Just the Bible
F a l s e t e a c h i n g s e x p o s e d
Charismatics - page 1
1 Spiritual Gifts
2 "Baptism of Fire"
3 "Baptism of the Holy Spirit"
4 Emotions
5 Prayer and Praise
6 Angelic Encounters and Jesus Appearances
7 Worship of the Holy Spirit
8 New Age
9 Healing for All
10 False Tongues
11 False Prophecy
12 False Teachers
13 Signs and Wonders
14 "Drunkenness in the Spirit" / "Divine Laughter" and others
15 Demons
16 End-Time Revival
17 "Prayer of Surrender"
18 Women's Circles
19 Dangerous Charismatic Figures and Churches
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1 Spirital Gifts
1st Corinthians 12,4-11
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same GOD which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
The Bible teaches that everyone who believes in Jesus Christ receives spiritual gifts from GOD. These spiritual gifts can be given to a believer momentarily or permanently. Paul explains that all believers have different spiritual gifts. These are for the benefit of all. This means that, in principle, the purpose is to bring the gifts of the Spirit into the assembly for the edification of the church. Through prophecy, people can understand GOD's will and improve their behavior. The gift of healing enables a person to become healthy through GOD's supernatural work. The gift of miraculous powers is intended to clarify GOD's omnipotence to people and, moreover, to reinforce the message of the gospel. Practical gifts are also intended to serve the church and benefit those in need (e.g., the poor, widows, and orphans). Using them for personal edification—as in the case of charismatic "speaking in tongues"—is tantamount to misusing spiritual gifts.
Spiritual gifts cannot be learned, nor can they be transferred to others through speaking or laying on of hands. Therefore, charismatic events that simulate precisely this are an unbiblical and, moreover, ineffective practice. Paul's recommendation to strive for greater gifts means that every Christian may ask GOD to grant them specific gifts with which they can serve others and thus contribute to the building up of the Body of Christ. However, it is GOD who distributes gifts to each believer according to His discretion. The feasibility-based thinking of charismatics not only contradicts GOD's sovereignty, but is, in fact, a form of magic through which people seek to control GOD. Such concepts originate from the realm of spiritualism and esotericism.
1st Corinthians 12,12-31
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. (…) 14 For the body is not one member, but many. (…) 18 But now hath GOD set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 19 And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20 But now are they many members, yet but one body. (…) 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 And GOD hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
Paul explains that the church consists of many members. All members together form the Body of Christ. Paul explains that each member has its own special task and function, and that all believers are interdependent. Therefore, Paul's question as to whether all believers can do everything is to be understood rhetorically and answered with a clear "no." This means that not every Christian possesses all gifts and functions, for otherwise each member would be perfect in itself and thus independent of the Body. In doing so, Paul would contradict himself.
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2 "Baptism of Fire"
Matthew 3,11 f.
11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.
GOD sent John the Baptist as a forerunner of the Lord Jesus to baptize people with water for repentance. Jesus, on the other hand, was to baptize people with the Holy Spirit and fire. Here we are talking about two different baptisms. In the Holy Scriptures, fire serves as a picture of judgment or testing. As the Messiah, Jesus has two functions: 1. He is the Savior (first coming); 2. He is the Judge appointed by GOD (second coming). This makes Jesus the only one who has the authority to baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. He is the one who poured out the Holy Spirit on his disciples at Pentecost, and he will be the one who will execute GOD's wrath on the wicked on the Day of Judgment.
Acts 2,2 f.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
The tongues of fire mentioned here were a visible sign of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, whose coming Jesus had previously promised his disciples. Since the disciples did not know the exact time, this event was accompanied by various visible (see tongues of fire) and audible (see disciples speaking in tongues) signs. At Jesus' baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove. In this way, John the Baptist was able to recognize that Jesus was the Messiah, for whom John was to prepare the way. These are special phenomena limited to these two situations. This does not mean that the Holy Spirit looks like a dove or burns like fire.
