Is the Porsperity Message Real?

[Ian J.T. Garland]

What do you think of the 'Prosperity message'? Is it scriptural? Is it a false teaching that has harmed millions of Christians?

[Victor]

Yes, it is scriptural. There's an abundance of Old Testament scriptures that back up prosperity both in physical health and in finances as pertains to Israel. God intended Israel to loan and never borrow (Deut. 28:12), have an over abundance of produce, cities, houses, and much land.

I personally like John's New Testament scripture: III John 1:2 "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."

I think the confusion comes in its application to modern day times. It is NOT true that every saint was intended to be rich and in health in the church. This is not biblical nor evident in the church whatsoever. God calls every cross bearer to the calling that pleases Him. Some are called to be poor, others to be rich, some to sickness, others to healings, some to death, others to life. This is evident within the visible church fold today where all situations good and bad abound. I like Paul's view. He says to abide in your calling; even if you are servant of another man don't worry about it. Servants or maids aren't as common among us anymore, but I think the concept extends to positions, church roles, job roles, and subservience in general.
I Cor. 7:20-21 "Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather."

Hope this helps. Bless, Victor

[Ian J.T. Garland]

I agree with Victor....I think this message is wrong when it become a doctrine in and of itself. When people get so caught up in the message of prosperity (new cars, new homes, debt free life) that they do not preach about holiness, gods grace, mercy, and wrath, then the message becomes inappropriate/unedifying. But to single out any one aspect of the word is wrong, it just happens to be that prosperity is the one most prevalent today.

-theblacknredartist

[DDesilus]

Ditto Ian! Prosperity is scriptural! It's God's plan that we prosper in all things (spiritual and physical). However, the problem came when the message of prosperity become of more importance than that of the salvation message (right salvation of course). The message itself is even one sided, very rarely is spiritual prosperity preached because it has taken a back seat to physical prosperity. I believe the problem started to manifest itself when minister were more worried about the numbers filling their seats and entertaining itching ears rather than preaching to the condition of man and preaching soul saving messages. God has not hidden anything from man so prosperity message is of God and scriptural but above all else I must be saved.