THE WORD on The Word of Faith (a GroupBlog)

The Word-Faith Movement: Wolves In Sheep’s Clothing By: Victor T. Stephens Copyright © 2006 – 2008, All Right Reserved 

Error, indeed, is never set forth in its naked deformity, lest, being thus exposed, it should at once be detected. But it is craftily decked out in an attractive dress, so as, by its outward form, to make it appear to the inexperienced…more true than the truth itself. — Irenaeus of Lyons

 Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that others may take warning. (1 Timothy 5:20)

Click here for pdf printable version. (Continued from page 6.)

EXPOSING THE ERRORS: A DOCTRINAL ANALYSIS OF WORD-FAITH THEOLOGY

Regarding 2 Corinthians 8:9, wealth advocates quote this verse to teach that Jesus was rich during His earthly ministry, but became poor so that Christians may inherit an abundance of wealth. Without question, every Word-faith teacher vigorously supports the notion that Jesus was financially rich. And they do so for the purpose of defending their extravagant lifestyles. Word-Faith teacher, Jesse Duplantis claims:

“Jesus rode what I like to call a Continental Donkey. One of them Cadillac Donkeys that had never been rode. You might want a car that has never been drove. You ever think about that?” (Jesse Duplantis, Share-A-Thon, September 15, 2004)

Echoing Duplantis, Fred Price states:

“The whole point is I’m trying to get you to see — to get you out this malaise of thinking that Jesus and the disciples were poor and then relating that to you — thinking that you — as a child of God, have to follow Jesus. The Bible says that He has left us an example that we should follow His steps. That’s the reason why I drive a Rolls Royce. I’m following Jesus’ steps. (Fred Price, “Ever Increasing Faith”, TBN, December 19, 1990)

John Avanzini boasts:

“Jesus had a nice house, a big house, big enough to have company stay the night with Him at the house.” (John Avanzini, TBN, January 20, 1991)

Was Jesus actually rich as claimed by the Word-Faith camp? Yes, Jesus was rich, but not in the context erroneously stated by Word-Faith leaders. On account that Jesus is God, He is rich beyond our comprehension. He owns everything and possesses infinite power. Relatively speaking, Jesus became poor when He left His throne and took the form of a suffering servant in the likeness of sinful mankind (Zech. 9:9, Phil. 2:7-8). Furthermore, not only was Jesus poor from a relative standpoint, He was also poor during His time on earth. Let’s investigate the clear evidence.

1) Mary offered a sacrifice of two turtle doves. This type of sacrifice is indicative of someone who is poor. (Luke 2:22-24, Lev. 5:7; 12:2-8)

“When the days of purification were over, the woman then either had to bring a lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or dove for a sin offering to the priests or, if she were poor, two doves or two young pigeons.” (Baker Commentary On The Bible, By: Walter A. Elwell, Page 75)

2) Matt.17:27 — “Nevertheless, lest we offend them, go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.” If Jesus was rich, why did He have to cause a coin to appear in a fishes’ mouth in order to pay the temple tax for Himself and Peter? If Jesus was wealthy, why didn’t He pay the tax from all the money He possessed?

3) Luke 8:3 — “Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities — Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Johanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.”

If Jesus was rich, why did He have to receive support from His followers? And take note that Jesus received no tithes.

4) Jesus states to a certain scribe in Matthew 8:20 that: “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” There are no scriptures in the Bible that states Jesus had a “big house.”

5) Archeological excavations of Nazareth from the 1950′s attest a village tenanting in Jesus’ day by poor people. (Jack Finegan, “The Archaeology of The New Testament”, 1972, Pages 27-33)

In light of scripture coupled with archeological research, there is clearly no evidence that Jesus came from a wealthy family or obtained wealth during His earthly ministry. And what do the Word-Faith teachers have to say about this evidence? If they don’t respond with unsound threats, they will argue that Jesus became poor so that Christians may become rich (referring to the latter part of verse nine). The word “rich”, however, is in reference to spiritual riches, not material wealth. As a result of Christ becoming poor, those who believe in Him are enabled to be spiritually rich through His sacrifice and redeeming work on the cross. Let’s examine the following scriptures for confirmation:

1) “I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation or our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 1:4-8) — This passage gives evidence that those who accept Christ are enriched (to be made rich) with spiritual gifts. (1 Cor. 12:1-11)

2) “As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” (2 Cor. 6:9-10) — This passage clearly illustrates that the apostle Paul was not materially wealthy, but yet he was spiritually rich. This passage also shows that Paul imparted his spiritual riches into the lives of his followers so that they may be rich (spiritually).

