There is much scripture supporting the fact God wants that everyone would prosper in life through Christ. I believe “Biblical Prosperity” is applicable to all areas of life; health, relationships, family, finance and any aspect of life that make up the "good life".When it come to finances, however, the subject of “biblical prosperity” is such a controversial issue, particularly among Christians. Which I guess, in part, may be why there are considerably more financially prosperous and wealthy non-Christians than there are Christians.
Some Christian believers are very adamant about God wanting Christians to prosper financially and even have wealth. While others are just as adamant about God wanting Christians to be content with struggling and having just enough. Well, I too believe God want us Christians to be content with what we have. But, only because the contentment demonstrates our gratitude for what we have.
However, God also makes it clear in His word (the Bible, that He wants “believers” to support good ministries and help other people with our finances. God wants Christians to help feed the hungry, clothe the naked and help provide shelter for the homeless. He also wants us to help finance the promotion of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through out the world. All of these expectations take money.
Yeah, I too know there’s a lot we can do to help others that don’t require money; such as give our time, etc. But, it takes money to help someone keep their electric on, pay their mortgage or rent and help put food on their table if any of these are their need due to unexpected circumstances. But, in order to help others financially, we must have an excess of money over and above our own financial obligations and needs.
How could we help other people financially, if we ourselves are struggling to just make ends meet? Certainly, God does want us to be content (grateful for what we have), but only as we increase in our faith by increasing in knowledge of His word (the Bible). Likewise, as we take action to increase our practical knowledge on how to increase our finances and position ourselves for a financial increase. What father would feel it’s OK that children he loved consistently did not having enough money for the essentials of life? Particularly, a father whom himself owns great wealth.I think it’s safe to say that God owns great wealth. Wealth that he wants to get into the hands of believers who will be a blessing to others and partner with ministries that are making a difference. The bible says that when we accept Christ we become children of God and “joint heirs” with Christ. There are scriptures that make this much more than just a theory. Just as there are many scriptures in the bible giving reference to Christians experiencing increased net-worth. Some of the scriptures are so clear that one would have to misinterpret them on purpose. I will provide many of those scripture references later within this article so that you can locate and read them from the bible for yourself.
I suggest that when you do read the scriptures; that you also be observant of the context in which the scriptures are written. Bearing in mind, that what was possible for believers in bible times, is also possible for Christian believers today. Likewise, be mindful of what God wanted for believers in bible times, he also wants for Christian believers today.
Many of the prosperity scriptures referenced in the bible are “promises” God is making to believers. When I say “believers”; I’m referring to those who interacted with God in old testament times. New testament believers of today who have accepted Christ as an act of faith are considered “Born Again” believers. Having had a “spiritual” new birth. Point is; God’s promises of prosperity applies equally to old testament and new testament believers.
Other bible references about wealth increase are “cause and effect” laws or principles God has established in the earth that when implemented will produce results of increase for anyone. Christians and non-Christians alike. For instance; the law or principle of sowing and reaping applies to anyone. Just like the law or principle of gravity applies to anyone. Both of these are universal laws established by God. Likewise, is the so-called “law of attraction” established by God.”In fact, the motivational principles which are so popular today and has helped millions of ordinary people accomplish extra ordinary success by becoming financially “rich” or “wealthy”, were in fact originated by God. Principles such as; “thinking positive” and “visualization”. You’ll see this for yourself in the scripture reference section of this article.
Many of the great motivational speakers of today are aware of the origin of the principles and some do not. Some just advocate what works because it’s proven to work. All in all, advocating what works is a good thing. However, knowing the origin can make having the knowledge all the more empowering. Just a little side note.
For me, it’s hard to comprehend why some people, who read the bible, choose to believe that the bible doesn’t advocate financial prosperity. One doesn’t have to be a bible scholar to see that the word of God does indeed advocate prosperity, as well as, give instructions as to how to have an increase of finances and achieve wealth.
If was going to pick and chose what scriptures in the bible I don’t want to believe, I certainly wouldn’t chose not to believe scripture that illustrates that God wants believers to prosper financially. And I would not chose to disbelieve laws and principles conveyed in the bible that would cause me to experience financial increase and achieve wealth.Many people believe that the bible says that; “money is the root of all evil”, when in fact that is not written anywhere in the bible- in any translation. However, the bible does say that; “the love of money is the root of all evil”. Point is; there’s a difference.
