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Many believers have whole heartily embraced the doctrines put forth by what is commonly known as the "Word Of Faith" movement. They have been told that God has given them the authority to, command trials, sickness and poverty, to be removed. They have been told that they can speak a word over their families, and every aspects of family life (ones spouse and children) would manifest God blessings. They have taught, that if they are walking in the right level of faith, and holding fast to the covenant promises of God, that their trials, sickness and poverty, and negative relationship, cannot and will not linger in their lives. They were taught, that God will not allow Satan to bring trials, sickness, and poverty upon them, as long as he delights in them, because they stand on and confess his word. The argument is made, "why would a God who mighty to deliver, allow sickness, poverty, and other similar trials to be in the lives of those who trust and obey his word?" The words of Christ have been repeatedly quoted as proof of the legitimacy of this doctrine. 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. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matt 18:18-20. *22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 23 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. 24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. Mk 11:22-24. The "word of faith movement" as it has come to be commonly known, say they base their teaching on these sayings of Christ. This in turn has led to what is known as "A positive confession of faith" Below we cite some of the most common ways this profession of faith is verbally expressed. |
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Statements such as these, reflect the model which is set forth by the theology known as the "spoken word" (rhematology) or of thought-actualization. It has only been in the last few years that this theology has become acceptable. It is now very common to hear believers say things such as "don't claim that, or I bind this" 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 . According to those who teach the word of faith doctrine, God has given every believer the authority to bind up every trials in their lives. Not only this, but they tell us that we can by faith call down prosperity and healing upon ourselves. 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. Again 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). |
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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, positive marital and family relationships 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, bad relationships and poverty as well. 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. |
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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. There are the many believers who have for years embraced the prosperity gospel, without obtaining the promised results, money wise relationship wise or health wise. 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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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. 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". 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 NOT 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." The fact that Paul warned us about this and simular doctrines should cause us all to pause and think. 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. Paul evidently saw something, many other ministers did not see. Paul experienced loss, suffering , and trials first hand. He knew that the way this message was being taught, did not line up with the things he had experienced and wrote about. Paul in his wisdom knew that embracing the health, wealth and prosperity message the wrong way would only lead to hurt and disillusionment. "But 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 6:9. (COMPARE BELOW). |
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Today there are many hurting people, who have sincerely and faithfully applied this doctrine, but without the promised results. Many have applied these verses to their day to day life situations and gauged their conduct and conversation according to these verses, yet for many it has not worked out as they had hoped. Financial blessing did not manifest themselves, as expected. Certain loved ones (a spouse, a child, etc) did not come to Christ as believed for. Certain sicknesses did not leave, and in some cases death came instead of healing. There are many believers who have tried to do everything, they were told to do by faith. They have made every positive confession, given of their financial resources by faith, and cast out every negative thought they possible could. Yet their eyesight is still bad, their wallet still lean, and their family is still troubled. Over a period of time many who have applied the name it claim it principle have come to realize that it simply does not always work as prescribed. They find that many who teach this doctrine, also began to put on glasses because of failing eyesight. They find out that many of those who teach the WOF doctrine and their loved ones end up going to the hospital for medical treatment like most of the rest of us, etc. This is not said to mock anyone who goes through the struggles which are common to us all. But rather we state this fact because it is true. There are some glaring error in the way some who teach this doctrine do so, but it's often covered over for one simple reason. The reason being you can always blame the victim. Thus when the negative things which commonly befalls us all as humans occur in the lives of the believer, blame the victim. If people face adversity, debt, illness, etc., it is because they are unable to purge the mind of negative thoughts, or are unable to believe enough to receive their desires. This can create a great deal of emotional trauma on the part of the victim. These individuals have experienced loss, the loss of loved ones or disappointment and failure. They have experienced tragedy, and now their notion of God's faithfulness is shaken and sometimes even destroyed. CLICK THE NEXT TAB TO ADVANCE THE SLIDES BELOW |
