True Biblical Faith vs the Word of Faith Movement
In today's ever-changing spiritual landscape, it's vitally important to be able to discern between true biblical teachings and misleading doctrines of devils. One movement that deserves careful examination is the "Word of Faith" movement. Although it has gained significant popularity, it raises important theological questions when compared to the truth of the Word of God.
What Is the Word of Faith Movement?
The Word of Faith movement promotes several heretical teachings that are not taught in the word of God, such as the following:
- That mankind was created as "little gods" in God's literal, physical image
- That mankind originally possessed a "faith force" that would allow them to call things into existence
- That this ability was lost after the Fall when mankind took on Satan's nature
- That Jesus gave up His divinity, died spiritually, took on Satan's nature, went to hell, was born again, and rose with God's nature
- That believers can now become "little gods" through the Holy Spirit's work
These blasphemous teachings are not only a significant departure from traditional Christian beliefs, they also raise serious concern regarding the salvation of those promoting and following this movement.
Biblical Faith vs. "Faith Force"
True Biblical Faith Defined
Authentic biblical faith isn't a mystical power that believers can wield for personal prosperity or to "name and claim" worldly benefits. Scripture defines faith very differently:
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
True faith is fundamentally about trusting God and His promises. It's not about commanding God or calling upon spiritual forces to do our bidding. The Bible teaches in Romans 3:20-28, the following:
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Faith is about trusting God's will above our own desires, and faith comes by hearing God's word.
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
The Danger of "Declaring" Things Into Existence
One concerning practice is the idea that believers can simply "declare" or "speak things into existence" whatever they desire. This approach reverses the proper relationship between God and man. As followers of Christ, we don't speak and expect God to follow our commands. Rather, God speaks, and we respond in obedience to HIM!
When people claim to "declare" healing, prosperity, or other outcomes "in Jesus' name" without seeking God's will, they may experience disappointment and spiritual confusion when these declarations don't materialize.
Misused Scripture in Word of Faith Teaching
Proverbs 18:21 in Context
A frequently cited verse in Word of Faith teaching is Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
When examined in context, however, this chapter isn't teaching that humans can speak things into existence. Rather, it addresses the damage caused by careless speech and emphasizes wise communication:
Proverbs 18:6 A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.
Proverbs 18:8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Proverbs 18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
Notice, that the context of the entire chapter focuses on controlling one's speech and understanding the consequences of harmful words—not on creating reality through declaring healings, or prosperity.
Personal Revelation vs. Biblical Teaching
Another characteristic of the Word of Faith movement is its emphasis on personal revelation over sound biblical teaching. When teachers prioritize claimed direct messages from God over careful study of the scripture, several problems arise:
- Their teachings inevitably contradict clear biblical truths.
- When their "prophecies or declarations" fail to materialize, it causes spiritual confusion.
- The false teachers get rich, while those under their teachings, get taken advantage of.
The prophet Jeremiah warned about this is his day:
Jeremiah 14:14 Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.
The Balanced Work of the Holy Spirit
Churches that overemphasize or misplace certain spiritual gifts while neglecting sound biblical doctrine create an unstable foundation and an imbalanced spiritual environment. As a result, the following problems arise:
- Congregations become vulnerable to spiritual counterfeits.
- Congregations are led by unqualified leaders who do not possess proper biblical discernment.
- Charismatic confusion ends up replacing the authentic work of the Holy Spirit.
The Harmful Impact on Believers
Perhaps most concerning is the effect these teachings can have on sincere believers. When someone is taught that healing, prosperity, or other blessings come through properly exercising their "faith force," what happens when those blessings don't materialize?
Many experience:
- Confusion concerning their faith in God. They ask themselves: "Do I not have enough faith?"
- Doubt concerning God's love for them.
- Questions about their salvation, and a misunderstanding of biblical salvation.
- Anger and bitterness toward God for His seemingly broken promises.
These painful spiritual struggles result not from any failure of God's promises, but from misunderstanding what God has actually promised in His Word.
Finding Spiritual Discernment
The most reliable protection against misleading and false teachings is thorough knowledge of the scriptures. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 reminds us:
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
By building a solid foundation of biblical understanding, believers can better discern between authentic Christianity and false doctrines.
Conclusion
While the Word of Faith movement may appeal to man's natural desire for control, health, wealth and prosperity, its teachings are false.
True biblical faith centers on trusting God's character and His promises, not on "speaking things into existence" for our personal benefit. By maintaining a humble posture before God, and trusting that the scriptures are sufficient, believers can walk by faith and rightfully honor the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember, we are to seek His perfect will—even when it differs from our personal will.
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