What is the Word of Faith movement? Is it biblical?

Quick answer

The Word of Faith movement, often called prosperity theology, teaches that faith can be used to achieve health, wealth, and personal success. It claims Christians can "speak" their desires into existence. However, this teaching is unbiblical and heretical, as it misrepresents God.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Word of Faith movement is a controversial Christian teaching that emphasizes the power of positive confession—speaking faith-filled words to bring about physical health, financial prosperity, and other blessings—often claiming that believers can claim these outcomes through their faith. The Bible decisively refutes the claims of the Word of Faith movement, offering clear evidence that faith is not a tool to control outcomes or guarantee material blessings. Scripture teaches that God’s blessings align with His sovereign will, not with human desires or declarations. Whether circumstances are favorable or difficult, God is the same, and our faith remains in Him, not in our ability to manipulate circumstances through our words. True faith involves trusting in God's character and His perfect plan for our lives. In the midst of both abundance and hardship, believers are called to rely on God’s faithfulness, rather than the pursuit of material outcomes, keeping their trust firmly in Him.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Job exemplifies that suffering is not always tied to sin or a lack of faith. God allowed Job’s trials to demonstrate his steadfastness, not as punishment (Job 1:8).

In Proverbs 30:8–9, the writer prays for neither poverty nor riches but asks for provision to avoid the temptations of wealth and despair.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Jesus Himself rejects the notion that faith guarantees prosperity. In His temptation in the wilderness, Satan offers material wealth and worldly power in exchange for worship (Matthew 4:8–10). Jesus rebukes Satan, demonstrating that wealth and success are not signs of God’s favor, but potential distractions from true worship.

Matthew 6:19–21: Jesus teaches His followers to store up treasures in heaven, not on earth, emphasizing spiritual riches over material wealth.

Jesus corrects His disciples when they assume a man’s blindness is due to sin, declaring instead that it was so “the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3).

John 14:13–14: Jesus promises to answer prayers made in His name, but this is always according to His will and for His glory, not human whims.

Second Corinthians 11:16–33: Paul recounts his hardships as an apostle, demonstrating that faithful service to God often involves suffering, not prosperity. Paul’s life, overall, offers a strong biblical counterpoint to prosperity theology. Despite his unwavering faith, Paul experienced poverty, persecution, and suffering. He writes in 2 Corinthians 12:7–9 of his “thorn in the flesh,” an affliction he prayed to be removed, only for God to respond, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (v. 9). This passage reveals that God’s purpose is not to grant every request, but to sustain His people through challenges.

In 1 Timothy 6:5–10, Paul describes those who view faith as a means to wealth as corrupt and misguided, stating that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils” (v. 10). Instead, believers are called to contentment and warned of the spiritual dangers of greed.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The Word of Faith movement distorts the gospel, focusing on self-centered desires, rather than God’s will. Its teachings lead to disillusionment, not understanding why difficulties or trials come. Adherents to the Word of Faith movement are often blamed for their own suffering or poverty due to “insufficient faith.” This doctrine not only misrepresents God, but it also exploits vulnerable individuals, encouraging them to give financially in hopes of divine favor.

Christians must approach the false beliefs of the Word of Faith movement with both truth and compassion. Second Corinthians 11:3 warns of being led astray by deceptive teachings, but believers are also called to guide others gently back to biblical truth (Galatians 6:1). Exposing the errors of prosperity theology protects people from spiritual harm and points them to the true hope found in Christ.

True faith rests in trusting God’s sovereignty, whether in abundance or need (Philippians 4:12–13). Scripture assures believers that God provides for their needs according to His perfect wisdom, offering something far greater than worldly wealth: eternal life and peace through Jesus Christ.

UNDERSTAND

The Word of Faith movement claims faith can achieve material success, which misrepresents God.

Faith is about trusting God's sovereignty, not controlling outcomes.

Christians must address the Word of Faith movement with truth and compassion, pointing others to Christ's true hope.

REFLECT

How does understanding the biblical perspective of faith reshape your view on prosperity and material blessings?

How can you strengthen your trust in God's sovereignty, even when facing trials or financial struggles?

How can you distinguish between true biblical faith and the distortions of movements like the Word of Faith?

ENGAGE

What are some ways the Word of Faith movement’s teachings might appeal to people, and why can this be dangerous spiritually?

How does the Bible’s focus on eternal life and spiritual riches influence how we should view material wealth in today’s world?

What are practical steps we can take to address false teachings like the Word of Faith movement with both truth and compassion?