The approach to curing disease in the closing period of earth's history focuses on a return to natural laws and the education of the individual. True healing is described not as the result of drug medication, which often paralyzes the body's natural powers, but as the result of nature's own restorative efforts (PC). Disease itself is defined as an effort by the body to rid itself of impurities caused by violating health laws; therefore, the primary work of the physician and the individual is to identify the cause, correct wrong habits, and change unhealthful conditions (Te 85.4). The most effective remedies for disease are found in the simple, God-given blessings of nature. These include the use of pure air, sunlight, rest, exercise, and a proper diet, alongside the application of water and a firm trust in divine power (MH 127).
Education in these principles is essential, as it empowers families to use simple herbs and natural agencies to prevent suffering and recover health without relying on the "drugging process," which often imposes a merciless burden on the system (TSDF 85.5, 2SM 294.1). Furthermore, the establishment of health institutions is seen as a vital part of the work for the last days. These facilities are intended to provide a refuge where the sick can be treated in harmony with their religious faith and learn how to prevent future illness (1T 553). By practicing these simple principles of health reform, the suffering are relieved, and new opportunities are created to share spiritual truths with others (MM 239.2).
Even simple practices, such as regular outdoor recreation and mental rest, are highlighted as essential duties that prepare the system to resist disease (1T 515.1).
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“The only hope of better things is in the education of the people in right principles. Let physicians teach the people that restorative power is not in drugs, but in nature. Disease is an effort of nature to free the system from conditions that result from a violation of the laws of health. In case of sickness, the cause should be ascertained. Unhealthful conditions should be changed, wrong habits corrected. Then nature is to be assisted in her effort to expel impurities and to re-establish right conditions in the system.— The Ministry of Healing, 127 . Te 85.4”
“N atural Remedies Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power—these are the true remedies. Every person should have a knowledge of nature's remedial agencies and how to apply them. It is essential both to understand the principles involved in the treatment of the sick and to have a practical training that will enable one rightly to use this knowledge. MH 127”
“The sick should be educated to have confidence in nature's blessings which God has provided, and the most effective remedies for disease are pure, soft water; the blessed God-given sunshine coming into the rooms of the invalids; living outdoors as much as possible; having healthful exercise; eating and drinking in foods that are prepared in the most healthful manner. To resort to the drugging process lays upon nature a most fearful, merciless burden, from which they may never recover. There are many laboring under chronic diseases. They will swallow anything in the line of drugs prescribed by the unbelieving physician, when an intelligent knowledge that they are indulging in unnatural appetites which explains to them the cause of their suffering, if Christians, they would place themselves in a position as health reformers. They would change the cause which produces this sure result. TSDF 85.5”
“The Lord has given some simple herbs of the field that at times are beneficial; and if every family were educated in how to use these herbs in case of sickness, much suffering might be prevented, and no doctor need be called. These old-fashioned, simple herbs, used intelligently, would have recovered many sick who have died under drug medication. 2SM 294.1”
“***** Chapter 99—The Health Institute In the vision given me December 25, 1865, I saw that the health reform was a great enterprise, closely connected with the present truth, and that Seventh-day Adventists should have a home for the sick where they could be treated for their diseases and also learn how to take care of themselves so as to prevent sickness. I saw that our people should not remain indifferent upon this subject and leave the rich among us to go to the popular water cure institutions of the country for the recovery of health, where they would find opposition to, rather than sympathy with, their views of religious faith. Those who are reduced by disease suffer not only for want of physical but also of mental and moral strength; and afflicted, conscientious Sabbathkeepers cannot receive as much benefit where they feel that they must be constantly guarded lest they compromise their faith and dishonor their profession, as at an institution whose physicians and conductors are in sympathy with the truths connected with the third angel's message. 1T 553”
“For thirty years the necessity of health reform has been held before our people. By the practice of its simple principles the sick and suffering are relieved, and fields otherwise unapproachable become most interesting fields of action. The seeds of truth, cast into good ground, produce an abundant harvest.... MM 239.2”
“On such occasions parents and children should feel free from care, labor, and perplexity. Parents should become children with their children, making everything as pleasant for them as possible. Let the whole day be given to recreation. Exercise in the open air for those whose employment has been withindoors and sedentary will be beneficial to health. All who can, should feel it a duty to pursue this course. Nothing will be lost, but much gained. They can return to their occupations with new life and new courage to engage in their labor with zeal, and they are better prepared to resist disease. 1T 515.1”
How does the use of natural remedies connect to the third angel's message?