Luke 12,49-53
49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! 51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: 52 for from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. 53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
The fire Jesus speaks of in verse 49 does not refer to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, as is clear from the context. The baptism Jesus mentions in verse 50 also has nothing to do with a so-called "baptism of the Spirit," but is a figurative description of his redemptive work. Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection are the central truths of the gospel. Jesus declares that his coming would lead to division among people. This means that spirits will be divided over Jesus. While some accept Jesus' word and follow him resolutely, others reject his message. This inevitably leads to division and discord, even within families. Nowhere in the New Testament is the Holy Spirit associated with a baptism of fire.
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3 "Baptism of the Holy Spirit"
John 20,22
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.
John 16,7
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
Acts 1,7 f.
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Acts 11,15
15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
Jesus explained to his disciples that he first had to be glorified (i.e., crucified, resurrected, and exalted to the right hand of GOD) before the Holy Spirit could come. According to the book of Acts, the Holy Spirit was not poured out on the disciples until the day of Pentecost. This means they could not have received him beforehand. Jesus' breathing on his disciples was a sign, or prophetic act designed to strengthen the disciples until they received the promised gift from heaven. These are not two different outpourings, as charismatics claim. Although the disciples had already been taught many things by their Lord, they had not yet experienced a New Testament rebirth. This only happened at Pentecost, when the disciples actually received the Holy Spirit. From that moment on, they were born again and equipped with power from on high for their apostolic ministry. This was a unique event. Furthermore, Peter compares Cornelius’ baptism of the Holy Spirit with that which the disciples had received at Pentecost.
Galatians 3,2
2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Acts 5,31
31 Him hath GOD exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
The Bible teaches that a person receives GOD's Holy Spirit through faith; that is, the moment they believe the message of the gospel, accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and repent. However, we read in various places that believers have been "filled" with the Holy Spirit. This has nothing to do with a separate "baptism of the Spirit," as charismatics teach, nor with the distribution of so-called anointings of power by "chosen" individuals, as is common practice in charismatic circles. Rather, it is about continually tapping into the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. This happens 1) through constant prayer and 2) through regular study of the Word. Both focus our attention on GOD and strengthen us inwardly, enabling us to resist temptation and at the same time overcome fears, worries, and doubts. Otherwise, we run the risk of becoming spiritually lukewarm. Furthermore, we are more easily seduced in this way. The early Christians are said to have been "filled" with the Holy Spirit, even though they had already received it long before. Prayer gave them strength so that they could continue to proclaim the gospel with boldness despite trials.
Romans 8,9 + 14-16
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of GOD dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. (...) 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of GOD, they are the sons of GOD. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of GOD.
Galatians 4,6
6 And because ye are sons, GOD hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Whoever believes in Jesus and converts to GOD receives the Holy Spirit not just in part, but in all its fullness. Only those who have the Spirit of GOD are children of GOD. Receiving the Holy Spirit brings about a person's spiritual rebirth. GOD's Spirit convicts of sin and enables one to live a holy, godly life. This is not possible without the Spirit. The fruits of the Spirit, in turn, indicate that a person has received the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, the same Spirit bestows on a believer the spiritual gifts intended for him and equips him for his spiritual ministry.
Acts 8,12-19
12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of GOD, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of GOD, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 for as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
The Samaritans were a mixed people of Jews and Gentiles. Because they were hostile toward the Jews, they had no contact with them. To emphasize that Jews and Samaritans are one in Christ, GOD delayed the outpouring of the Spirit on the converted Samaritans until the laying on of hands by the apostles, all of whom were Jews. This is a unique event in salvation history. The laying on of hands by a Jew was meant to symbolize the unity between Jews and Samaritans. It was GOD's sovereign decision to delay the outpouring of His Spirit. This does not mean that the Holy Spirit can be invoked at will, as charismatics mistakenly believe. Nor do we find any teaching or instruction in the New Testament from the apostles to lay hands on others so that they would receive the Holy Spirit. GOD gave this special authority exclusively to the early apostles, and then only in isolated, specific situations.