3) “And that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory….” (Rom. 9:23) — “Riches” here is speaking of God’s grace and mercy; which are spiritual riches.

4) “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ…In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace….” (Eph. 1:3,7) — Here we have two verses that demonstrates spiritual riches (spiritual blessings and grace) attained as believers in Christ.

5) “To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man….” (Eph. 3:8,16) — “Riches” is in reference to all of God’s spiritual blessings and power.

6) “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Col. 1:27) — This verse reveals spiritual riches as the indwelling of Christ.

These six points offer iron-clad proof that Jesus became poor so that believers in Him will be made spiritually rich. There is no evidence in the Bible expressing that Christ died on the cross so Christians would possess large bank accounts, expensive homes, cars, jets, and other possessions.
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Observing Ephesians 3:20, many wealth proponents employ this verse in conjunction with John 14:13-14 to demonstrate that God will fulfill all our aspirations, pending of course, if we have sufficient faith combined with a life free of unrepentant sin. No one disputes the fact that God has infinite power to do whatever He wishes, but this verse does not parallel the Word-Faith teachers’ prosperity gospel.

Reading Ephesians 3 beginning at verse 14, it will be discovered that this verse is part of Paul’s prayer to the Ephesian church — a prayer which reflects a connotation of God’s spiritual mission. Through the work of God in Christ, the Lord is moving in the direction of administering the riches of His glory to all believers. With the power of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit working in us, this will lead to the fulfillment of God’s designed plan for the Christians’ growth and edification of the church collectively. While it is true that God has the power to give us “exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask,” the mature Believer’s requests should always be according to His will; being mindful of His sovereignty.
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Looking at Philippians 4:19, this verse is another example of scripture that Word-Faith leaders use to fortify their prosperity doctrine. To the same degree they misconstrued previous passages of scripture discussed earlier, they use this verse as a proposal that God will provide the entire range of our likings from the abundance of His riches in heaven — contingent upon an exercise of ample faith along with repentance of sins.

One does not require much biblical knowledge to understand that Philippians 4:19 does not suggest that God will supply us with every desire of our hearts. This verse indicates that God, from His infinite resources, will supply us with all our needs; not all our desires. It should be evident that there is a major distinction between a “desire” and a “need.”

Unfortunately, where idolatry and mesmerism is in the midst, common sense becomes vacant. With this type of unhealthy admiration precipitated from willfully blind sheep, Word-Faith teachers have been enabled to build their personal kingdoms, purchase expensive homes, cars, lear jets, and other possessions that befits the uncontrolled lusts of their wildest fantasies. Then they cloak their deceit and craftiness behind such scriptures as Philippians 4:19 as well as other passages throughout the Bible.

Near the conclusion of this section, we will discover from God’s Word the true and complete definition of worldly and spiritual wealth, and what it states in reference to those who teach that godliness is a means to worldly riches. In the meantime, let’s examine one more passage of scripture that Word-Faith proponents avail themselves of in order to champion their prosperity doctrine.
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Citing 3 John 2, Word-Faith teachers argue that this verse presents concrete proof of God’s desire for Christians to be financially prosperous. Rebutting their “proof” — firstly, the word “I” is referring to John, not God.

Secondly, the word “prosper” in this verse is not referring to material wealth. If we examine “prosper” in the Greek (euodoo), it will be discovered that it is a progressive word composed of two root words — “eu” meaning “good” or “well done” and “hodos” meaning “road” or “progress in a long journey, to help on the long road, to succeed in reaching, an act in traveling a great distance.”

Thus what we have here is John, writing a letter to his good friend (Gaius), giving a customary greeting and wishing him well in life, body and soul. John’s greeting is very similar to the valedictions of the character, Spock, on the great classic sci-fi series, “Star Trek”, when during his departures he would state to his closest friends, “Live long and prosper.” The word “prosper” in this context does not co-ordinate with the narrower definition imposed by Word-Faith teachers.

