What does God say about surgery?

Answered by Jason Smith

The Bible does not explicitly address the topic of surgery as we understand it today. However, there are principles and teachings in the Bible that can guide our understanding of medical interventions, including surgery.

1. God values the preservation of life and health: Throughout the Bible, we see that God cares for the well-being of His people. Our bodies are considered temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and God desires us to take care of them. Medical interventions, including surgery, can be seen as a way to restore health and preserve life.

2. God’s provision of knowledge and skills: In Exodus 31:3, God filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in various crafts. This highlights the fact that God has given humans the ability to gain knowledge and develop skills, including those related to medicine and surgery. Therefore, it can be inferred that God approves of using medical knowledge and skills to provide healing and relief.

3. The importance of seeking wisdom and guidance: Proverbs 3:5-6 advises us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding, but to acknowledge Him in all our ways. When it comes to medical interventions, including surgery, it is important to seek wisdom and guidance from God. This can involve seeking medical advice from professionals, praying for guidance, and making informed decisions based on both medical knowledge and spiritual discernment.

4. The ethics of medical interventions: While the Bible does not specifically address surgical procedures, it does provide principles that can guide our decisions regarding medical interventions. For example, the commandments to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39) and to do unto others as we would have them do unto us (Luke 6:31) can be applied to medical situations. This means considering the well-being and best interests of the patient, including the potential risks and benefits of a surgical procedure.

5. Trusting in God’s sovereignty: Ultimately, our trust and reliance should be in God. While medical interventions, including surgery, can be beneficial, they are not guarantees of healing or ultimate well-being. We must trust in God’s sovereignty and submit our lives and health to His will, recognizing that He is the ultimate healer.

It is important to note that the Bible does not provide specific guidelines for every medical situation or surgical procedure. Therefore, it is crucial to seek wisdom, prayer, and guidance from God in making decisions about surgery or any other medical intervention. Additionally, consulting with medical professionals who have expertise in the specific area of concern is essential in making informed decisions.