Christianity & Medication!

The first thing to ask is whether the Bible expressly forbids the use of medication, the answer to this is clearly a resounding no! If anyone knows of a verse please leave it as a comment and i'll update it as necessary.

The second thing is, is there a good reason or a Biblical implication for not using medication? A biblical implication would be in direct contradiction of the Bible and doesn't exist, take a look at this verse: 'Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.' - 1 Timothy 5:23. Could the Bible be any clearer than this? Quite clearly we see Paul telling Timothy to use a form of medication (wine) for his illness.

The third factor comes from whether medication is necessary or whether healing is provided in all cases by Jesus' atonement. Can the Bible teach that medication is unnecessary and also Paul tell Timothy to use medication? Certainly not without a contradiction. The contradiction does not exist, despite the teaching of many physical healing is not provided for in the atonement, what is provided is spiritual healing. That isn't to say God cannot heal or does not heal, it is simply to say that God is not forced to provide physical healing. Many times he does, many times he doesn't. I think often we like to take God off his throne and make it out as if He must give in to our demands. It is time we let God be God, trust that he knows best and his plans for us are good. This, he does actually promise. '"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."' - Jeremiah 29:11

http://christiananswers.net/q-eden/rfsm-healing.html - Gives a basic critique of the 'physical healing provided in the atonement' position.

This post is not meant to be a full critique of this position, I am unqualified to do this but I hope it is of use to some who see it.

I do however believe that there are positives and negatives to using medication, I am not saying we should all use medication, if you can cope without it, this is often the best situation. Following the advice of your doctor is almost always the best way to go.