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In this study, it is not our intent to insinuate in any way that it is a sin to be rich (IT IS NOT). The problem is not with having money, the problem is how having money is being portrayed today. In this Study we will look at what is commonly known as the "Gospel Of Prosperity". Before we get into this study I would suggest that you view the following clip, posted by TIC TOC, a ministry on Youtube. It begins with a brief introduction, after which the minister introduces JIM BAKKER, formerly of PTL, I used to watch PTL and was disapointed by their constant push for money. I found it very interesting, that Brother Bakker, now says, that he was wrong. After you view this clip join us back here for study, If you want to view it, you can, if not just continue reading. (CLICK ON THIS LINK AND IT WILL TAKE YOU STRAIGHT TO THE VIDEO. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZEmPKj_EAI) The apostle Paul encountered teachings concerning money which troubled him, so much so that he sent a warning to the believers about this doctrine. Paul was not telling the believers that they should be prosperous, but he warned about a doctrine which stated, that ones wealth, was a berromerter of ones faith, maturity, spirituality, and favor before God. He told the saints that they should flee from those who taught this doctrine. Today we are seeing just the opposite. Instead of People fleeing FROM they are fleeing TO here this doctrine in droves, "GAIN PROVES GODLINESS AND FAITH" . If there ever was a time when we should give heed to the warning of Paul, this is the time. Paul tells of teachers of his day who were, 5Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: {HE WARNS}, from such withdraw thyself. 6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 1st Tim 6:5-9. On the surface the word of faith prosperity gospel, seems to be very logical. The message as presented appears to be, God honoring, Satan binding, faith promoting, and scripturally sound. There is no denying the fact that God has the power to bestow wealth. The Psalmist tells us, "Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever." Psalm 112:1-3 . How and why could anyone who claims to believe God, argue with a movement which proclaims such a message as this? To seemingly further validate this word of faith, gospel of prosperity, health and no lack, the confirming evidence, of its validity, can be seen by millions on TV every week, where super mega churches with congregations of thousand, are on display. The message which is being proclaimed is, "Why would God allow the believers to be poor? It takes money to run a ministry, what glory does God get, if you are sick with aches and pains in your body? These ministries are often critical of churches which speak of suffering, carrying ones cross and enduring trials for God's glory. (compare below CLICK ON NEXT TAB TO ADVANCE SLIDES) |
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As I said earlier, it is not my intent to insinuate in any way that it is a sin to be rich and prosperous. If you think I am against having lots of money, send me all your money and see if I will send it back to you, (smile). Nor is it my intent to say that it is a sin to be poor, and live a minimum wage lifestyle. But it is our intent to share with you what the Bible says on this subject. I am not against anyone who is financially prosperous, God bless you, but it does grieve me to see how many modern day ministries imply, that if a believer is not rich, that there is something wrong with their faith. In fact some of the greatest people of faith I have known, were not the most financially prosperous. Over the past few years there has been an explosive growth in the acceptance of a doctrine commonly known as the word of faith movement. This doctrine has attracted millions of followers, who have in turn generated millions and millions of dollars in revenues, for some of its most eminent proclaimers. Those who preach the prosperity gospel, say, Any minister or ministry, which says God permits his children to be poor, sick, and go through all manner of trials, is in error and a hindrance to the body of Christ. One well known preacher of prosperity said "for a Pastor or anyone to drive a Chevrolet instead of a luxury car isn't being humble, but is being ignorant of God's "law of prosperity." For many today, the doctrine which proclaims that "every believer is supposed to be rich and healthy" is a doctrine which many ministers have been afraid to question or challenge it, for fear of being classed as a doubter of the provisional powers of God. How could any minister or ministry argue with the most often quoted verse concerning with properity and health, which is found in the book of third John? 2Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. Below we list some of the most common ways, the name it claim it movement, presents its doctrine, most believers have heard one or more of the following: (compare below) |
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UNDERSTANDING HOW THIS DOCTRINE ORIGINATED
