When we think about the death of Jesus on the cross, we primarily think about the forgiveness of our sins. We rejoice that our debt has been paid and that we are reconciled to God. This is the foundation of our faith.

But the work of the cross was even more complete. Jesus carried our sins, and He carried our sicknesses and diseases as well. Physical healing is part of the atonement.

The Gospel of Matthew makes this connection clear. When Jesus healed the sick in Capernaum, Matthew wrote that this fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy.

"When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: 'Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.'" Matthew 8:16-17 (NKJV)

Matthew quoted from Isaiah 53.

"Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:4-5 (NKJV)

In Isaiah 53:4, the Hebrew word (choli) חֳלִי — "sickness, disease" is translated as "griefs," and the Hebrew word (makob) מַכְאוֹב — "pain" is translated as "sorrows." Jesus physically carried our sicknesses and pains on the cross.

Healing is not an afterthought. It is a paid-for right for every believer. Sickness is a curse, and Jesus redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.

Many believers pray for healing with uncertainty. They say, "Lord, heal me if it is Your will." But you do not need to wonder if it is God's will to forgive your sins. He has already paid for them. In the same way, you do not need to wonder if it is His will to heal your body. The payment has been made.

We may not always understand why healing seems delayed, or why we experience loss. But our experiences do not change the truth of God's Word. We must keep our eyes on the finished work of the cross. Sickness has no legal right to remain in your body because Jesus already bore it.

The atonement is a legal transaction. When Jesus cried out the Greek word (tetelestai) τετέλεσται — "It is finished," He declared that the debt was paid in full. Justice was satisfied. God cannot demand payment twice for the same debt. Since Jesus already paid the penalty for sin and bore the consequences of the curse, including sickness, it is illegal for the enemy to enforce those consequences on you.

When you pray for healing, you do not beg God to do something new. You present the receipt of the cross. You tell your body and the enemy that the price has been paid. This gives you bold confidence in prayer. You do not hope God might decide to be merciful. You stand on the established justice of the finished work of Christ.

Jesus paid for your physical healing on the cross just as surely as He paid for the forgiveness of your sins.