1021) was written by Moses to warn God's people to stay away from some prohibited religious practices. "This mark of the beast is not a mark, a literal mark that we take in a gradual unfolding of God's plan until the end of the earth. There is still much to creation we cant control in the present time. BIBLE prophecy speaks of a time before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ when people will be branded with the ominous 'Mark of the Beast'. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. Repent, sinner! Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. The scatterer has come up against you. What the world's religions teach, applied to vaccines and immune globulins. If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well. But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 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. Your input is important for us to improve it. Passages from the Bible including Exodus 21:22-25; Psalm 51:5-6, 139:13-16; Jeremiah 1:4-5; and Luke 1:39-45 affirm the personhood of the unborn. 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. Creativity and ingenuity are Gods gifts. But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short! And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. Topics and verses are auto-generated from user searches. Getting the vaccine is something to pray about, to discern Gods will for your life and our collective life on this planet. 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. We can easily select and interpret Bible verses that agree with our individual mindsets regarding vaccines. Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?". Other popular passages include Psalm 30:2: "Lord, I called to you for help, and you healed me."; 1 Corinthians 6:19: "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?"; and. Pharisees protested when Jesus healed on the sabbath. His Holy Spirit resides in us as redeemed Christians. He remembers his officers; they stumble as they go, they hasten to the wall; the siege tower is set up. Publisher: OpenBible.info. B But these evangelicals never developed their approach to understanding the Bible in complete isolation. J But he answered them, You see all these, do you not? In addition to spreading anti-vaccine ideology in America, this belief in the supreme authority of God has also affected vaccine efforts abroad. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on. And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. What Does the Bible Say about Vaccinations? . The Israelites left Egypt accompanied by a tabernacle, which served as Gods temple in the Promised Land, as did the Ark of the Covenant when the Israelites marched into battle with neighboring tribes. Paul plainly states, Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? 127:1 ESV). Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. I have the right to do anythingbut I will not be mastered by anything. Prayer makes the distinction between right and wrong for you and your health situation much clearer. For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Their experience of continuous restoration to Gods image is seen in their character and lifestyle. These two principles are plainly in harmony with the first two commandments God gave to Adam in the Garden of Eden: The LORD God commanded the man, You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die" (Gen. 2:16, NIV). Protestants believed that the former approach was more compatible with the spirit of American liberty. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.. And he said, Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. 6:19, 20, NIV; cf. And this is a new approach where instead of giving that tiny little part, instead, we just give the instructions to our own bodies to make that tiny little part and then our natural immune system . 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. And if you gather within your cities, I will send pestilence among you, and you shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy. Ron DeSantis makes California pilgrimage to woo influential Republicans, With latest donations, Plaza Theatre restoration nears fundraising goal. O This verse has been a mantra for me since I was diagnosed with a severe health problem in middle age, pre-COVID. Our Lord wants us to take care of our bodies and live responsible lives because we are accountable to Him. Sign up today.]. K But there is another subset of the denomination that describes . Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. So while the pope has explicitly called on the faithful to be vaccinated as an "act of love," and while the Archdioceses of New York, Honolulu, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Los Angeles and the. There is some portion of the population who will not receive the vaccine for religious reasons. heal the sick . When I ask those evangelicals who oppose vaccines how they come to their conclusions, they all seem to cite the same sources: Fox News, or a host of fringe media personalities whom they watch on cable television or Facebook. By: JiMoskala, for General Conference Health Ministries Department. 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. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. And he who was seated on the throne said, Behold, I am making all things new. Also he said, Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true. 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, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. May He graciously grant us discernment and power to act unselfishly according to His will so that we can be blessed by Him and be a blessing to others. Again, it is not enough to ask for Gods intervention for reaping a good harvest and then not be willing to till the fields and work hard on maintaining the crop. However, getting through the initial grief and changes in my life and moving on to a place of greater faith and understanding was not an easy journey. C. ARE . 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. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. All rights reserved. Continuing our service to God: Receiving safe and effective vaccination allows us to honor God by keeping our earthly temple (our body) as healthy as possible, and our financial situation as . Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. We have found nothing biblical that would stop people from being vaccinated. Prior to this, most men and women in Europe were exposed to the Bible through the Vulgate, a Latin version of the Old and New Testaments that only educated men mostly Catholic priests could read. My hour has not yet come. His mother said to the servants, Do whatever he tells you. Now when the Pharisees gathered to him, with some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem, they saw that some of his disciples ate with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. 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