The relationship between natural remedies and the third angel's message is described as an inseparable union, often compared to the connection between the arm or hand and the human body (CD 74.3). This health work is not a separate or independent movement but is designed to be united with the proclamation of the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus (CD 75.1). By adopting health principles and natural methods of healing, believers are better prepared for the "loud cry" of the message, as this individual work of reform cannot be done by God on behalf of the person (CD 74.3).
The use of natural remedies serves as a practical entering wedge for the gospel, helping to remove prejudice that might otherwise prevent the third angel's message from reaching the hearts of the people (TSDF 87). When individuals see the intelligence and success behind natural health practices, they are often more inclined to believe that the accompanying Bible doctrines are also sound (TSDF 87). This connection is vital because physical and moral degeneracy are frequently the result of neglecting health principles, and those who disregard light on physical health may find themselves hardening their hearts against spiritual truths (CH 73.1).
Choosing natural remedies over drug medication requires a level of sacrifice and patience that many are unwilling to give, as nature’s restorative process is often gradual (MH 127.3). While drugs are described as merely changing the form and location of disease rather than curing it, nature is the only effectual restorer when left untrammeled (2SM 451.1). By surrendering hurtful indulgences and following natural laws, individuals gain the health of body and mind necessary to fulfill their moral obligations and respond to the claims of God regarding eternal interests (CH 73.1, CD 301.4).
The application of these remedies, such as the intelligent use of pure water and a strict attention to diet, is a part of the work God has left for His people to do for themselves (HL 213). This self-care is essential because the violation of health laws in matters of eating and lifestyle prepares the way for the violation of God's higher moral claims (CH 73.1). Therefore, the presentation of health reform must always be united with the third angel's message to ensure a complete and effective witness to the world (CD 75.1).
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“102. The health reform, I was shown, is a part of the third angel's message, and is just as closely connected with it as are the arm and hand with the human body. I saw that we as a people must make an advance move in this great work. Ministers and people must act in concert. God's people are not prepared for the loud cry of the third angel. They have a work to do for themselves which they should not leave for God to do for them. He has left this work for them to do. It is an individual work; one cannot do it for another.— Testimonies for the Church 1:486, 1867 CD 74.3”
“104. The health reform is as closely related to the third angel's message as the arm to the body; but the arm cannot take the place of the body. The proclamation of the third angel's message, the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus, is the burden of our work. The message is to be proclaimed with a loud cry, and is to go to the whole world. The presentation of health principles must be united with this message, but must not in any case be independent of it, or in any way take the place of it.— Letter 57, 1896 CD 75.1”
“Chapter 21—Health Reform and the Third Angel's Message Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 121-122 TSDF 87 Much of the prejudice that prevents the truth of the third angel's message from reaching the hearts of the people, might be removed if more attention were given to health reform. When people become interested in this subject, the way is often prepared for the entrance of other truths. If they see that we are intelligent with regard to health, they will be more ready to believe that we are sound in Bible doctrines. TSDF 87”
“God has shown that health reform is as closely connected with the third angel's message as the hand is with the body. There is nowhere to be found so great a cause of physical and moral degeneracy as a neglect of this important subject. Those who indulge appetite and passion and close their eyes to the light for fear they will see sinful indulgences which they are unwilling to forsake, are guilty before God. Whoever turns from the light in one instance hardens his heart to disregard the light upon other matters. Whoever violates moral obligations in the matter of eating and dressing, prepares the way to violate the claims of God in regard to eternal interests. CH 73.1”
