What’s Wrong with the Prosperity Gospel

Last July Haven Today aired a new series on the prosperity gospel with Costi Hinn, the nephew of a famous televangelist prosperity preacher.

It turns out it struck a nerve.

What I thought would be interesting—and maybe controversial—became Haven’s most listened-to program of the year. This simply doesn’t happen during the summer months when our listenership is lower than normal.

Not only that, but Costi’s parents were listening, too, and the Lord moved in their hearts. After hearing their son’s interview, they committed to reevaluating their lifestyles and teaching.

Why did this one-week radio series capture so much attention?

I think it’s because the prosperity gospel is more prevalent than we like to think in the church today. If we’re not careful, we might even find ourselves agreeing with some of its basic tenants. In fact, LifeWay Research found 38% of Protestant churchgoers agree with the statement, “My church teaches that if I give more money to my church and charities, God will bless me in return.”

On the surface this sounds perfectly logical. But is that really what the Bible teaches? Is health or wealth a guarantee as long as you give enough, have enough faith, or do enough for God?

The answer is very personal for me. When I was five or six years old in the 1950s, my birth mother suffered frequent asthmatic attacks. With little medical help to be had back then, she died a couple of years later from a heart attack brought on by asthma. My, how we prayed.

Our church-going family prayed for my mother to be healed. People at church joined us in prayer. I’ll never forget one Sunday afternoon as my mother watched a preacher promise healing— you just had to lay your hands on the TV, muster up enough faith, and then send in an offering. My mother struggled to get up. She placed her hands on our new black and white TV. I can’t remember if she sent a gift, but I know for sure she wasn’t healed.

There are countless other stories like this. Vulnerable people who are desperate for healing, and preachers who say if you simply have enough faith (and often enough money) God will reward you with what you want.

When people attend crusades or lay their hands on the TV, most aren’t hoping for Bentleys, though some of them do. They are usually people who pick themselves up out of hospital beds, roll down the aisle with wheelchairs, or face chronic pain day in and day out.

The problem is, they’re being fed a lie. Prosperity theology is built on a certain way of reading Scripture. Often referred to as “biblical principles” or “principles of the kingdom,” this systematic approach ultimately leads to the conclusion that becoming a person of integrity will lead you to health and wealth.

It doesn’t take long to break this chain of logic when we look more closely at Scripture. Let’s consider the prophet Jeremiah, who preached the gospel to Israel faithfully throughout his life only to be thrown into a pit and almost killed for his integrity. Job is another famous example. But if there ever was a human being more faithful, who did not receive health and wealth, it was Jesus. He never sinned. He always did what his Father wanted. Yet, as he says in the book of Matthew, he had nowhere to lay his head. He was poor. All of this wasn’t so we could become materially wealthy, but so that in him, in his life, in his death, in his resurrection, we could find an eternal inheritance.

The true biblical principles are faith alone, grace alone, in Christ alone. It’s in Jesus that we have true prosperity, one that is stored in heaven, where moth and rust can’t destroy. It’s our heavenly inheritance, and one day we’ll receive it in the new creation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

As the leader of the Haven Ministries, Charles Morris is always thinking of ways to lead Christians and non-Christians to Christ—hence the familiar slogan, “Telling the great story … it’s all about Jesus.” A former secular journalist, Charles has worked for United Press International, and as a press secretary for two former U.S. senators. He and his wife, Janet, have authored several books, including Missing Jesus. Charles’ latest book is Fleeing ISIS, Finding Jesus: The Real Story of God At Work.

American Gospel DVDAmerican Gospel: Christ Alone (DVD)

  • “The great strength of the film is that it’s not only a negative examination of the Word of Faith movement, but also a very positive and helpful examination of biblical truth. ” – Tim Challies
  • “This is the best clarifying juxtaposition of truth and prosperity preaching I know of. I pray millions of people around the world will watch this for the glory of Christ and his Good News.” – John Piper
  • “I think suffering Christians will discover an unexpected balm in this film as they are reminded of the true hope provided in Christ Jesus.” – Reagan Rose

God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel

Through a remarkable and fascinating journey, Costi Hinn went from a next-generation prosperity preacher to the first to abandon the family faith and share the true gospel. Nephew of the world-famous televangelist, Benny Hinn, Costi had a front-row seat to the inner workings and theology of the prosperity gospel. But as Costi’s faith deepened, so did his questions about prosperity teaching. As the deceptions in his past were exposed, Costi came face to face with the hypocrisy and devastation caused by his belief system, and the overwhelming truth about the real Jesus Christ.

9 Comments

  • Grace Hanson says:

    Thank you for having a series on the prosperity gospel. I once belonged to a church who believed in the prosperity gospel which of course is no gospel at all but a false teaching. i even went to a Benny Hinn crusade in WA. I want to thank you for offering this book on your progam last July and then an update this week. i ordered this book and almost finished reading it.
    if you have any more updates of the Hinn family learning the true gospel I would like to more good news. They are in my prayers. God love you, Pastor Morris Grace

    • Corum Hughes says:

      Thanks so much for your feedback and kind words, Grace. It’s great to hear that you’ve benefited from the programs and the book. This Friday, Costi will be on the program again with a new update about his family. Your prayers are always appreciated.

  • Evelyn Novak says:

    Yes, being a cheerful giver and having a giving heart makes the
    Lord bless us because that is what He tells us in His Word. Who would support churches and ministries like yours? There is a lot of
    misinterpretation of the gospel message. We are also prompted
    by the Holy Spirit in what to give.
    God’s Blessings.

    • Corum Hughes says:

      Thanks for your feedback, Evelyn. It is true that Jesus calls us to be sacrificial and generous. Churches and ministries function because of the gifts of faithful donors. It’s not our intention to discredit the heart of the giver. Ultimately, we want people to know that prosperity and healing are not the results of a transactional relationship with God.

  • Alice Noe says:

    Dear Folks,
    Why not have Mark Fairley of The Fuel Project on your program. He has done videos on The Restless Church, Answers, Know Your Enemy. such food for thought

  • Joanne says:

    Thank you for Your series on The prosperity gospel. Many I know are part of churches that teach this false doctrine. In their heart they truly believe when they give their money that God will bless them with more Luke 16. Questions I asked if The Gospel is Universal, then why is their poverty all over the world except for western society? Their answer is they don’t have enough faith 🙁

    God richly bless you for bringing The Light into dark places.

  • Matewos Melkie says:

    please would send for me additional materials that helps my understanding regarding your faith and doctrines in Ethiopia

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