Acts 10,44-46
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify GOD.
This example clearly demonstrates that those who hear and believe the Word receive the Holy Spirit. There is no need for a special baptism of the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands, as practiced in charismatic circles.
Acts 19,1-6
1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 he said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
The disciples referred to here were not disciples of Jesus, but disciples of John the Baptist. They knew only the teachings of John. This means that at the time Paul met them, they were not yet Christians. They neither knew that Jesus was the Messiah, nor had they been baptized in his name. Furthermore, they had no knowledge of the events of Pentecost. Therefore, Paul preached the gospel to them. Only afterward could they receive the Holy Spirit. Similar to the case of the Samaritans, this is a special situation in salvation history from which no generally valid doctrine about a supposed baptism of the Holy Spirit can be drawn. In chapter 10, the Gentiles became part of the church of GOD for the first time. To emphasize his oneness with them in Christ, GOD only allowed the newly converted Jews to receive the Holy Spirit after the apostle had laid his hands on them. In this case, too, the laying on of hands represents a symbolic act.
2nd Timothy 1,6 f.
6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of GOD, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 7 For GOD hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
The "gift of GOD" here does not refer to the Holy Spirit, but rather to Timothy's calling as an elder. Paul's laying on of hands was an accompanying act intended to express his recognition of the young Timothy as an elder. In his two letters, Paul encourages and strengthens the still inexperienced and at times still fearful Timothy for his service as a church leader by reminding him that the Holy Spirit represents power, love, and self-control.
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4 Emotions
1st John 2,3
3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
Natural joy is biblical. However, many charismatics are driven by the desire to experience GOD emotionally. They harness the power of music for this purpose. It's not for nothing that almost every charismatic gathering has a musical accompaniment. Stimulating (usually synthetic) sounds and rhythms artificially create a heated atmosphere in which people can become emotionally intoxicated. This atmosphere is sold to people as the "presence of GOD" or the "work of the Holy Spirit." In truth, the soulful is confused with the spiritual.
The basis for our faith should be GOD's Word. In it, GOD reveals His will to us. When we love GOD and obey His Word, we have fellowship with our heavenly Father. A life of constant fellowship with God brings us peace—a peace that surpasses all understanding. GOD's peace, in turn, is not dependent on a person's temporary emotional state.
Bad feelings aren't inherently bad. They can be related to sin and a guilty conscience, among other things. Sin, in turn, strains our relationship with GOD and robs us of peace. In such a case, it's useless to puff ourselves up with good feelings. To restore peace with God, repentance is necessary. Only then can GOD forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. In this respect, sadness can serve to purify our hearts. Once we have reconciled ourselves with GOD, joy also returns.
Everything Christians do should serve to honor GOD and edify the church. Spiritual edification, in turn, comes through love and sober knowledge of the Scriptures. This should be the primary focus. Emotional experiences are secondary. True love is unselfish; the pursuit of good feelings, on the other hand, is self-centered.
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5 Prayers and Praise
Charismatics view prayer as a "ritual tool" for achieving spiritual goals in the visible and invisible world. For this purpose, regular prayer meetings are held in which prayers are uttered incoherently (often accompanied by music), usually in unintelligible "tongues." On the one hand, this is intended to evoke the "presence of the Holy Spirit." On the other hand, through constant "proclamation", attempts are made to instrumentalize the Holy Spirit and bring about "spiritual breakthroughs" (e.g., healings of the sick, deliverance from demons, or other miracles). The volume and intensity of the prayers usually increase steadily. Central statements of the prayer are repeated over and over again until the intended goal is achieved. GOD's sovereign will plays no or only a subordinate role in this process.
