Prosperity Theology
1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. (2 Peter 2:1 - 3)
What we watch and what we listen to are often dictated by small excerpts and titles. Whatever attracts the eyes tends to get our attention. In the modern church, ideas of riches and great earthly glory is commonly found in assemblies, with the original teachings being discarded. They attract the masses, creating mega-churches with lavish studios, selling products and sermons. This entire system is based of the Prosperity Theology. But is all of this truly in accordance with what the Bible says?
Prosperity Theology can be summarized as a contractual situation: if you have faith in Yahweh, you will receive financial blessings or a better life here on earth. Some call it “Wealth and Health” while others call it “Word of Faith” - to the believers, GOD reward their faithfulness with physical gifts. The covenant that was made between the Lord and those who follow Him is a means of financial gains, while the act of the cross destroyed sin, including that of poverty. Through giving tithe or other offerings to the preacher or the church, parishioners can receive much more than what they asked for - which can be compared to investing in the Stock market - and receive even more than that through the tool of prayer.
Teachings in this branch of learning tend to be based on misrepresentations or often too literal interpretations of biblical scripture such as passages Malachi 3:10, John 10:10 and the Parable of the talents, found in the book of Matthew, chapter 25 from verse 14 to 30. While their interpretations are wrong, the promises that Yahweh has for His people are right as He said that He would in Philipians 4:19.
The Prosperity Theology is a false doctrine.
The first teachings that were espoused by Yeshua and John the Baptist were of repentance (Marc 1:4, 15) . True doctrine bases itself on the idea of reconnecting ourselves to Yahweh, as we were separated by iniquities (Isaiah 59:2) and we need Yeshua to receive forgiveness as He is the way to the Father (John 14:6). That iniquity that started it all was the sin of Adam in the book of Genesis, and death spread itself to everyone (Romans 5:12 - 21). In fact, Yeshua is blatant when speaking on the concept of the rich, saying “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." (Matthew 19:24). We, as His children, were never meant to search for the peace or prosperity of this world (Ezra 9:12; Deuteronomy 23:6)
While it is not wrong to argue that Yahweh communicated and used rich people such as Job, a young Solomon and Abraham to convey His message and love, the error comes when understanding the source of these riches. All of them had a deep connection with Yahweh that superseded the money and influence, as a true connection with the Holy One was their only goal. Prosperity theology does not prescribe a relationship with the Holy one as it was once done, but only for Him to be a conduit for one's selfish needs. Those that practice this belief have fallen to false teachers and commit idolatry by worshipping money and their carnal desires (Matthew 6:24).
Prosperity isn’t just about money or the fact that you are healthy; it goes well beyond that. When put in its original context of a semitic, nomadic and agricultural society, the term prosperity - which is roughly translated to tsalach - extends not past the individual and provides for all. It’s the ability to give to others the extra; to be able to borrow and not lend (Deuteronomy 15:6). That true prosperity comes from teachings and a continuous thirst for the Kingdom of Heaven and its principles (Mathew 6:33) ; the only way to do that is through the Messiah (Jean 14:6) , not any commercial, special tithe or televangelist.