Prosperity Gospel vs. the Gospel of Christ

This article addresses issues brought up in the teachings of the Prosperity Gospel, also known as the Prosperity Movement or the NAR, New Apostolic Movement and the New Apostolic Heresy. It also applies to any other message that follows the same format.

Table of Contents

• Teachings of the Prosperity Gospel
• God Wants You to be Rich
• The Teachings of Wealth and Prosperity from God
• God wants His People to be Wealthy
• Promises of Riches to Those who Give
• How are Believers Called to Give
• Attitude of the Wealthy Believer
• Message of Gaining Wealth vs. Warning of Desiring Wealth
• What is Gods Purpose for Wealth
• God Wants You to Live the Abundant and Good Life
• All Believers Will Face Difficult Times
• Suffering and Trials Lead to Maturity
• Name it and Claim it and Words of Power
• Teaching that God Gives you Whatever you Ask For
• How Does God Teaches Us to Pray
• All the Promises of God are Yes and Amen (2 Corin 1.20)
• Sometimes, God’s Answer is No
• You have Authority
• All Authority and Power Belongs to God
• Do Your Words have Power
• Prosperity Movement: God Will Always Heal You
• Prosperity Movement: We are gods
• Gospel of Christ
• Suffering According to Gods Will
• Biblical Christianity Teaches Against Heresy
• References

Teachings of the Prosperity Gospel

The prosperity Gospel is a set of teachings in churches or among Christians that focus on the aspects and verses in the Bible that talk about God gifts, power and provisions to His children. These verses are used in many cases to create a belief that God will give you the desires of your heart, no matter how carnal they may be, putting a focus on sensual gratification. Therefore these teachings become very dangerous, as they lead people away from the true message and meaning of the Gospel of Christ, into a materialistic or carnal mindset (Phil 3.19).

Every teaching in the Bible is good, however if the methodology of a person teaching is to detract from other teachings or verse in the Bible, then it becomes a form of deception. All teachings in the Bible are important, and each subject should be taught taking in consideration everything God tells us about a specific subject.

How are Believers Called to Give

In the strictest sense, tithing was an Old Testament law given by Moses. The tithe was meant to be used for maintenance of the temple and to be given to the priests. The term tithe literally means 10% (Gen 14.20), and this is what was commanded of the Israelite people to give of their income.

Believer in Jesus Christ are no longer under law but under grace. Believers are called to give to support the ministry out of their abundance and to give graciously with joy. There is no set amount or specific ministry or organization God commands us to collectively give to. As believers, God will guide us to whom He wants us to support with what He has given to us. For all that we own is Gods already (Ps 50.12)!

He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver — 2 Corinthians 9.6–7

Christians are called to give generously. This does not necessarily mean to give to churches or ministries either, God may call you to give to those who are in need directly, as we see in Matt 19.21 and 1 John 3.17.

Attitude of the Wealthy Believer

What is the attitude of the wealthy believer, and how should they behave. The Bible teaches us that the believers that are gifted with wealth should be humble and very careful not to trust in their riches and have the attitude of simple stewards of Gods positions.

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation — since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business — James 1.9–11