Charismatics often receive "visual impressions" while praying. The method of visualization is a magical technique in which a person imagines or creates their own reality. It resembles autosuggestion or self-hypnosis, which charismatics confuse with faith. Faith means trusting in GOD that He is able to bring about what one asks for. The precondition for this is that the prayer request is in accordance with GOD's will. Charismatics, on the other hand, try to produce a certain result through their imagination and fantasy, regardless of whether it actually corresponds to GOD's intentions or not. That this doesn't work in the vast majority of cases and remains pure wishful thinking should come as no surprise. On the other hand, this can lead to disappointment because the desired result doesn't occur; with the result that some believers begin to doubt GOD or question their own faith, as is not uncommon in reality.
The primary purpose of prayer is to communicate with GOD and to stay connected with Him. James explains that the prayer of a righteous person can accomplish much if it is sincere. The prerequisites for GOD to hear prayer are: 1. that a person fears GOD and obeys His commandments; 2. that they are humble and sincere; 3. that they ask in accordance with GOD's will; 4. that they ask in faith, that is, with trust in GOD and without doubt. In contrast, neither the length nor the choice of words nor the intensity of a prayer are important. Likewise, Scripture does not teach that "praying in tongues" has any special effect on Christian prayer.
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6 Angelic Encounters and Jesus Appereances
2nd Corinthians 12,2-4
2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: GOD knoweth; such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man, whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: GOD knoweth; 4 how that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
The Bible teaches that no one has ever ascended to heaven except Jesus. Paul does mention a person who was caught up to the third heaven, but was not allowed to report what they saw and heard. In this respect, it is highly implausible when people talk about the observations they supposedly made in heaven. Many of these accounts are contradictory; some are simply absurd. Furthermore, it is said that the next time Jesus will return from heaven, visible to all people. When Jesus revealed himself to Saul on the road to Damascus, it was through a vision. Even today, Jesus can communicate with people through dreams or visions. However, anyone who claims that Jesus visited them in person is revealing themselves as a liar.
Colossians 2,18 f.
18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of GOD.
Angelic appearances are biblical, but they are rare and by no means common occurrences. Overall, only a handful of statements about angels can be found in the Holy Scriptures. And not without reason. After all, our focus should be on GOD, not on angels. The few accounts show that encounters with angels were always associated with awe for humans, and sometimes even with fear and powerlessness (see Daniel, David, and others). When GOD's angels appear, they usually act as messengers. In some cases, they protect believers or save them from harm. Sometimes angels appear in human form. As a rule, however, they remain invisible to humans.
Nowhere in the Bible does it say that a person has influence over when or how often encounters with angels occur, since only GOD or Jesus can command the angels. In contrast, people who call themselves "mediums" are in constant contact with demons (= fallen angels), who communicate with them and manipulate them for their diabolical purposes. Just like Satan, these people disguise themselves as angels of light, although in truth they pursue evil intentions. Therefore, if someone regularly reports visible angelic apparitions or offers others contact with angels, it is very likely that they are angels of Satan and not angels of GOD. For this reason, every Christian should keep their distance from such people. The same applies to anyone who spreads teachings about "secret portals," "time traveling", "access to heaven," "activating spiritual gifts," "receiving special authority," and other unbiblical special teachings, as well as to anyone who charges money for their services. Everything we humans need to know can be found in GOD's Word. If we go beyond that, we can easily stray into dangerous paths.
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7 Worship of the Holy Spirit
Matthew 6,9
9 Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name.
The Bible teaches that GOD is One and that we humans should call upon and worship GOD as our Heavenly Father. Neither in the Old nor the New Testament is there a single example of people worshiping the Holy Spirit by name. Nor do we read that GOD's Spirit can answer prayers. The Holy Spirit is the living power of GOD, through which GOD dwells and works in every believer.
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8 New Age
There are striking similarities between many charismatic practices and phenomena from the esoteric New Age. While charismatics often base their supernatural abilities on the prophecies of the prophet Joel, followers of the New Age movement invoke the so-called "outpouring of the spirit of Aquarius." This is said to bring about an alleged expansion of consciousness. Furthermore, it is said to equip people with special spiritual gifts and powers. Both movements emphasize physical healing.