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Such statements these, reflect the model which is set forth the theology known as the "spoken word" (rhematology) or of thought-actualization. This religious movement is most commonly known as "positive confession", which stresses the inherent power of words and thoughts. This movement claims that it stands on a doctrine established by Christ, when he spoke these words, "For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." MK 11:23-24 . The word of faith movement tells us, that this teaching by Christ, on the power of the spoken word, when mixed with faith, is the foundation they stand on. They say these sayings of Christ, is concrete proof that God has given every believer the authority to bind up every trials in their lives, and to call down prosperity and healing upon themselves. Thus it is proclaimed; believers should not merely pray for their daily bread, they should rather demand to own the entire bread store. Those who teach this doctrine argue that this is what Christ taught his disciples, while with them on the earth. They point out as proof, the words of Christ, where Jesus said whatever we bind shall be bound, and whatever we loose on the earth shall be loosed. 18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. Matt 18:18-19 . Today more and more ministries are conforming their ministry to this, name it claim it message. The mind set seems to be, if you don't tell them, what they want to hear, there's a mega church (as seen on TV) around the corner who will. With so many people flocking to this doctrine, many ministries have found that it is more financially feasible to go along with the flow, rather than risking not attracting or loosing church members. Any ministry which challenges, the proponents of the "prosperity gospel" runs the risk of seeing its congregates leave, and join one of the mega ministries, (as seen on TV). But is this what Jesus and the early apostles really taught?? |
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In many church circles today, it is not enough to be born again (saved), but modern day, in the know believers are expected to have all of the amenities, of modern day covenant salvation. These amenities includes, but are not limited to items such as, a big house, a nice car, lots of cash, a healthy body, etc. Many are being taught, that perfect health, and prosperity (being rich) is a major part of God's covenant promises for all believers. Believers are told they have a right to expect to prosper, because God has always dealt with mankind through the usage of covenants and that he is legally bound by the New Covenant of New Testament to bestow blessings upon all Christians. Faith teachers then go on to say that, under this covenant agreement with God, spiritual laws have been revealed for believers to enjoy their legal birthrights as children of God, rights that mandate the Christian to enjoy a life of rulership not only over sin, but over sickness and poverty as well. Believers are told that Paul instructed them to not get lifted up in pride, but rejoice and praise God, who gives them all things to enjoy. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 1st Tim 6:17. Because of other scriptures which also speaks about money, in ways which contradicts, the doctrines of the "prosperity gospel," some secretly wonder if perhaps this doctrine is in grievous error. Yet because of the popularity of this teaching, and the crowds and money it draws, they won't openly voice their concerns. Then there are the many believers who have for years embraced the prosperity gospel, without obtaining the promised results. Some of them are now wondering, why they have not received, the money, healing, and change in situation, the minister told them, their faith, and faithfully giving of their tithes and offerings, would bring . |
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Those who preach the gospel of health, wealth and prosperity, say that their teachings has its origins, in the teachings of Christ. They say Christ himself was rich, and instructed the believers to be as well. As we know, it is being widely taught, that Jesus gave the believers the authority to call down and create health and wealth upon themselves. Believers are told, that when they have enough financial resources to merely pay bills and barely nothing else, they are living beneath their privilege. On the surface the assumption seems reasonable, that those who obey, and respect God, should expect to be blessed of Him. Those who teach the name it, claim it doctrine of prosperity , highlight Psalm 84, as proof. "For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." Psalm 84:11. The name it claim it group say, the good things God won't withhold, presumably includes, a large bank account, the best car, a big house, etc. Believers are also told, that under the new covenant, the wealth of the wicked is stored up for the believers. Therefore the believers should claim the wealth and prosperity of the wicked as belonging to them, "A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just." Prov 13:22 . Those who teach this doctrine of prosperity say, God promised that if we delight ourselves in him, and obey his word Everything that we do would prosper, " Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." Psalm 1:1-3. Those who teach that this is the part of the covenant Christ died to make a reality in the life of the believers, say Jesus said we must believe and confess our covenant of prosperity into existence. |
EXACTLY WHAT TYPE OF COVENANT IS THE BELIEVER UNDER??