“The use of natural remedies requires an amount of care and effort that many are not willing to give. Nature's process of healing and upbuilding is gradual, and to the impatient it seems slow. The surrender of hurtful indulgences requires sacrifice. But in the end it will be found that nature, untrammeled, does her work wisely and well. Those who persevere in obedience to her laws will reap the reward in health of body and health of mind. MH 127.3”
“Drugs never cure disease. They only change the form and location. Nature alone is the effectual restorer, and how much better could she perform her task if left to herself. But this privilege is seldom allowed her. If crippled nature bears up under the load, and finally accomplishes in a great measure her double task, and the patient lives, the credit is given to the physician. But if nature fails in her effort to expel the poison from the system, and the patient dies, it is called a wonderful dispensation of Providence. If the patient had taken a course to relieve overburdened nature in season, and understandingly used pure soft water, this dispensation of drug-mortality might have been wholly averted. The use of water can accomplish but little, if the patient does not feel the necessity of also strictly attending to his diet. 2SM 451.1”
“The use of natural remedies requires an amount of care and effort that many are not willing to give. Nature's process of healing and upbuilding is gradual, and to the impatient it seems slow. The surrender of hurtful indulgences requires sacrifice. But in the end it will be found that nature, untrammeled, does her work wisely and well. Those who persevere in obedience to her laws will reap the reward in health of body and health of mind.— The Ministry of Healing, 127, 1905 CD 301.4”
“Helpful Suggestions 917. In nine cases out of ten the indisposition of children can be traced to some indulgence of the perverted appetite. Perhaps it is an exposure to cold, want of fresh air, irregularity in eating, or improper clothing; and all the parents need to do is to remove the cause, and secure for their children a period of quiet and rest or abstinence for a short time from food. An agreeable bath, of the proper temperature, will remove impurities from the skin, and the unpleasant symptoms may soon disappear.— The Health Reformer, October 1, 1866 . HL 213.3 918. Reduce the feverish state of the system by a careful and intelligent application of water. These efforts will help nature in her struggle to free the system of impurities.... The use of water can accomplish but little if the patient does not feel the necessity of also strictly attending to his diet.— How to Live 3:60 . HL 213”
how long it will take for a person to get healing going back to natural laws?
The process of recovery through natural laws is characterized by a specific pace that often challenges human expectations. Unlike the immediate, though often superficial, effects of drug medication, nature’s method of restoration and rebuilding is described as a gradual progression (CG 366.2). Because this restorative work happens over time, it can appear slow to those who are impatient for results (CD 301.4). The duration and success of this healing process are closely tied to the individual's willingness to remove obstacles that hinder the body's inherent restorative powers. When harmful substances or habits are introduced, the natural healing power that God has placed within the human frame is weakened or restricted (Te 56.1).
Therefore, the time required for recovery depends significantly on the surrender of hurtful indulgences and a commitment to stop transgressing the laws of nature (CH 90.3). Achieving health through these means requires a level of care, effort, and sacrifice that many find difficult to maintain (TSDF 84.7). It involves a patient application of knowledge, such as learning the proper preparation of healthful food, which is a skill that must be studied and then reduced to practice over time (CTBH 49.1).
While the process may not be instantaneous, those who persevere in consistent obedience to these divine laws will eventually find that nature works both wisely and effectively to restore the health of both body and mind (CD 301.4). Ultimately, healing is secured through a return to the laws God established for human well-being (PC). This journey of restoration is not merely a physical change but a spiritual duty that requires the individual to rouse their energies and inform themselves on how to care for the body properly (CD 253.1).
By allowing nature to work untrammeled, the reward of health is realized by those who are willing to wait for its gradual but sure results (CH 117.1).
