Modern-day evangelicalism believes that there are over 5,000 promises at last count in the Bible that can be appropriated by the believer by a so-called "name-it-and-claim-it" theology. This is rampant and leads to "prosperity theology" that teaches that it is always God's will for the believer to be prosperous (what is meant by true prosperity is that one is blessed by God in his endeavors and they bring forth fruit) and for the Christian to be blessed in a material way. 2 Cor. 1:20 is often quoted to raise the issue: "For all the promises of God are "Yes" in Christ..." Or: "For, no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ." This really means that Christ has fulfilled all the promises and according to Joshua 23:14 all of God's promises have been fulfilled (past tense); not one has failed! God keeps His Word on account of Christ.
One thing about promises is that some appear to be and aren't, e.g., in Proverbs, where there are just many wise pithy sayings or observations, such as if you work hard you will be rewarded with wealth. (Cf. Prov. 10:22 which reads, "The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it"). Many promises are conditional and we must meet the condition: For example, "Delight thyself in the Lord, and He will give thee the delights of thine heart." Some are exclusively intended for the nation of Israel and not the church per se. Some are individualistic, like to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, or David. Some are for all mankind, like to Adam, who represents all mankind and is the head of the race.
One very popular verse that is often quoted out of context and intended for Israel in captivity that He will restore them and bless them as a nation again is Jeremiah 29:11, which is so often quoted as follows: "I know the plans that I have for you, says the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope." God's Plan for some of His directive will is to be martyrs or suffer for the kingdom of God and not necessarily find their so-called "city" in this life--for the patriarchs didn't receive what was promised either. ("For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God"--Heb. 11:10.) God does indeed have plans for His people and His intentions are good toward us and we have a future and hope for living in Christ--namely, to bring glory to God, live for Christ, and die to self.
But mark these words: God does prosper many believers (He blesses some in all ways, but all in some ways), but prosperity is not to be looked upon as a sign of God's approbation. Look at the prosperity of the wicked in Psalm 73 and the rebuke of the rich in the book of Amos! Psalm 17:14 says that some have their portion in this life. Some people leave their reward behind, and others go to their reward in heaven. The only true and valid test of a believer is Christian love in action (Note Gal. 5:6 as follows: "...the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.") and the telltale sign is not achieving the American dream or any other material factor-like fame, power, or riches. When we suppose that godliness is a means of financial gain we have missed the boat, however, godliness with contentment is great gain! (Cf. 1 Tim. 6:5-6.)
CAVEAT: BEWARE OF REPLACEMENT THEOLOGY THAT SEES THE CHURCH AS THE HEIR TO ALL ISRAEL'S PROMISES. Soli Deo Gloria!
One thing about promises is that some appear to be and aren't, e.g., in Proverbs, where there are just many wise pithy sayings or observations, such as if you work hard you will be rewarded with wealth. (Cf. Prov. 10:22 which reads, "The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it"). Many promises are conditional and we must meet the condition: For example, "Delight thyself in the Lord, and He will give thee the delights of thine heart." Some are exclusively intended for the nation of Israel and not the church per se. Some are individualistic, like to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, or David. Some are for all mankind, like to Adam, who represents all mankind and is the head of the race.
One very popular verse that is often quoted out of context and intended for Israel in captivity that He will restore them and bless them as a nation again is Jeremiah 29:11, which is so often quoted as follows: "I know the plans that I have for you, says the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope." God's Plan for some of His directive will is to be martyrs or suffer for the kingdom of God and not necessarily find their so-called "city" in this life--for the patriarchs didn't receive what was promised either. ("For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God"--Heb. 11:10.) God does indeed have plans for His people and His intentions are good toward us and we have a future and hope for living in Christ--namely, to bring glory to God, live for Christ, and die to self.
But mark these words: God does prosper many believers (He blesses some in all ways, but all in some ways), but prosperity is not to be looked upon as a sign of God's approbation. Look at the prosperity of the wicked in Psalm 73 and the rebuke of the rich in the book of Amos! Psalm 17:14 says that some have their portion in this life. Some people leave their reward behind, and others go to their reward in heaven. The only true and valid test of a believer is Christian love in action (Note Gal. 5:6 as follows: "...the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.") and the telltale sign is not achieving the American dream or any other material factor-like fame, power, or riches. When we suppose that godliness is a means of financial gain we have missed the boat, however, godliness with contentment is great gain! (Cf. 1 Tim. 6:5-6.)
CAVEAT: BEWARE OF REPLACEMENT THEOLOGY THAT SEES THE CHURCH AS THE HEIR TO ALL ISRAEL'S PROMISES. Soli Deo Gloria!
One may recall Hebrews 11:39 saying, "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised." Abraham looked forward to a city, whose maker was God!
ReplyDeleteThe error arises in using "Replacement Theology" that assumes the church replaces Israel and can assume its promises, but this is in error and the only promises valid are generic ones or ones not contingent upon the recipient being of Israel.
ReplyDeleteA common error is to take an isolated or obscure passage as a promise without reckoning the "Sum of the Word" or the so-called "entirety of the Word." We must interpret Scripture in light of Scripture and Scripture is its own interpreter. For instance, we know that God hears us "if we pray according to His will" (1 John 5:14). We don't superimpose our wills, but pray relinquishment and submission to His will just as Jesus prayed, "Yet, not as I will, but Your will be done."
ReplyDeleteThere is controversy over whether we can legitimately claim the promise given to Abram in Genesis 12:3 which says, "I will bless those who bless you, and curse those who curse you. Since we are in Christ and Abram is in Christ and we are heirs of Abraham and of Christ, then we are "heirs according to the promise" according to Galatians 3:29. The blessing went to Abram's offspring, who is Christ, but we are joint heirs of Christ!
ReplyDelete