THE BIBLE AND THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL
We in the USA have a higher standard of living than almost anyone anytime, yet suicide and emotional problems are at a record high. We hear about the tragic lives of those who won instant riches in the lottery. We read books like the Great Gatsby which show the emptiness of a life of wealth. Yet it’s hard to be satisfied with what we have and not want more. This isn’t only true of unbelievers, but we as Christians are often just as guilty. No where is that clearer than with the emphasis today on the so-called “prosperity gospel.”
We know that our sovereign God cares about us and promises to answer prayers offered in faith, yet it is hard to understand how a loving, compassionate God can let His children suffer in hardship and want when it is easy for Him to provide for their every desire. Jesus died to give us a wonderful eternity with God in heaven. So why couldn’t He also shower us with wealth, health and happiness in this life? After all, it’s much easier to ask unbelievers to follow a God who gives them riches than One who offers temptations, struggles and hardships? Even in Job’s day it was assumed that God’s blessing was seen in health and financial prosperity. That was true in Amos’ day as well (Amos 4:1-3; 6:1-7). Lack of these was seen as a sure sign of God’s disapproval.
There are popular authors and teachers today who promise financial wealth, physical healing and prosperity in all areas of life. Millions of Christians believe in these teachings and follow them. How could they all be wrong, especially when they can seem so convincing. If we just had enough faith…..
It would be great if God promised us blessings and health if we just claimed it, but He doesn’t. Those are dangerous, destructive lies of Satan that cause much damage to the faith of many. They put false guilt on people who are told their problems come from lack of faith. How can I be so sure the prosperity Gospel is false and dangerous? Because God’s Word says so. Let’s see what does the Bible has to say.
The truth is that wealth draws us from God, it doesn’t bring us closer to Him. Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, 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.” (Matthew 19:23-24)
Jesus Himself warned: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21). Money and wealth can easily become a false god, an idol we look to in times of need.
Jesus said wealth is “deceptive” and turns us from God’s Word (Matthew 13:22). This is obvious in the story of the rich young ruler who couldn’t put Jesus before his possessions and turned from Jesus (Matthew 19:21-22). The same is true in the story of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16).
Jesus also said, “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets” (Luke 6:24-26). The disciples who gave up everything to follow Christ were the ones who were blessed, even though they were poor and went hungry (Luke 6:20-21).
The prosperity gospel promises God wants us to have lives of ease and comfort. God promised the opposite In a letter to Timothy, Paul wrote “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). These words came from a man who had suffered persecution multiple times (2 Timothy 3:10-11). His son in the faith should not expect anything different. Jesus said those who follow Him will be treated as He was treated (John 15:18-19). No, Jesus does not promise prosperity, but He does promise something better: peace and comfort no matter what we are going through (John 16:33).
Pursuing godliness and being content with necessities in life, like food and clothing, is what the Lord encourages (1 Timothy 6:6-8). Nowhere in the Bible are we told that God desires believers to be wealthy or that they should pursue riches. Instead, the Bible warns us, “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:9-10).
Christians do not follow the Lord to get something in return. We should not give or do good to others with the intention of receiving wealth and good health from the Lord in return. Instead, we faithfully serve our Savior regardless of the risks, losses, or struggles. We take heart knowing that He has overcome and has promised us His peace.
We do not follow Jesus to benefit ourselves but to serve Him, no matter the cost to us.
Hebrews 13:5: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
Why doesn’t God promise you unlimited wealth and perfect health? What would you be like if you had everything you wanted your whole life?
Thank Him for His wisdom and commitment to help you grow to become more like Jesus.
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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