Lord’s Library editors offer this brief health and wealth gospel from the Scriptures to critique whether it is Biblical.
Often referred to as the prosperity gospel, the health and wealth gospel teaches that God rewards faith with financial prosperity or physical health. This false doctrine implies that wealth and health are signs of God’s favor and that their absence may indicate insufficient faith. However, such teachings contrast with the Christian doctrines of salvation by grace through faith, the role of suffering, and the teachings of Christ about wealth and prosperity.
Proponents of the health and wealth gospel inadvertently (or purposefully) propose that faith can directly influence an individual’s material circumstances and that financial or physical blessings are always God’s Will for His followers. This perspective often cites Scriptures like 3 John 1:2 as a foundation point: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
Proponents interpret this personal greeting as a universal promise while ignoring the broader Scriptural context with designs on spiritual well-being over material wealth.
Health and Wealth Gospel Summary
The doctrine of salvation taught in the Bible is based on grace and not on righteous works or faith’s ability to produce wealth. See Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Here, one can clearly articulate that salvation is unconditionally a gift from God. The insistence on faith as a tool to gain material wealth is not only unbiblical but also diminishes the true essence of faith, which is trust in God regardless of circumstances.
The New Testament frequently highlights the important role of suffering in the Christian life, which the Health and Wealth Gospel neglects. See Philippians 1:29: “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;” This Scripture shows that suffering is an integral part of the Christian life, often used by God to refine and strengthen believers’ faith. See Psalms 119:50, 67, 71, and 75:
- Psalms 119:50: “This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.”
- Psalms 119:67: “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.”
- Psalms 119:71: “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.”
- Psalms 119:75: “I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.”
Jesus Himself spoke frequently about the dangers of wealth, cautioning His followers against seeking earthly riches. In Matthew 6:19-20, He says: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:”
By instructing His followers to focus on heavenly rather than earthly treasures, Jesus sets a precedent that corrects the core message of the health and wealth gospel.
The Apostle Paul’s experiences also provide a counterpoint to the false promises of the prosperity gospel in 2 Corinthians 11:27: “In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.” Paul’s life exemplifies that apostolic faith can coincide with material lack and physical suffering, disproving the claim that faith always results in health and wealth.
Lord's Library is a Christian resource hub. Our editors use a variety of internet research methods like search engines, audio and video, AI, consultations with ministry leaders in the field, and more. Lord's Library should never be a substitute for reading your Bible daily as the Scriptures are to be our final authority on all matters. Lord's Library participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.