Similar to the New Age movement, people seek to perceive GOD through feelings. In this process, GOD becomes an impersonal force that one noticeably absorbs through certain meditation and breathing techniques. These methods are also found in so-called "transcendental meditation," in which certain syllables are constantly repeated to open one's subconscious to "divine" or "cosmic forces." In charismatic meditation, the name "Jesus" or "Yeshua" is used as a mantra for this purpose. Just as in the New Age, states of passivity and mental emptiness are created in this way. This makes people susceptible to seductive powers that can manifest themselves physically and visibly. It is therefore not surprising that charismatic prayer meetings are often accompanied by disorder and physical restlessness. Many report a feeling of heat coursing through the entire body. Some equate this with the "baptism of fire" mentioned in the Bible, although the one has nothing to do with the other. Such a sensation of heat is known to occur in spiritual healers. By eliminating the will, the person becomes a medium for a spiritual force that flows through and controls them.
Spiritual truths are communicated through the mind, not through feelings or physical experiences, as in the New Age. By reading and understanding GOD's Word, we produce the spiritual fruits described in the Bible. How we feel is irrelevant. The so-called "dancing in the Spirit" also does not originate in the Bible, but remains a popular practice in the worship of pagan deities to this day. The fact that King David once danced in honor of GOD is not a model for Christians to emulate.
Another similarity to the New Age movement is the teaching, widespread in charismatic circles, that spiritual gifts can be learned and trained. In the so-called "consciousness expansion program," New Age disciples also learn to develop the supernatural gifts and powers inherent within them. In contrast, the Bible teaches that all spiritual gifts come from GOD and that it is GOD alone who sovereignly bestows them upon believers. Accordingly, human efforts have no influence on them.
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9 Healing for All
Matthew 8,16 f.
16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: 17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
The Bible contains numerous testimonies of supernatural healings. It is reported that through Jesus, blind people could see, deaf people could hear, and paralyzed people could walk again. However, the Bible does not teach that all people who believe in Jesus are healed of physical or mental illnesses. Nor does it say anywhere that Christians cannot get sick. In both the Old Testament (Job, Hezekiah, the prophet Elisha) and the New Testament (Tabitha, Timothy, Trophimus, Epaphroditus), we find examples of pious people becoming ill. Some even died as a result of their illness. This is still true today. Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would take upon himself the suffering of humanity. From the context, it is clear that this is primarily a spiritual suffering that affects all people: namely, sin. Matthew is the only one of the four evangelists who applies this prophecy to Jesus' healing miracles. However, these primarily served to glorify GOD and as a sign that Jesus was the Messiah. GOD also performed many supernatural miracles on the apostles. In this case, too, they were meant to authenticate the message of the gospel.
Matthew 15,30
30 And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them.
Mark 10,51 f.
51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. 52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
Wherever Jesus or his apostles healed people, it happened instantly and completely. This means that the person no longer had any symptoms for a long time. In contrast, many of the supposed miraculous healings of charismatics repeatedly turn out to be fake. These include, above all, supposed leg lengthenings, which are easily faked and therefore very popular with con artists. In some cases, those affected experience physical relief. However, a short time later, the symptoms return. Here, it is reasonable to assume that the temporary freedom from pain is brought about by self-suggestion, similar to hypnosis. Charismatics often attribute lack of healing to the sick person's lack of faith, which sounds like a flimsy excuse to avoid having to question themselves. Even if faith plays an important role, it was enough for a person to turn directly to Jesus or his apostles to be healed. Nowhere do we read that a sick person was sent away by Jesus because of a lack of faith without being healed.
Even though widespread healings are rare these days, GOD essentially has the power to heal people from any kind of illness. Many people can testify to this from their own experience. Therefore, the claim that signs and wonders were limited to the early days of Christianity is false. However, this does not mean that everyone will automatically be healed through prayer or the laying on of hands, regardless of how strong their faith is. Even those who claim the opposite will fall ill over the course of their lives. Whether a person is healed or not ultimately depends on GOD. Furthermore, Paul teaches that not every believer possesses the gift of healing.