In my opinion; a lot of active bible truths about prosperity has been lost in the practices of “religious” doctrines and church-y traditions. Consequently, and inadvertently, many Christians deny their God promised “power to create wealth. And in doing so, we limit our ability to help others. In short; God wants Christians to be blessed financially, so we can be a blessing financially.
You may ask; how would you know if a certain prosperity or wealth scripture applies to you? Well, simply said, if the scripture is referencing God making a promise to a believer back in the bible days and you too are a believer, then the same promise applies to you as well. And if a scripture is referencing a bible principle of cause and effect, such as; “sow and you will reap”, then it likewise applies to you as well.
Why do I say that these scriptures also applies to you and all Christian believers today? Well, for a number of scripture supported reasons, such as; the bible says that God is not a respecter of persons (does not show partiality), Acts 34:35. In Hebrews 13:8; the bible says Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Someone may say; that Hebrews 13:8 is talking about Jesus not God the father. Well, Jesus says in John 14:9; “He who has seen me has seen the Father.” I think it’s safe to express; that Jesus is saying God and He is “on the same page”. And to get a little deeper about it; I believe Jesus is disclosing in John 14:9, that he is God in the flesh.Well, that perhaps is another article in and of itself. But getting back on topic; the bible also makes it clear that God is not a man that he would lie, Numbers 23:19. In other words, if God said it, you can count on it!
These are just a few of many bible references that express and/or illustrate that the God of Heaven is a God of truthfulness, equal opportunity and that he will never change his mind about any of His promises to believers.
The prosperity promises are part of a never ending covenant. A contract, if you will, between God and His Children, the “born again” believers. Likewise, he’ll never change the laws or the principles of cause and effect he’s established in the earth. These are good revelations for Christian believers who have been unaware. It is good news for non-believers seeking good reasons to consider believing in the God of Jesus Christ.
The bible is the inspired word of God. It’s in effect a manual that shows us how to prosper in “every area of life”. Finances is certainly a vitally important area of life, given, we are to live our lives in this world- where “money” (legal tender) is the primary means of exchange. It was in “bible times” too.
The following are scriptures from the bible presented under category topics. I didn’t insert many scriptures within the article in order to avoid it appearing I was using a certain Scripture out of context just to make a certain point.As I suggested earlier in the article; get a bible and locate the following scripture and read the context in which the scriptures are written. It will help you in determining the actual meaning of a scripture. One doesn’t have be a bible scholar to interpret the obvious.
Bear in mind; that as with most things in life, there are good things one can accomplished with financial prosperity. Likewise, there are bad things that one can cause with financial prosperity. The most important thing to keep in mind however; is that money doesn’t make a person who they are. Money only amplifies who the person is. In other words, money can cause the content of the heart (spirit) and the true character of a person to be exposed.
The following listings of scriptures comprehensively covers most, if not all, aspects of “prospering”, including prospering financially and materially. Finance management, obligation and warnings and are covered as well:
Prosperity Scriptures
Genesis 26:12 Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him.
Genesis 39:3 Now his master saw that the Lord was with him and how the Lord caused all that he did to prosper in his hand.
2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for
Deuteronomy 5:33 Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.
Deuteronomy 8:18 …Remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.
Deuteronomy 15:10 You shall generously give to him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all your undertakings
Deuteronomy 24:19 When you reap your harvest in your field and have forgotten a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the alien, for the orphan, and for the widow, in order that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.
Deuteronomy 30:8-10 And you shall again obey the Lord, and observe all His commandments which I command you today. “Then the Lord your God will prosper you abundantly in all the work of your hand, in the offspring of your body and in the offspring of your cattle and in the produce of your ground, for the Lord will again rejoice over you for good, just as He rejoiced over your fathers; if you obey the Lord your God to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this book of the law, if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.
1 Chronicles 22:12 Only may the Lord give you wisdom and understanding, and give you charge concerning Israel, that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. Then you will prosper, if you take care to fulfill the statutes and judgments with which the Lord charged Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and of good courage; do not fear nor be dismayed.
2 Chronicles 31:20 This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.
Jeremiah 17:8 For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.
Psalm 1: 1-3 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
Psalm 35:27 Let them shout for joy and rejoice, who favor my vindication; and let them say continually, “The Lord be magnified, who delights in the prosperity of His servant.
Psalm 112:3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endures forever.
Malachi 3:10 “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.”
1 Cor 16:2 “On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.”
3 John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
