Is it wrong for a Christian to go to the doctor?

Chuck Smith, Living Water, chapter 12: Now, I'm not opposed to doctors. That is one way God has provided for healing today. I have gone to doctors myself; I had my appendix removed after spending a week in fervent prayer and fasting, asking God to heal me. When He didn't, I had the doctor take it out. I believe that God can and does use medical science today. God has given researchers much insight and knowledge of the human body, which has led to the design of useful drugs and operating procedures. If a person cannot be healed through prayer alone, then God has provided people with skills to diagnose and treat people. Of course, when a doctor sews up a gash on your arm by putting in sutures, he's done all he can do. It's God who causes your flesh to repair itself. Doctors do what they can, but the actual healing comes from God. From Chuck Smith's books, used by permission of The Word For Today.

Verified. Every scripture quotation on this page has been checked word-for-word against the King James text. Last reviewed 2026-10-15.