Question: Some of our friends are former Catholics who have forsaken the traditions of Rome for the ...

Question: Some of our friends are former Catholics who have forsaken the traditions of Rome for the truth of Scripture. Recently, however, we have been saddened to see them being drawn to word-faith teaching. What can we tell them?

Response: We praise the Lord that your friends have come away from Rome, but it certainly would be tragic to see them ensnared by yet another system that is contrary to the Scriptures.

Regarding word-faith teaching, they should be aware that they will be taught that God must obey people’s words. According to word-faith beliefs, our spoken words have power. As Dave Hunt pointed out in the July 2007 issue of the newsletter (see TBC Reprints or our online archives), these things are, in reality, “recycled Hinduism, shamanism, and New Age folly. One of many huge lies is its claim: ‘You create your own reality with your mind.’ This was the serpent’s false promise to Eve—the promise of godhood (Gn:3:5). Embracing that delusion cost Eve and her descendants Eden’s paradise—and would have barred mankind from heaven had not Christ died for the sins of the world. In the 6,000 years since Eden, the serpent’s promise has not been fulfilled in even one person’s life.”

Word-faith preachers use verses like Mark:11:24Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
See All..., emphasizing the “belief” aspect: “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” The Bible, however, must be read in its full context. We can see that it teaches that God’s will determines the answer to our prayers: “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him” (1 Jn:5:14-15 [14] And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: [15] And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
See All...).

Also, “Likewise...we know not what we should pray for...: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God” (Rom:8:26-27 [26] Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. [27] And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
See All...). Word-faith teachers teach that “God is going to give the wealth of the wicked to believers,” citing Proverbs:13:22A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
See All.... They are, however, selective in what they quote: “and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.”

Bereans should check out this citation! In fact, the full verse reads: “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.” This is not talking about some supernatural transfer of wealth. It is an admonition toward diligence. Through diligent stewardship, the Lord blesses the work of the righteous and they store up an inheritance.

God tells us to avoid greed: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb:13:5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
See All...). Yet word-faith theology promises unending health, wealth, and happiness, especially for those who contribute to their “ministries.” Sadly, we have seen the record (even recently) of those who indulge in private jets, luxury automobiles, mansions, and designer clothes.

Many word-faith teachers declare that we can attain deity—that is, we become “little gods.” They use the scripture: “I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High” (Psalm:82:6I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.
See All...). The “gods” in this verse refer to the rulers of the earth whom God has ordained (see also Rom:13:1-2 [1] Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. [2] Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
See All...). Clearly, God has placed into positions of power (Ps:75:6-7 [6] For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. [7] But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.
See All...) fallible men who will enforce the law and enable others to live in as much safety and peace as this world offers. Many of them use their authority as an excuse for believing themselves to be higher than others (i.e.,  “gods”). God, in turn, brings them “back to earth” by pointing out the sure judgment that will come to them: “...but ye shall die like men...” (Ps:82:7But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.
See All...).

These are only a few of the pitfalls within the word-faith movement. Your friends may soon discover that they have simply traded their freedom in Christ for another false “faith” system.