True Church vs. Counterfeit Churches (Series)
Series Recap: We are testing different religious movements against Scripture. The Goal: To recognize when “Christian” language is used to teach a different gospel.
Of all the “counterfeits” we have studied, the Prosperity Gospel (also known as the “Word of Faith” movement or “Health and Wealth” theology) is perhaps the most subtle. It doesn’t usually deny the Trinity. It doesn’t rewrite the Bible (it just cherry-picks it). It doesn’t have a specific headquarters.
Yet, it is one of the fastest-growing religious movements in the world.
The Prosperity Gospel teaches that it is God’s will for every believer to be physically healthy and financially wealthy right now, and that we obtain these blessings through positive confessions (“naming it”) and financial giving (“sowing a seed”).
While this sounds appealing, it fundamentally changes the relationship between God and man.
1. Test of Faith: A Trust or a Tool?
The Prosperity View
In this system, “faith” is viewed as a spiritual force or a law of the universe (like gravity). If you speak the right words and have enough faith, God must respond. Faith becomes a tool you use to get what you want from God.
- Common phrase: “Activate your faith.”
The Biblical View
Biblical faith is trust in God’s character, regardless of the circumstances. It is not a force that manipulates God; it is a posture of surrender to God.
- Daniel 3:17–18 (NIV): Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego said, “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us… But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods.”
The Difference: Prosperity faith says, “I believe God will do exactly what I claim.” Biblical faith says, “I believe God is good, even if He doesn’t do what I ask.”
2. Test of Sovereignty: Who is the Master?
The Prosperity View
This theology often presents God as a reactive being who is limited by our permission. He cannot move until we “release” Him through our words. This turns God into a cosmic butler—He exists to fulfill our orders.
The Biblical View
God is the King. He is not waiting for our permission; we are waiting for His command. We pray “Your will be done,” not “My will be done.”
- 1 John 5:14 (NIV): “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”
- Job 42:2 (NIV): “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”
Diagnostic Question: In your church, does it sound like God works for us, or do we work for God?
3. Test of Suffering: A Sin or a Stewardship?
The Prosperity View
If you are sick, poor, or suffering, the Prosperity Gospel says something is wrong with you. You either have secret sin, you haven’t given enough money, or you lack faith. This heaps guilt on top of suffering.
The Biblical View
Suffering is a reality of living in a fallen world, but God uses it for our sanctification and His glory. The most faithful people in the Bible often suffered the most.
- Romans 5:3–4 (NIV): “…we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
- The Apostle Paul: He had a “thorn in the flesh” that God refused to remove (2 Corinthians 12), and he often went without food or money (Philippians 4:12). Was Paul lacking in faith? Of course not.
The Reality Check: If the Prosperity Gospel were true, the Apostle Paul lived a defeated life. Since Paul lived a victorious life, the Prosperity Gospel must be false.
4. Test of Jesus: Savior or Financial Advisor?
The Prosperity View
This movement often twists 2 Corinthians 8:9 (“…though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich”) to mean material wealth. They argue Jesus died to pay your mortgage and get you a promotion.
The Biblical View
Jesus died to save us from the wrath of God and the slavery of sin. The “riches” Paul speaks of are spiritual: forgiveness, adoption, and eternal life.
- Mark 8:36 (NIV): “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
Jesus warned against storing up treasures on earth. He didn’t die to guarantee them.
5. Common Objections
Objection: “But doesn’t God want to bless His children?” Response: Yes! But as a good Father, He knows that giving a child everything they want often destroys them. God’s greatest blessing is Himself, not money. Sometimes God withholds wealth because He loves you too much to let you idolize it.
Objection: “You’re just glorifying poverty.” Response: No. The Bible does not say poverty is good; it says the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Biblical Christianity teaches stewardship—working hard, giving generously, and holding possessions loosely—not the “name it and claim it” theology.
What to Watch For (The Red Flags)
How do you know if a ministry is sliding into this error?
- The “Seed” Theology: Are you told that giving money to the ministry will guarantee a financial return for you? (e.g., “Sow $1000 to unlock your miracle.”) This is selling the gospel, which Peter condemned (Acts 8:20).
- Positive Confession Only: Is it forbidden to say “I’m sick” or “I’m struggling”? Are you told that negative words create negative reality?
- The Lifestyle of the Leader: Does the pastor live in extreme luxury while the congregation struggles?
- No Theology of Suffering: Is suffering always treated as a lack of faith, rather than a place to meet God?
Conclusion
The tragedy of the Prosperity Gospel is that it offers people the world, but hides the true prize. It teaches people to use God to get money, rather than using money to serve God.
The true Gospel is better than health and wealth. The true Gospel says that even if you lose your job, even if you get cancer, and even if you have nothing in the bank, you have Christ, and therefore you are rich.
- Psalm 73:25–26 (NIV): “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
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