| This dissertation is a description of the biblical concept of forgiveness and healing and the relationship between forgiveness and healing as revealed in the Old Testament and New Testament. The dissertation begins with word studies of forgiveness and the presentation of the theology of forgiveness, the foundation of God's forgiveness, forgiveness in the sacraments, forgiveness in the ministry of Jesus, and forgiveness in the teachings of the Apostles. Then word studies of healing, along with discussions of God's concern for our whole well-being, God as Healer, healing in Jesus' earthly ministry, Jesus' healing power from the Holy Spirit, classifications of Jesus' healings and the healing ministry in the early church, are examined.; Next the relationship between forgiveness and healing is evaluated. The process of God's healing and restoration and the process of healing between humans are illustrated by two figures. Seven biblical examples, five from the Old Testament and two from the New Testament, that reveal the relationship between forgiveness and the process of wholistic healing are examined to prove the validity of God's healing process and to show that forgiveness is the foundation for healing.; The Basic Prayers for Spiritual Restoration for practical pastoral ministry are then presented. These prayers include prayers of welcoming God's Spirit, confirming God's words, accepting the great love of the heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, accepting Jesus Christ as the only Savior and Lord of our lives, releasing our anger towards God, accepting forgiveness from God, accepting and forgiving ourselves, confirming our identity in Christ, and forgiving others. Then four types of healing prayer---prayer for spiritual healing, emotional healing, physical healing and deliverance---and three levels of wholistic healing prayer are presented.; Last, seven case studies of wholistic healing in Taiwanese/Chinese immigrants are presented to show the validity of wholistic healing in practical pastoral ministry. The case studies show the way in which wholistic healing begins with the Basic Prayers for the Spiritual Restoration, leading to specific prayer for personal spiritual, emotional, physical, and deliverance needs. |