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Even though we are looking at the health and wealth gospel, and how some have become disillusioned: There is no denying the fact that any of us who are trusting God can become discouraged when things don't work out. The closer we get to the end, the more we see, the word and those who believe it under attack. Those who tell the believers that they should not expect trials (including financial and physical), do the saints a disservice. Peter tells us to arm ourselves with a mind to suffer. There are some who say no pain or suffering is ever of God, (even though he may at times permit it). So how do we reconcile this apparent paradox, God can heal, yet there is sickness and suffering all around? Even Satan could not pass up an opportunity to quote scripture, when it allowed him to question Gods faithfulness. Thus as Christ suffered during his wilderness temptation, Satan pointed out, For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone. Psalms 91:11-12. If Satan sought to use this verse against Christ, concerning not dashing his foot against a stone, we can be sure he attacks our attempt to trust God in other areas, because there are many who are hurting in much more than just their feet! There is no denying the fact that many people are hurting, sickness, and famine is taking a terrible toll on many. Why would God permit sickness and suffering in our world? If Jesus has already suffered for us, and by his stripes we are healed, why does pain and suffering continue? Does He not care what is happening to people as they die hard deaths of sickness, starvation and suffering? In World War II, many people in Europe looked at this question when they saw the suffering, death, and total destruction of the war. They saw that war was vicious and cruel, and that they could not come up with an answer as to why it was being allowed to happen. The kinds of answers that kept rising to the surface was: God either does not care about what is happening on the earth; Or He is too weak of a God to do anything about it; Or possibly He does not exist at all! It is said that many in Europe lost their faith as a result, and began to turn their churches into restaurants, museums and night clubs. Many sincere believers have had to come to terms with the fact, that much of what the rest of society encounters, by way of life's trials, they also encounter. The apostle Paul made mention of this truth. He told the early believers, that they were facing many of the same trials as everyone else. But he also gave them a word of encouragement. He told them that God would sustain them through their trying times. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1st Cor 10:13. Even with this fact in mind, many still wonder, why would God allow those who trust him, encounter pain and suffering. |
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JOHN THE BAPTIST FACED DOUBT AND FEAR, IN SPITE OF BEING THE GREATEST PREACHER OF ALL TIME. One of the best examples of the impact trials and suffer can have on our faith is John the Baptist. As we know John boldly proclaimed Christ to be the messiah, and called for Israel to repent and turn to God. As a result multitudes came to hear him and repented. Because of his bold stand for righteousness John was thrown into prison for denouncing the sins of Herod Antipas. While in prison John the Baptist hears about the miracles of Christ, and sends his disciples to ask: " 2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Matt 11:2. It seems amazing that John would ask such a question. Remember, this John the Baptist is the same person who, upon seeing Jesus in the crowd by the River Jordan, pointed him out to his own disciples, declaring "Behold the Lamb of God!" In fact, as a result, at least two of John's disciples, Andrew and John, left John to follow Jesus instead. He is also the same John the Baptist who baptized Jesus, while boldly stating, that assuredly Jesus was the Messiah. And now he sends his disciples to ask if Jesus is "the One"? When John found himself in prison, it seems that he actually began to question the very message he himself had preached. His question may make us wonder: Was John, after all the time he had spent preaching Christ, still not sure that He was the Messiah? Or was he beginning to doubt, in the depressing and fearful darkness of a prison cell, what he had been sure of? When he sends his disciples to ask Jesus, "Are you the One?" he isn't really asking about the identity of Jesus. He already knows that Jesus is the Messiah; he has known that ever since he was in his mother's womb. What he means is: "Are you really the One? Because if you are, shouldn't you be helping me get out of this prison cell?? Christ sent a message of assurance to John that he was the true messiah. John evidently stood fast from that point on, (As we know John was killed by beheading shortly after this). Many of us as believers (like John before) have boldly proclaimed Christ to be the one. We also have found ourselves in situations (Such as sickness, family problems, financial problems, fiery trails, emotional trauma, etc), which have challenged testimony. irregardless we must still proclaim Christ to be the way in the midst of our trials and suffering.
