Intro: Reclaiming Biblical Prosperity
The prosperity gospel theology is godly. Yet, the phrase “prosperity gospel” has become a heretical term to many Christians. And that’s a shame—because the Gospel is all about prosperity. A simple concordance search reveals that the word prosper appears over 60 times in the King James Version (KJV). These references span all aspects of well-being: health, wealth, ministry success, relationships, mental and spiritual health, eternal life, and deep fellowship with Christ. Broaden the search to include synonyms of prosperity like bless, increase, and abundance, and the usage exceeds 1,000 instances.
The Patriarchs and Prosperity
Many of the biblical patriarchs lived in clear abundance because they followed God. Abraham was exceedingly wealthy in livestock, silver, and gold (Genesis 13:2 – BibleHub). Isaac sowed and reaped a hundredfold because the Lord blessed him (Genesis 26:12 – BibleHub). Jacob became prosperous, with large flocks and servants (Genesis 30:43 – BibleHub). Joseph rose to power in Egypt, prospered in everything he did, and saved his family and nation (Genesis 39:2-3 – BibleHub).
And while Jesus’ disciples were commanded not to carry wealth with them from place to place (Luke 9:3 – BibleHub), they prospered through divine provision and the generosity of others (Luke 22:35 – BibleHub). It is impossible to oversee seven churches, as some apostles did, without financial and logistical means. Beyond that, they had an earthly relationship with Jesus that prepared them to walk with supernatural provision—a wealth far deeper than money and more lasting than temporal riches.
Treasure and Proper Perspective
Jesus warns that we must not let our treasures take the place of God in our hearts:
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21 – BibleHub)
We are also reminded:
“What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36 – BibleHub)
As long as health, wealth, relationships, and career success are not idolized, they can be enjoyed as part of God’s blessing.
Following Christ Leads to Prosperity
It is troubling that prosperity gospel theology is often used to define a heretical view of how God blesses us. The true biblical path to abundance is simple: Follow Christ and obey His Word.
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth… for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” (Joshua 1:8 – BibleHub)
“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” (3 John 1:2 – BibleHub)
But one must believe in God’s promises:
“According to your faith be it unto you.” (Matthew 9:29 – BibleHub)
And seek Him earnestly:
“Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” (Psalm 37:4 – BibleHub)
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life… more abundantly.” (John 10:10 – BibleHub)
We must also remember that biblical prosperity doesn’t mean we will never suffer. The Apostle Paul, though deeply favored by God, experienced shipwrecks, beatings, hunger, and imprisonment for the sake of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23–28 – BibleHub). Yet even in these, he counted it all gain for Christ (Philippians 3:7-8 – BibleHub).
Exposing the Real Heresy
Yes, some prosperity gospel preachers distort the truth. They imply that God will bless sin, that you can live any way you want and still be favored, or that salvation is found through giving money to their ministries. That is a lie—and it is heresy. These teachings should not be labeled prosperity gospel theology but rather a depravity gospel.
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil.” (Isaiah 5:20 – BibleHub)
By mislabeling the heresy, we have vilified what is good. The true Gospel offers abundant life, not because of sin, but because of surrender. Let us not cringe when we speak of God’s prosperity, but instead reserve our disdain for those who abuse His truth.
20 Prosperity Gospel Verses
Old Testament
- Genesis 13:2 – “Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.”
- Genesis 26:12 – “Then Isaac sowed… and received in the same year an hundredfold.”
- Deuteronomy 8:18 – “It is he that giveth thee power to get wealth.”
- Joshua 1:8 – “Then thou shalt make thy way prosperous.”
- Psalm 1:3 – “Whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
- Psalm 23:1 – “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
- Psalm 35:27 – “Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.”
- Proverbs 3:9-10 – “So shall thy barns be filled with plenty.”
- Proverbs 10:22 – “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich.”
- Malachi 3:10 – “I will… pour you out a blessing.”
New Testament
- Matthew 6:33 – “Seek ye first the kingdom… all these things shall be added.”
- Matthew 7:11 – “How much more shall your Father… give good things.”
- Matthew 19:29 – “Shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.”
- Mark 10:30 – “Shall receive… houses, and brethren… with persecutions.”
- Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it shall be given unto you.”
- Luke 22:35 – “Lacked ye anything? And they said, Nothing.”
- John 10:10 – “I am come that they might have life… more abundantly.”
- Romans 8:32 – “Shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”
- 2 Corinthians 9:8 – “God is able to make all grace abound toward you.”
- 3 John 1:2 – “That thou mayest prosper and be in health.”
Let the truth be known: prosperity gospel theology is biblical, but prosperity gospel heresy is not. Study these prosperity gospel verses, trust God’s promises, and walk in His abundance.
For more biblical insights, visit our Sermon on the Mount article.
Amen.