Thank you for the question on followers of the Prosperity Gospel, “Are the followers of prosperity gospel deceived by the desire to have money?”
Here are some thoughts for one’s consideration:
- Not all attendees or followers are fully aware that s/he is following the “Prosperity Gospel.” S/he may be ignorant of Biblical truth.
- Be careful of not overgeneralizing who is a “Prosperity Gospel” speaker. In other words, be careful of labeling someone as a “Prosperity Gospel” speaker or minister.
- Be careful of distinguishing between the “Prosperity Gospel” and wanting security through money. Nearly every person desires to have some degree of wealth or health for travel or retirement, but that is not the same as the Prosperity Gospel. If the sole emphasis is health and wealth of/for the person, then that teaching is the Prosperity Gospel. The lack of the centrality of the atoning work of Jesus or the need of salvation from sin in one’s preaching/teaching is a distortion of the Gospel of salvation.
- Be careful of incorrect interpretation of the Scriptures of the blessings for the nation of Israel as being applicable to Christians. God promised to bless the Jewish people, if they would obey the Law. God established a theocratic covenant with Israel, but not with the Church. In this world we will have troubles or trials. To be fair, there are Christians who believe that they are to bring in the Kingdom of God, not that the Kingdom of God will come at the return of Jesus Christ.
The “Prosperity Gospel” neglects the need of salvation and emphasizes health and wealth. It is very appealing for who doesn’t want health and wealth.
Luke 12 of the Parable of the Rich Fool who had health and wealth, thinking that he had enough to last him a lifetime, but didn’t think that he ran out of time!
SUMMARY: Believers are not to be gullible in believing everything that one hears. Believers are called to examine, compare Scriptures to ascertain what is spoken is true or false.