The NHS and Christ’s Return

… that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

Romans 8:21

What has the UK National Health Service  (NHS) got to do with the Second Coming?  The Apostle Paul’s somewhat enigmatic passage in the middle of chapter 8 of his letter to the Romans reminds us that salvation is not just about us – human beings – it is about the whole of creation. Moreover, it implies that that salvation is, in some sense, in the hands of the saved – followers of Jesus. In other words, what we do, what we make and build and institute here on earth matters for the salvation of creation. It isn’t just a matter of the apocalyptic destruction of the old and the descent of the new from on high. 

The NHS is intended to provide the best healthcare to everyone for zero cost to the patient. The NHS does not make judgements as to how you come to require its services, if you need healthcare, you get it. So, if you’re a smoker and need care for lung cancer you get it – no questions asked. You get it not because you deserve it, but because you need it. You get it not because you can afford it, but because you need it. And you get the best. It is funded through general taxation. Everyone contributes to the cost according to their ability. Everyone benefits. In Christian terms, the NHS is a ministry of grace. As such, it is most certainly an expression of the Kingdom of God. Of course, in the same way that Christians are not yet perfect, so the NHS is not perfect, it is a work in progress, just as an individual Christian is. But it’s end-point is the tree of life in the heavenly city pictured in chapter 22 of the book of Revelation where the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations and can be gathered by anyone whenever they have need.

Christians often ask how long it will be before Christ returns, especially at times when turmoil seems to dominate the world. How long will it be before He returns and brings with Him the New Creation and the lion sits with the lamb? Romans 8 suggests that this is partly in our hands! The more we are able to put into place those things that are of the Kingdom the sooner will Christ return. So, if you are one of those longing for the return of Christ you should be fiercely protective of the NHS.  You must resist the worshippers of Mammon who would seek to disable, dismantle it; who seek to alter its fundamental nature and premise. The NHS must remain an institution of grace else Christ’s return will continue to be delayed.