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Prosperity teachers say that the fall in Eden made man a slave to sin and subject to physical death, poverty, pain and suffering. The word of faith movement teaches that the New Covenant of Christianity which was established by the life and teachings of Christ contains a charter of spiritual laws that govern the relationship between God and His people. A central point of Faith teaching is that the New Covenant is governed under various "spiritual laws" that God himself must follow as well. Some go as far as to say, that under this covenant, the believers have the right to command God, and he is obligated to obey. They say this covenant cannot be established in the life of the believer, unless they believe God's Word concerning prosperity. They say that the Abrahamic covenant recorded in Genesis 17:1-9 is the foundation the covenant we are in, is built on. The word of faith preachers say, that a person may come to Christ through confession of sin, repentance and faith and get saved. BUT this same born again believer can then be found to be out of the will of God, by not being found walking in "divine wealth and health. Most ministers who teach the gospel of prosperity doctrine, claim that this is the very same thing, that Christ taught while on earth. They say, that while on earth, Christ confirmed, first to his early followers and later on through his disciples to the New Testament church, the reality of the covenant of prosperity. Is this true? We will now examine the matter of just exactly what type of covenant we are under today. We will focus mainly on the monetary aspect, and do a separate study on sickness and the covenant in a later study. One minister who teaches the gospel of prosperity, (Dr. Jay Snell), uses Deut 8;18 as proof, that we are in a covenant of prosperity . "Deut 8:18-- 18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. He explains this verse and the covenant this way. "This Scripture was written to and for the Abrahamic Seed Group. When a Gentile accepts Christ as his/her Personal Savior, he/she is immediately grafted into this Abrahamic Seed Group. Consequently, Gentile Christians are included in the great prosperity promise above. They are now Abraham's Seed by grafting and are entitled to participate in this Abrahamic wealth promise. Consider the reason given above why God gave us the power to get wealth. He did it in order to establish the Abrahamic Covenant with us also. The word translated "Establish" here, should have been translated to our English word "continue". This supernatural power to get wealth is God's sign that we are now supernaturally included in the Covenant with Abraham. (end qoute). According to prosperity teachers, we are children of Abraham since he is the father of the faithful. Since he is the father of our faith, they conclude we should be partakers of all the promises God made to Abraham. The scripture quoted as proof is in Galatians 3:9. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. Galatians 3:9. They conclude that since we through faith are blessed with the blessings of Abraham, we should expect all the promises God made to Abraham to come upon us (which includes wealth). |
The message of God willingness to provide for those who sacrifice for the kingdoms sake is a encouraging word, when expounded on correctly. But when this message is tailored to suit the carnal lust of men, it becomes a corrupted message. Jesus taught his disciples what real prosperity was and how to obtain it (it had nothing to do with money). Christ also confirmed the new covenant upon the believers. As we shall see the New Covenant does not consist of the bestowing of monetary gain, upon the believer, but rather it's the anointing the believer with the Holy Spirit. The doctrines of faith and prosperity, and the bestowing of the covenant promises. as taught by the prosperity preachers, is a far cry from the original message, taught by Christ. In his most famous message, early on in his earthly ministry, Jesus told the poor, who sought to obey and please God, they were blessed, and the kingdom of heaven belonged to them, "And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God," Lk 6:20 . It should be noted, he did not tell the poor, they were going to get a lot of money, but rather he sought to point their attention and focus to another place and time. A question to ponder is, if the apostles came back today, would they recognize, the so called "gospel of prosperity" as being what Christ taught them and they in turn taught the church. As we shall see, they would not. Somewhere along the way, the doctrines concerning money and the pursuit of it, and the fulfillment of God's covenant premises, has became distorted. If Paul, James, and Peter came back today, and saw what was being taught today, they would be outraged. They would know immediately realize that the doctrines being taught today, in regards to prosperity, and the covenant, are not the same doctrines they (under the guidance of the Holy Spirit) had established in the early church. (click on the next tab button to advance the slides below).
