Over the years, the topic of vaccines has sparked confusion and debates among Christians. There is a section of Christians who believe that using vaccines is sinful. They claim that using them shows that one does not have faith in the healing power of God. There is also another section of Christians who use vaccines and believe that God brings healing through them.
The world today struggles with various health concerns that need attention. But what kind of attention do we need to apply under these circumstances? Is it right to get vaccinated or is it wrong in the eyes of Gog? In this article, we are going to journey through the Scriptures and find out what the Bible says about vaccines.
What Is a Vaccine?
According to Wikipedia, vaccines are biological preparations that are used to stimulate one’s immune system to fight against diseases. They are administered by mouth, nose, or through injections. When health professionals suspect that there might be an outbreak of a certain disease, they alert the public to get vaccinated to avoid being infected and prevent its spread.
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For instance, there is a suspected outbreak of cholera, and citizens are being advised by government health professionals to get an anti-cholera vaccine.
In 2020, the world faced the threat of the COVID-19 virus which saw many lose their lives. The World Health Organization recommended that people around the globe should get vaccinated to prevent infection and to reduce its effect on the body should one get infected.
Vaccinations are administered to people of different age groups and the dosage depends on how old a person is. Some vaccines are administered at childbirth, at 9 months, and 1 year to children. People are vaccinated against diseases such as measles, Hepatitis and B, influenza, chickenpox, and many other diseases.
What the Bible Says about Vaccines
“One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.”
Romans 14:5
As we embark on this journey of understanding what the Bible says about vaccines, we understand that each one of us has our own beliefs, experiences, and perspectives about different aspects of life. Therefore, we are not here to judge anyone based on their personal choices or perspectives but to learn from the Word of God. It is the only source of truth that never changes with changing times and seasons.
As Christians, we are called to walk in line with the principles of the Word of God. And, that is why we want to fully understand these principles by looking at Biblical teachings on this subject. So, open your heart and mind to learn and to be enlightened by God’s word on this issue that many of us struggle with.
The Bible does not specifically tell us whether getting vaccinated is right or wrong. However, we can draw insights from its passages that mention subjects related to how we should handle our bodies.
“But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.”
Isaiah 53:5
The Bible tells us that Jesus died on the cross to free us from burdens that trouble us. One of these burdens is the burden of infections. Diseases and illnesses trouble mankind and deny them peace of mind and the body. But we are given an assurance of divine healing since the death of Jesus and the stripes on His body brought healing into the world.
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This is not an assurance that we will never get sick, but an assurance that whenever we do, we shall receive healing in Christ. This is where true healing is found and where Christians need to run to when they are affected by diseases.
The Bible does not mention that by a strong vaccine, we are healed, but by the stripes of Jesus. So, whether there are outbreaks or life-threatening infections, there is a group of Christians who would not accept to be vaccinated because they believe that healing can only be found in Jesus.
“In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”
Job 12:10
When health professionals declare that there might be an outbreak of a certain deadly disease, many of us shake to the borne. This makes us rush to health centers or places advised to get vaccinated so that we can be on the safe side amid the outbreak.
We think that if we cannot get the vaccination, then we may succumb to the disease. However, the Bible in Job 12:10 teaches us something else. It reveals to us that our lives are not in the hands of vaccines or medicines but in the hands of the Lord. He is the one who determines the number of our days, whether we are vaccinated or not.
Our breath is held in His hands and whether there is an outbreak or not, He is the One who knows how long we shall live. What this Scripture is trying to put across is that vaccines do not hold any power over our lives, but God does. Therefore, whether we get vaccinated or not, we should always remember that our fate is in the hands of God and not in mankind.
“Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.”
Psalms 91:3-6
What pushes many people to get vaccines is the fear of being affected directly or indirectly by strange diseases. When the COVID-19 virus hit the world, many were afraid and scared for their lives. It was recommended that we get 3 vaccines to protect ourselves from the effects of this pandemic that scared the whole world. Some people responded to this call and took the three vaccines.
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However, there is a group that refused to take it terming the step an act that is against their faith. These people believe in the promise of God in Psalms 91:3-6. God promises that He will protect His people from deadly pestilences, plagues, and the Fowler’s snares which may involve deadly diseases. God calls mankind not to live in fear regardless of the diseases that threaten them because He will cover them with His feathers and protect them.
“If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.”
1 Corinthians 3:17
The Bible calls us to take good care of our bodies because they are sacred vessels. He warns us against taking any step that can harm or destroy our bodies. While vaccines may be good in preventing us from being infected with some diseases, they can also be harmful to our bodies.
There are many cases of people complaining of the effects vaccines have caused on their bodies. A recent case is of a young boy who was being vaccinated against measles but ended up disabled.
It has not been determined why the vaccine negatively affected him yet but he will have to stay lame for the rest of his life. When considering taking a shot against a certain disease, we should be careful of its side effects on our bodies. Let us not attract God’s wrath upon ourselves by carelessly accepting every vaccine on our bodies. It may not be bad to take it, but ensure it doesn’t cause any harm to any part of your body.
“He sent out His word and healed them; He rescued them from the grave.”
Psalms 107:20
God’s word is a source of healing and comfort in times of sickness. Christians are called to claim healing through the Word of God. When we read the Scriptures, we will find many individuals who were healed by God. Some were suffering from diseases that were considered incurable but God healed them all. So, when we are ill, we can turn to the Scriptures and declare verses on healing over our lives.
“What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”
Matthew 15:11
While this verse may not be talking about anything to do with vaccines, it offers invaluable insights into the same. Here, Jesus says that the things we allow into our bodies do not make us sinful or impure. What we release from our mouths is what shows if we are sinful or not. What did Jesus mean by this? Jesus meant that while we may embrace some practices, they may not make us sinners if we are not doing them with the wrong intention.
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Taking vaccines may not make our bodies impure if we are doing it with an open heart and mind that is attuned to the will of God. However, if we do it with an ill motive, then its effect is what makes us sinful. What are your intentions or reasons for taking the vaccine?
Conclusion
“The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them.”
Romans 14:3
We are not to judge people who get vaccines or those who do not take them. God has accepted us all with our beliefs as long as they align with the principles of His Word. And, should we feel like we have strayed from His will, we can go to Him with a repentant heart and seek His forgiveness and redirection.