“The Greek word for “prosper” in this verse does not refer to financial prosperity but simply means ‘to go well with someone.’ In fact, the NIV translation correctly reflects this idea in its rendering of the verse: ‘Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.’ In biblical times the wish for ‘things to go well,’ along with the wish for ‘good health,’ was a standard form of greeting. Financial prosperity is completely foreign to both this ancient greeting and 3 John 2. (Geisler, N.L., & Rhoades, “When Cultists Ask: A Popular Handbook On Cultic Misinterpretations.”)
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Another stratagem practiced by Word-Faith teachers involves sharing accounts of Christians who suddenly experienced miraculous debt reduction by adhering to their step-by-step methods pertaining to biblical prosperity. For example, it is common for many Word-Faith teachers to give testimony about someone who owed money to a certain finance company, and then received a letter stating that he/she had a zero dollar balance. Stories such as this are rooted in psychological manipulation; deceiving congregations into believing that the Word-Faith teachers’ prosperity doctrine is a means to debt free living.

This author will not speculate on the veracity of their testimony. However, if such an incident occurred, it should be realized that this was simply an error on part of the finance company — an error that could conceivably result in the termination of the person (possibly a fellow believer) responsible for such a miscalculation. Failing to offer corrections for the intent of financial gain are self-serving and contemptible acts. This does not please God; and such stories should render a glimmering tip-off of the corrupt nature of prosperity teachers. A true man or woman of God should manage such an incident with integrity — informing the finance clerk of the mistake, and possibly saving the person’s job. Now…that pleases God!
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Let’s now examine the first Book of Timothy and find out what it has to say about the Word-Faith teachers’ prosperity gospel, as well as the true definition of riches.

*If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Tim. 6:3-10 NKJV)

Here we have it. This is a clear and concise refutation to the prosperity doctrine. Let’s take note of the following crucial points regarding those who teach that godliness is a means to financial gain; as well the true definition of biblical prosperity:

1) They are conceited. (Have you noticed their arrogance? They call it confidence.)

2) They know nothing. (The blind leading the blind) [Matt. 15:14, Mark 7:7-9, 2 Cor. 11:13-15, 2 Peter 2:1-3]

3) They are men of corrupt minds who lack truth. (They distort the truth and dislike correction) [2 Tim. 4:3-4]

4) They are greedy and believe that godliness is a source of financial gain. [2 Cor. 2:17]

5) We should not have fellowship with them.

6) True riches are godliness (spiritual riches in Christ) coupled with contentment. [Heb. 13:5]

7) The Bible states that we should be content with food and clothing (basic living essentials). Contentment according to Word-Faith teachers consist of large bank accounts, expensive homes, luxury cars, aircraft, jewelry, etc.

The strong temptation of greed will cause them to fall into a snare (trap). [In a manner similar to drug addiction, Word-Faith teachers will defend and hold on to their false doctrine despite the clear evidence that refutes their position.]

In summation of 1 Tim. 6:3-10: From God’s perspective, true gain (prosperity) is attained when one lives a godly life and becomes content with their material possessions. Granted there are a number of Christians who have been blessed with much money and other material resources; however, this is not the state or criteria one must reach to be recognized as prosperous by biblical terms.

God’s Word alludes to believers who were materially poor, as well as those who were materially rich. Thus, we cannot offer poverty nor wealth as an absolute prescriptive pertaining to godliness. To do otherwise would lead to an out of context and unbalanced view of the Bible. The apostle Paul exemplified a more balanced viewpoint (Phil. 4:11-13).

In their greed, Word-Faith teachers have used the Bible to focus on men who were wealthy while concurrently ignoring scriptures that clearly illustrate that some believers were poor. Then they “cherry pick” other portions of scripture and mold them in a manner that suits their self-indulgent agenda — and that is to fleece the flock.

From the overwhelming evidence presented in this publication, it should be unmistakable that today’s prosperity gospel is a doctrine that Christ would strongly reject. While it is true that some believers have been conditioned to accept poverty, this does not support the justification to develop a doctrine that is not biblically sound.

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