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“366.1 The use of natural remedies requires an amount of care and effort that many are not willing to give. Nature's process of healing and upbuilding is gradual, and to the impatient it seems slow. The surrender of hurtful indulgences requires sacrifice. But in the end it will be found that nature, untrammeled, does her work wisely and well. Those who persevere in obedience to her laws will reap the reward in health of body and health of mind.20 The Ministry of Healing, 127 . CG 366.2”
“The use of natural remedies requires an amount of care and effort that many are not willing to give. Nature's process of healing and upbuilding is gradual, and to the impatient it seems slow. The surrender of hurtful indulgences requires sacrifice. But in the end it will be found that nature, untrammeled, does her work wisely and well. Those who persevere in obedience to her laws will reap the reward in health of body and health of mind.— The Ministry of Healing, 127, 1905 CD 301.4”
“Resistance Lowered and Restorative Powers Weakened —God's healing power runs all through nature. If a human being cuts his flesh or breaks a bone, nature at once begins to heal the injury, and thus preserve the man's life. But man can place himself in a position where nature is trammeled so that she cannot do her work.... If tobacco is used, ... the healing power of nature is weakened to a greater or less extent.— The Medical Ministry, 11 . Te 56.1”
“The use of natural remedies requires an amount of care and effort that many are not willing to give. Nature's process of healing and upbuilding is gradual, and to the impatient it seems slow. The surrender of hurtful indulgences requires sacrifice. But in the end it will be found that nature, untrammeled, does her work wisely and well. Those who persevere in obedience to her laws will reap the reward in health of body and health of mind. CH 90.3”
“The use of natural remedies requires an amount of care and effort that many are not willing to give. Nature's process of healing and upbuilding is gradual, and to the impatient it seems slow. The surrender of hurtful indulgences requires sacrifice. But in the end it will be found that nature, untrammeled, does her work wisely and well. Those who persevere in obedience to her laws will reap the reward in health of body and health of mind. TSDF 84.7”
“Some do not feel that it is a religious duty to prepare food properly; hence they do not try to learn how. They let the bread sour before baking, and the saleratus added to remedy the cook's carelessness, makes it totally unfit for the human stomach. It requires thought and care to make good bread. But there is more religion in a good loaf of bread than many think. Food can be prepared simply and healthfully, but it requires skill to make it both palatable and nourishing. In order to learn how to cook, women should study, and then patiently reduce what they learn to practice. People are suffering because they will not take the trouble to do this. I say to such, It is time for you to rouse your dormant energies, and inform yourselves. Do not think the time wasted which is devoted to obtaining a thorough knowledge and experience in the preparation of healthful, palatable food. No matter how long an experience you have had in cooking, if you still have the responsibilities of a family, it is your duty to learn how to care for them properly. If necessary, go to some good cook, and put yourself under her instruction until you are mistress of the art. CTBH 49.1”
“373. In order to learn how to cook, women should study, and then patiently reduce what they learn to practice. People are suffering because they will not take the trouble to do this. I say to such, It is time for you to rouse your dormant energies, and inform yourselves. Do not think the time wasted which is devoted to obtaining a thorough knowledge and experience in the preparation of healthful, palatable food. No matter how long an experience you have had in cooking, if you still have the responsibilities of a family, it is your duty to learn how to care for them properly.—[ Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 49 ] Counsels on Health, 117, 1890 CD 253.1”
“unfit for the human stomach. It requires thought and care to make good bread. But there is more religion in a good loaf of bread than many think. Food can be prepared simply and healthfully, but it requires skill to make it both palatable and nourishing. In order to learn how to cook, women should study, then patiently reduce what they learn to practice. People are suffering because they will not take the trouble to do this. I say to such, It is time for you to rouse your dormant energies and inform yourselves. Do not think the time wasted which is devoted to obtaining a thorough knowledge and experience in the preparation of healthful, palatable food. No matter how long an experience you have had in cooking, if you still have the responsibilities of a family, it is your duty to learn how to care for them properly. If necessary, go to some good cook and put yourself under her instruction until you are mistress of the art. CH 117.1”
Ellen Chat