Whose Stripes Ye Were Healed

“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” (1 Peter 2:24)

“By whose stripes ye were healed.” Stripes is more accurately translated as bruises. But it never ceases to amaze me how people, all through time on up to the present, take this one phrase literally and participate in self-flagellation in the belief that this will remove their sins. This isn’t restricted to Christians either. Shia Islam in countries such as India, Pakistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Australia and even the United States all participate in organized, self-flagellation rituals.

There was even a sect of the Roman Catholic church called the, “Flagellants” back in the 13th and 14th centuries.

This is so wrong and shows a gross misunderstanding of the point and purpose of, “by whose stripes ye were healed”.

Peter is paraphrasing Isaiah.

“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:4-6)

Those who believe and participate in self-flagellation have a works and deeds mindset. They believe that their salvation is dependent upon doing something. As I’ve mentioned many times over the years, the problem with thinking that doing will save you is that the devil can “do” too! Doing in of itself does not require a changed heart. Doing to get or to be absolved is wrong. It’s me centered. Doing as a result of a changed heart and spirit is different. This type of doing does not have self in mind but rather seeks the benefit and welfare of another. That’s Jesus inside of you!

The stripes or the bruises that Jesus endured in the scourging physically happened, but it is also metaphoric for the “stroke of Divine judgment administered vicariously to Him on the Cross” (Thayers).

The point is this. Jesus paid the price for our sins. To whip and beat yourself is saying that what Jesus did wasn’t enough, as if more was needed for your salvation. Jesus doesn’t need additional help. God’s word, both spoken and in Jesus, always accomplishes what it sets out to do. It never returns incomplete or empty handed.

Self-flagellation shows a lack of faith, a lack of belief and a lack of humility and understanding. It also shows a high degree of self-pride.

Too many people look for the miracles of God but neglect to look for God. By whose stripes ye were healed is all about restoration, salvation and making God available to all who have faith and belief in Christ.

Jesus accomplished what He set out to do. He doesn’t need any help.

Bill Hitchcock