One of the main things Christ taught extensively on was the deceitfulness of riches. Today many have succumbed to the misguided teaching concerning prosperity, to the point where this doctrine has created a movement in itself, complete with doctrines which claim to be scriptural. As we shall see what is being taught by those in this group, bares little if any resemblance to what Christ and his disciples after him taught concerning worldly gain. Even as far back at the infancy of the New Testament church, many of the early believers, had lost sight of what constituted true wealth, and based their confidence, of their spirituality, on the glimmer of gold. To which Christ warned them, if they did not repent, he would cut them off (literally, give up on them, and allow them to go their own carnal way). 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see, Rev 3:17-18. Today there has been an explosion of teachings on the subject of prosperity. Even many believers seem to think that this (the teaching on prosperity) is the secret and hidden truth, Satan did not want them to know about. Many are being taught that prosperity (being rich) is a major part of God's salvation plan and covenant promises for all believers. It would seem with the sheer volume of teachings on the subject of prosperity, one would think that verse after verse in the Bible would make mention of, getting rich. In fact it may come as a surprised to some, to learn that the word prosperity is never used in the New Testament. As we know there is only one verse in the entire NT, which even comes close. "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth,," 3RD Jn 1:2. This verse is used so often, mainly because it is one of the few verses in the New Testament which speaks of prosperity in this manner.
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Most people don't study the Bible for themselves. Many who do study, do so with blinders on, they go to the Bible looking only for verses which line up with what they want to hear. I have notices that Groups such as the Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons, whom I have invited in my home and talked with use this have technique. Sad to say, many in protestant churches today, who teach the prosperity gospel are doing the same thing. Thus, if when they study the Bible with the mindset, God wants us all to be millionaires, this is what they will find, even if the teaching of Christ himself, contradicts their beliefs and doctrines. Many are pointing to the covenant promises, God made to the Hebrews in the Old Testament, claiming that it is applicable to the New Testament church. The Old Testament was very different to the New. In the OT the covenant was a "physical" covenant, while the New Testament is a "spiritual" covenant. They had physical riches; we have spiritual riches. In the words of Andrew Strom, he writes, " I do not believe you can argue that "God wants Christians wealthy" from the Old Testament. I would ask everyone who wants a real answer on this issue to simply get out a Concordance, such as "Strong's" or another resource. Then look up the words riches, poor, mammon, rich, etc. Look at all the occasions these words were used in the New Testament, and you will develop a very good picture of the correct NT view of this issue. Simply look up every NT Scripture relating to this issue and it will all become very clear. I believe that Jesus' view of this is pretty much the opposite of today's prosperity teachers. Look up the Scriptures and see for yourself! The Prosperity gospel basically teaches that not only does Jesus want to take away your sins and heal your body, but He also wants you to be prosperous and even "rich". -Not just 'SPIRITUALLY' rich, but actually blessed with all kinds of possessions, cars and houses, etc. Because, of course, any kind of poverty and suffering is a "curse", and we know that Jesus came to set us free from the 'curse'. Now of course there is some truth in this. If there wasn't, then this false teaching would never get off the ground. But the Bible makes it very clear that Jesus' followers can expect to SHARE IN HIS SUFFERINGS (Rom 8:17, Lk 14:27, etc). It is amazing to me that the Prosperity teachers can get away with the things that they say. Doesn't anybody read their Bible any more? What I would encourage anyone to do, who wants to research this subject, is to get a Concordance and look up EVERY VERSE in the New Testament that contains these words: (1) Rich or Riches, (2) Money, (3) Poor, (4) Mammon (5) Possessions, (6) Treasure, (7) Sell or Sold, etc. You will be absolutely amazed at how strong the NT Scriptures are on this subject. I did this exact search years ago, and was astonished at what I found. When you look up the word 'Rich' you find Scriptures such as this: "Woe unto you that are rich! For you have received your consolation" (Lk 6:24) and "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God" (Lk 18:24-25, NIV) and "People who want to GET RICH fall into temptation and a trap" (1 Tim 6:9) and "You rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you" (Ja 5:1). |
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