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Many sincere individuals who have faithfully spoken a word of faith, honestly have expected from God, because of their willingness to trust Him. After all the scriptures does say, Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart, Psalm 37:4 . One infertile couple who (to no avail) had continually spoken a word of faith in regards to having a child, became very perplexed. After years of not being able to have a child, the wife wondered aloud how could this be, when so man who can have children, don't want them and in some cases abort them. They would from time to time reexamine their faith, thinking that perhaps this was the problem. Many believers are faced with a simular dilemma. If Jesus says whatever we ask in his name he'll do, why doesn't he? Where is God when the bills can't be paid? Where is God when we want to have children but we can't? Where is God when someone we love dearly is dying? Where is he???? While on earth Christ sought to prepare our minds to this reality. Yet it seems that many of us (myself included) Struggle at times, when the dream seems to fail. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 The greek word used for trouble is thlipsis it means tribulation, distress, affliction. Suffering and pain, Trouble in this world you will suffer you will have pain. People you love will get sick and they will die. You will have disappointments, things are not always going to go the way you want, You may get laid off from your job for no fault of your own. An unknown writer said it best, "Some people are starving, some have no clean drinking water. Earthquakes and tsunamis can take us out without warning. Horrible people can have baby after baby and not care for them, while people who want nothing more than a child to love on grow old without children In this world you WILL have trouble, pain, suffering, distress, agony, affliction, tribulation, grief..This is the stark reality of the broken world we live in. We live in a sin sick world and because of this everything is incomplete, disconnected, broken. Trouble Sometimes hurts so bad that we feel like God has abandoned us." At times we feel anger toward God, and be on the verge or refusing to pray and believe any longer. I know the feeling, I have been there before myself. How do we reconcile this with the idea that we have a loving caring God? How is it that we can believe that God is in control of all things, and yet live in this chaos? In this world there will be trouble. What kind of trouble?? shake your entire life trouble, bring you right down to your knees trouble, rip your guts of faith right out of you trouble. But in the midst of it all Christ tells us to take heart, "be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world." How do we rest in the sovereignty of God's control of all things yet live in the chaos? We cling to the cross. We live in the hope of the promise that was given to us that this world is not the be all and the end all. The brokenness and sadness we feel today is not the end of our story. It's probably not even the middle of our story, it is only the beginning. God is in the process of restoring ALL THINGS. That is what the resurrection proves. That is what we celebrate at Easter, the renewal the restoration of all things.
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A REALITY CHECK, LIFE HURTS---"How can a good God allow the righteous to suffer?" This question has puzzled saints and pleased skeptics over the centuries. This question is perhaps one of the most favorite arguments put forth by skeptics who seek undermine God and justify themselves. WHY WOULD A MERCIFUL AND LOVING GOD PERMIT THE RIGHTEOUS TO SUFFER?? Rather than addressing this matter, in response to the non believing skeptics, we do so in light of the struggle many believers, have with this matter. In Psalm 73 we find that even the Psalmist struggled with this matter. It perplexed him so much (why the righteous suffer and the wicked prosper) that he tells us, he almost backslide, 2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. 3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Psalm 73:2-3. According to Bob Deffinbaugh, "This psalm and the question with which it deals is extremely important to us, both for the purpose of apologetics (defending our faith) and in order to preserve our faith in the midst of life's trials. Many Christians today seem to think that faith in God comes with a guarantee of freedom from adversity. In fact, too many of our evangelistic appeals are tainted with the false promise (implied or stated) that coming to faith in Christ will deliver men from their trials in life. When young Christians come to the realization that this is not so, their faith is sometimes severely shaken. The suffering of the saints and the prosperity of the wicked is an issue which is frequently addressed in the Word of God. We find the Book of Job dealing explicitly with this matter. We come face-to-face with it again in Psalm 73. In each passage of Scripture the issue is considered from a slightly different perspective. The unique contribution of Psalm 73 is that it deals with suffering not so much on the level of defending God but rather as defining good. The question, "How can a good God allow the righteous to suffer?" reveals several fallacies in our thinking. The first is the assumption that suffering is always evil and therefore irreconcilable with God's goodness. The second is a failure to understand righteousness, so far as it relates to the saints. In answer to the problem of pain, this psalm forces us to take another look at our definition of good, lest we accuse God of being the author of evil by allowing us to suffer. In response to the matter of the righteous suffering, it is now being taught that it is not the will of God for his children to ever suffer, or endure trails. |
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It is being widely taught today that Jesus taught his early followers, that it was God's will that they have the best material goods this world has to offer. It is now being taught, in the New Testament church, when a believers are sick and suffering have a minimal amount of this worlds good, they are living beneath their privilege. One scripture which is highlighted as proof, is the one in Psalm which says, God will not withhold any good thing (presumably perfect health, the best car, a big house, lots of money, etc) from those who walk uprightly, "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. 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 perfect health, abundant wealth and prosperity say, God promised that if we delight ourselves in him, and obey his word Everything that we do would prosper. They point to the words found in the book of Psalm as proof. " 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. Here is lies the conflict, because there are others who point to other scriptures and examples of believers facing trials, to show that there is another side to this story. There is indeed another side. When Christ came on the earth proclaiming the arrival of the kingdom, thus fulfilling the promise of the new covenant, He sought to instill in his followers the fact that trials would still come. Even though they were under the new covenant and the kingdom dwelt in them there still would be a cost (by way of trials, sacrifice and suffering), to be a part of this kingdom. Therefore After the kingdom was set up in the hearts of men, on the day of Pentecost; great persecution against the saints rose up. Thus the apostle Paul's messages, to the saints "and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." Acts 14:22. In fact one of the main things Christ sought to instill in his disciples, was the fact that his new covenant, kingdom age church would face great trials. "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Jn 16:33. |
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We all have hopes and aspiration, this is apart of a well balanced and right minded lifestyle. Those of us who are true born again believers must not give up on a God who loves us so much, even when it seems as if the dream has failed. The Bible describes the times we are in, and clearly explains what's about to happen. According to the Scriptures, the financial landscape is going to under go a catastrophic change. So much so that money as we know it will become worthless. In its place will be a mark which will be linked to a number. This is commonly known as the mark of the beast. the mark of the beast is received on the right hand or forehead. With modern technology, it is very possible that this mark may be directly linked with a computer chip. But regardless if it is or isn't, everyone who is living immediately before the return of Christ will be forced to take this mark in order to buy or sell anything: "He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name. This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666" (Rev. 13:16-18). The believers are told that they must not accept this mark, under any circumstances. The scripture goes on to say: "A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: 'If ANYONE worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, he, too, will drink of the wine of God's fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name. This calls for patient endurance on the part of THE SAINTS who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus' " (Rev. 14:9-12). The people who make the eternal mistake of receiving the mark of the beast and worshiping the beast and/or his image will be deceived by accompanying miraculous signs and wonders: Those who refuse to receive the mark of the beast and worship his image are referred to in the following passage. These are the same ones who obey Gods commandments and remain faithful to Jesus: "I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years" (Rev. 20:4-6).
Please notice, the "first resurrection" will not occur until the mark of the beast is made available! "Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction" (2 Thess. 2:3).
Those who remain faithful to the Lord Jesus will refuse this mark of the beast, but will be beheaded as a result. This same fate for the God fearing, who endure to the end, is also mentioned in the following passage with another possibility for "the saints": "He was given power to make war against THE SAINTS and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast -- all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world. He who has an ear, let him hear. If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he will be killed. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of THE SAINTS" (Rev. 13:7-10). |
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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. Thus, when we study the Bible with the mindset, that 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). |
UNDERSTANDING HOW THIS DOCTRINE ORIGINATED
EXACTLY WHAT TYPE OF COVENANT IS THE BELIEVER UNDER??
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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